Computer Connection Problems

Hi Everybody,

In the ongoing saga of computer glitches… I want to offer some thoughts and ideas.

1. Please DO NOT shut down the computers at the end of the day–just turn off the monitor and leave the Quickbooks program and the computer on. We may have to change this practice at any time but let’s try it for a while.
2. For some reason the modem/router needs to be rebooted on a fairly consistent basis–if the computers are not able to connect to the internet, we have a problem–and the #2 computer won’t see the #1 computer on the network. In this case, we need to go into the server room and reboot (power off for 20-30 seconds and then turn it back on) the INHA modem. It could take 60-120 seconds for the DSL and internet lights to turn solid green again after doing this. Then we can check the computers to see if they are able to access the internet. There is a slight possibility that one or both of the computers may need to be rebooted after we have reset the modem. If you do shut down the Quickbooks POS program–make sure you DO NOT click the “X” in the upper right corner, but click “Home”, then “File”, then “Exit”, then wait for the program to finish backing up and closing down before rebooting or shutting down the computer.
3. Both computers should show that they are connected to “Network 3” with Internet Access.
4. Once in a while, if #2 is not finding the #1 and the Company Files to open, the #1 Quickbooks needs to be changed to Single User Mode–logged back into, then changed back to Multi-User Mode–and logged into again. This is under the “File” menu in the “Home” tab.
5. If the cash drawer on #1 won’t open and/or receipts are not printing, the printer’s cache is plugged up with printing jobs. Open the “Citizen” printer in Windows, click on “Printer” and “Cancel all documents” in the window that opens up. Then unplug the power cable from the printer and plug it back again. [Make sure the paper is straight and seated in the printer properly if you turn the printer over during this unplugging/plugging process.]
6. The #2 printer gets its power from the USB cable that plugs into the back of it–there is no power cable. If there are no lights showing on the printer, simply unplug the USB cable [that comes from the rear of the printer] from the back of the computer and reconnect it.
7. Please leave the actual cash drawers open at the end of day when removing the cash tray. The printers and cash drawers work in tandem and if there are any problems, the cash drawers will still be accessible until the problem is corrected. When in “Make a Sale” in the Quickbooks POS program–pressing “Cntrl F8” will open the cash drawer–if everything is operating normally.
8. Check the cables, especially the Network cables, going into the back of the computers on a regular basis, making sure they are not pulled too tight and are plugged in all the way.
9. Don’t hesitate to call Ron (801.361.3958 cell or 435.789.8807 office) if you’re stuck–or Shanna if you can’t reach Ron.   Note: the credit card machines and the telephone on the sales counter all use the same phone line, so use your cell phone or the Park phone if you’re calling for help and may be on the phone for more than a couple of minutes–so credit cards can still be processed.