How to Ask for Help In Hardware/Software Forums, Return to the forum

Asking for Technical Help In Hardware/Software Forums

Give as much specific information as possible.
Details of your machine Brand-name, desktop or laptop, CPU, RAM, age of machine.
Details of Operating System (Windows Vista(version), XP (pro or home), Win2000, Win ME/98/95, Linux)
Details of the Application(s) running when the problem occurred: (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Office, online game, etc)

Explain what problem you are experiencing (what’s not working).
Put the problem “in context”.
--What were you doing when the problem occurred?
--What were you doing just before the problem occurred?
--What recent changes to the machine have you made? New Hardware/New Software/Updates
If Error Messages were displayed, post the “entire” exact text of the Error.

What have you already tried to fix the problem?


In your "Topic Description" include a word(s) that describes the problem.
--Example: “Please Help! Desperate!” - doesn’t describe the problem
--Example: “Problem with Hard Drive” - begins the description
--Example: “Won’t run Word/Office applications” - begins the description
--Example: “Lags during game play” - begins the description
--Example: “Can’t Defrag” - begins the description

Be polite and patient.
If someone has the answer they will post it.
Responses may take time to research. Maybe a few minutes, maybe hours or even a day or so.
Often you'll have a reply in minutes, and usually at least in the same day.

When you receive a reply that solves your problem, or if you figure out a solution yourself, it will be good to hear about it.
Our volunteers spend a lot of time sharing their knowledge or researching problem-solving information.
We are always learning, too.
It helps to know, with your confirmation, what helped!
These Forums are read by hundreds of people, who might also learn from your experience.

Thanks from the Tech Team, Tech Helpers and Regularly responding Members of this Forum.