Micro Computer Technology, Inc.

Est. 1981

These are Basic Tips to help you maintain and troubleshoot your unit and help you prolong the life of your unit

If there's anything you would like us to add to the Technical Tips page,

please send us a message to info@microcomputertechnology.com

  • Desktop and Laptops

    -Back up, Back up, Back up!!  Always keep your most important data on another type of storage media.  test and verify your backups regularly.  Keep at least one verified copy offsite and secured.

    -Backup and verify your data before performing any system or software upgrade.

    -Keep Windows Security Updates  Up to Date!!!

    -To protect all of your valuable electronics from Electrical Power Surges/Storms, connect them all to  a UPS Battery Backup Power Supply

    -Keep your system in a well ventilated and clean environment

    -Update Anti-virus Program Up-to-Date (if available) and scan your system frequently

    -Do Not Open emails from "Unknown Sources."

     

    PROBLEM- Computer is running very slow, there are pop up ads, won't power up, and makes funny noises

     

    Bring the unit to MCT for Diagnostic and Repair

     

  • Ink-jet Printers

     

    PROBLEM- Computer and the Printer will not communicate with each other

    -Check the USB Cable Connection, or Reinstall Printer Drivers.

    -If the Computer Operating System gets and upgrade, check and install the printer's latest drivers, if available.

     

    PROBLEM- Won't Print anything on paper media

    -Recommend using Genuine Manufacturer's ink cartridges only.  3rd party/Generic ink cartridges can cause problems and/or damage the unit's print head.

    -Maintain your printer in a clean, dust free area.  Dust can clog the print head and cause sensors to malfunction

    -If after 3 Print head cleaning cycles fails and color print is still bad, bring it to MCT for service

    - Ink-jet printers of all brands need to be used frequently to prevent the ink form drying inside the print head and pump/cap assembly.  Removing Ink Cartridges will not fix the problem.

    -If you're attempting to clean the print head yourself, just use plain warm tap water.  DO NOT use alcohol, Windex, Simple Green, or any other cleaning solvent.

    -Power "OFF" printer every night.

     

    PROBLEM- No Power

    -Check that both ends of the electrical cord are tightly connected

    -If connected to a power strip, plug it in directly to a wall outlet and retest

    If you're attempting to clean the print head yourself, just use plain warm tap water.  DO NOT use alcohol, Windex, Simple Green, or any other cleaning solvent.

     

    PROBLEM- Control Panel lights are Flashing

    -Bring the unit to MCT for repair

  • Projectors

     

    PROBLEM -Epson projector has power but will not project:

     

     -Warning temp light blinks:  for home theater projector, the auto iris or the cinema filter is defective:  both units are located in the optic module.

    -Warning lamp light blinks:   possible ballast power supply and lamp unit are defective

    -No power:  defective power supply, unit has one or two power supply

    -Unit has a loud noise:  bad color wheel or exhaust fan, lamp fan is defective

     

     

    PROBLEM -Projector is shutting down after 1-5 minutes:

     

    -Unit has a defective lamp unit or exhaust fan need replacement

    -Unit has dirty filters and needed cleaning

    -Unit has dirty fans and needed cleaning

     

     

     PROBLEM -Projector has dots on image:

     

    -Unit has a dirty optical lens

    -Unit has a dirty mirrors

    -Unit has dirty glasses located in the optical unit

     

     

    PROBLEM -Projector has no power:

     

     -Check the power connector:  make sure that the connector is secured on both ends of the power cord (projector and the power socket)

    -Double check that the power strip is on

    -Locate the lamp unit

    -Open the lamp unit cover and make sure that the lamp is securely fasten

    -Install the lamp cover

    -Try pressing the power button and if still no power, the unit has a defective AC power supply due to  possible power surge

    -Locate an authorized projector repair in your area

     

     

    PROBLEM -Projector has power but will no project:

     

    -Locate the lamp cover

    -Remove the lamp cover

    -With a screwdriver or Philip screwdriver loosen the screws

    -Remove the lamp unit by pulling it out of the projector unit

    -Look at the lamp:  if the lamp has any broken pieces or discoloration replace it with a new lamp unit

    -Install and secure the lamp unit

    -Install the lamp cover

    -Plug in the unit

    -Press the power button

    -If unit still does not project, it has a defective ballast power supply or main logic board or both

    -Locate an authorized projector repair in your area

     

    PROBLEM -Projector has no power:

     

    -Check the power connector:  make sure that the connector is secured on both ends of the power cord (projector and the power socket)

    -Double check that the power strip is on

    -Locate the lamp unit

    -Open the lamp unit cover and make sure that the lamp is securely fasten

    -Install the lamp cover

    -Try pressing the power button and if still no power, the unit has a defective AC power supply due to  possible power surge

    -Locate an authorized projector repair in your area

     

    PROBLEM -Projector has power but will no project:

     

    -Locate the lamp cover

    -Remove the lamp cover

    -With a screwdriver or Philip screwdriver loosen the screws

    -Remove the lamp unit by pulling it out of the projector unit

    -Look at the lamp:  if the lamp has any broken pieces or discoloration replace it with a new lamp unit

    -Install and secure the lamp unit

    -Install the lamp cover

    -Plug in the unit

    -Press the power button

    -If unit still does not project, it has a defective ballast power supply or main logic board or both

    -Locate an authorized projector repair in your area

     

     

     

  • Dot Matrix and Point of Sales Printers

    PROBLEM- Communication Problems

    -Check both ends of USB/Parallel cable and make sure both ends are connected

    -Check Printer Driver, Printer Settings, or Reinstall Pinter Drivers

     

    PROBLEM- Nothing Prints on Paper Media

    -Check and reinsert Ink Ribbon or Ink Cartridges

     

    PROBLEM- Control Panel Flashing Errors or No Power

    -Bring Unit to MCT for repair

     

    PROBLEM- Auto-Cutter won't cut paper

    -Check for any foreign object

    -Bring unit to MCT for Repair

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