130
If Something Goes Wrong
If you need further assistance
❖
Do not guess
-
follow directions carefully! It is often
necessary to run an installation utility first
-
before
connecting a new hardware item to the computer. If the
device is connected first, it may be very difficult to
complete the installation successfully. Always carefully
follow the installation instructions that accompany the
hardware or software.
❖
Restart the Windows
®
operating system. Always restart
the Windows
®
operating system after each installation,
even if the installation utility does not prompt you to do
so. This will ensure that the installation is completed,
and will clean up anything that the installation utility left
behind.
❖
Do one installation at a time. If you have several new
items to add to your computer system, install just one at
a time, creating restore points immediately before each
successive installation. This will make it much easier to
determine the origin of any new problems. For best
results, follow this sequence:
1
Back up critical data.
2
Create a restore point.
3
Install one item of hardware or software.
4
Restart the Windows
®
operating system.
5
Use the new hardware or software for a while, noting
any new problems. Make sure that your critical
applications (email, business applications, etc.) are
working correctly, and verify that important devices
are still functioning.
6
For each additional hardware or software item,
repeat these steps, starting at step
if any of your
critical data has changed, or starting at step
if no
critical data has changed.
If you need further assistance
If you have followed the recommendations in this chapter
and are still having problems, you may need additional
technical assistance.
Since some problems may be related to the operating
system or the program you are using, it is important to
investigate all sources.
❖
Review the troubleshooting information in your operating
system documentation.
