Posting in Technical Support
When posting for assistance in this forum can you please give as much information as possible/is practicable. There's nothing worse than the first reply back being a request for more specific information because the initial post had insufficient to go on.
The basic stuff such as PC specification (for hardware problems) and Operating System (Windows, Unix, etc.), version, and also if you did anything just before the problem appeared, etc. is a good start
If it's a problem with a program then also give the version, was it newly installed, had it been updated, etc.
Please also try and be concise - if you're getting an error message, give as much of the message as you feel relevant - i.e. any error number and the main wording is usually fine. If nothing else this allows the techies to Google the message number or wording for a possible clue.
Thanks
Hopefully This Is The Last Add (Sorry Ricco)
I have something to say also. This is worth mentioning especially due to recent events (the shutting down of the general forum).
Can we please make sure that all posts are forum specific. I know it mentions it on other forums but not this one. I know its tempting to ask about why the general forum is down, but there are plenty of threads on it. Asking here won't yeild any additional help unfortunately. (Good to see so many people viewing the forum though!!! :lol:)
Finally, something about error messages, if it is a big error message then a screenshot may be easier to do than quoting it. The best way to do this is to select the error message box, press and hold 'alt' then press 'Print Screen'. You can then release the 'alt' button. Open MSPaint and paste into the window by going to 'edit' on the toolbar, then choosing paste, or Ctrl + V if you prefer. Save this image (preferably as a jpg) and then add it to your post.
Thanks. Hope I didn't bore you all too much!
How to take and upload a screenshot
Sometimes we need to see what you see on your desktop and to do this you need to take a picture of the screen (called a screenshot). To do this:
- If you want to take a screenshot of just one window or application, then press Alt+Print Screen. If you want to take a screenshot of the whole desktop, then press just Print Screen. Print Screen might be labelled as PrtScr on your keyboard - it's usually next to the Scroll Lock key. This will paste a screenshot into the clipboard.
- Open Paint (got to Start->Accessories->Paint) and go to Edit->Paste it should past the screenshot taken in 1. above into Paint. Then you need to save it, as a JPG, to your computer (note where you save it).
- Reply to the message on the forum, or create a new messgae on the forum. Click the little paperclip at the top of the window where you enter your message, click Browse and find your screenshot file, double-click it, then click Upload.
- Note that you will need to have your screenshot approved by a Moderator before we can see it.
After all of that, your screenshot should appear attached to the message. Make sure there is no personal info on the screenshot as everybody will be able to see it.