Home For The Holidays: How To Troubleshoot Your Relatives’ Technology

According to research, it’s believed that 80 percent of Americans experience daily technological frustrations, and these holidays are no different. In fact, the holiday season is when it feels like we experience the most tech problems relating to our computers and phones. 

Fortunately, if you’re home for the holidays or visiting family, there are a few easy ways to troubleshoot and resolve any tech woes your relatives might be experiencing without becoming frustrated. 

With this helpful article from My Computer Works and your abilities, your relatives (and you) will sigh with relief because no technological problems will rain on anyone’s parade this holiday season. 

Common Phone And Computer Technology Frustrations And How To Quickly Fix Them These Holidays 

Unfortunately, if you’re the unofficial designated IT person in your family providing computer support, there’s a chance they will call on you this holiday season to troubleshoot and fix their technology problems. 

That’s why we’ve shared a few common computer and phone technology frustrations people will likely experience over the holidays and how to fix them. Of course, if you need more assistance, we’re only a phone call or email away.

A Black Screen Or Grey Screen 

It can be alarming if your relative has a Windows computer and faces a black screen or grey screen problem these holidays. 

Typically, a computer black screen or grey screen issue occurs when their monitor displays nothing but a black or grey screen when they switch it on or are operating it. Unfortunately, these screens can be confusing and difficult to fix, especially if a relative is not tech-savvy. 

The first step in the troubleshooting PC help process is to identify why there is a black screen or grey screen. Usually, this problem can stem from various sources, such as hardware failures, graphics driver issues, or software conflicts. 

The second troubleshooting step is to check cable connections, restart their computer, and ensure their monitor functions correctly. If the problem persists, loose cables or a faulty monitor might not be the problem. You will then need to try to boot into Safe Mode to diagnose potential software conflicts or update graphics drivers. 

Admittedly, this process can be challenging to navigate. It might be best to seek professional assistance to resolve the underlying cause of the black or grey screen dilemma.

A Malfunctioning Webcam

The holidays are about spending time with family, whether in person or online. Since not everyone has the chance to make it home for the holidays, platforms like Zoom and Skype come in handy for video calling on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve. 

However, often, to use these platforms, a webcam is needed, and these tech devices are notorious for giving issues at the worst possible times. So if your relative’s webcam isn’t working these holidays, it’s a good idea to check three things. 

Firstly, is the webcam itself damaged? If so, the fastest fix is to go out and get a new one or use your laptop or phone’s video calling app and built-in webcam for the virtual meeting. 

Secondly, you need to check if the webcam is plugged in correctly. Sometimes, the cable can come loose, and this can cause it not to register when you try to use it. To fix this, simply plug it out and back in. 

Thirdly, your relative’s webcam might be incompatible with software or certain operating systems. This often happens if your relative is using a new computer or webcam. To fix this, search online for a software update or check if the devices are compatible. 

Printer Won’t Print

One of the most common holiday technology problems relatives face is a printer that won’t print. This can feel devastating, especially if your relatives need to use their printers for holiday-related activities and tasks. 

To troubleshoot this situation, you need to check a few things. First, have a look if the printer has ink; if not, send someone out to get ink replacements, and the crisis is averted. If the ink isn’t the issue, you can then check if there is paper, and the solution will be the same. 

However, if there is ink and paper, the problem might be a little more in-depth, as it could be a driver file issue. If the printer has drivers that aren’t updated, you will need to update them by looking up the instructions in the printer manual or online. Sometimes, you must download drivers if they have been accidentally deleted. 

In addition, remember to unplug the relative’s printer and plug it back in to ensure it works after you have checked the possible issues. 

Difficult To Open Email Attachments

During the holiday season, people send off emails at the speed of light, wishing friends and family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Unfortunately, these well wishes can come with a unique challenge – attachments. 

Numerous people prefer sending Christmas and New Year emails with e-cards generally shown as attachments. Sometimes, older relatives can have a hard time opening these attachments. 

Fortunately, this is not difficult to troubleshoot as their computer or phone should tell you it does not have the correct software to open the attached file. If the phone or PC does not tell you the software needed to view the attachment, you can Google the file name (such as RAR or PDF) to learn how to open it. 

Often, the answer will be to download the software onto the person’s phone or computer by following the installation steps displayed. 

Why Is It Important To Break Down Technical Terms For These Solutions These Holidays?

Not everyone is a tech whiz who is up to date with the latest technical terms used to resolve common technology issues. 

That’s why breaking down technical terms and concepts is crucial when addressing computer and phone tech issues during the holidays. 

Your simple explanations will make solutions more accessible. This approach reduces your and their frustration, which will help ensure a smoother holiday experience; trust us. 

Get In Contact With A Computer Expert At My Computer Works These Holidays!

There are many common technology problems relatives can encounter during the holidays/ Fortunately, there are solutions to these issues that should make your role as designated family IT helper easier. 

However, we understand that everyone has limitations, so our team at My Computer Works would happily help by providing online computer support during these holidays. We’re available 24/7 and can easily assist with most software and hardware issues in person or remotely. Simply contact us here and let us provide computer help for you this holiday season.