Have you tried turning it on and off again? Share your craziest helpdesk requests!

FormerMember over 8 years ago Less than one minute read time

hello.IT.jpg

I don’t like Windows 8. Can I upgrade to Windows 10?

You already have Windows 10.

No, this is 8. I don’t like it. Can I change it?

Every computer here already has Windows 10.

Well, can I still have the upgrade?

…

Let’s face it. Some people should barely be allowed to go near a computer, much less use one. IT departments across the globe are flooded with requests that, 9 times out of 10, can be solved with a pinch of common sense. And now it’s time for you to let us know your workplace horror stories.

Use the comments section below to share the silliest questions, problems and requests you’ve had to sort out for others at your workplace. We’re looking for absolutely everything from a stupefying back-and-forth to a cry for help that boggles the mind. Showcase the stupidity in the comments below, and we'll give you 250 thwack points!!

Top Comments

thompsonmike over 6 years ago

My two favorites:
1) Was at a remote site troubleshooting a "network issue" which was resolved last time by restarting services on the server but that takes too long so please fix the network issue... anywayyyyy one of the developers approaches myself and the other network admin and asks us if we can also help him. The conversation went like this:
dev: Hey, I think there is a problem with the network, can you please take a look at it?
us: Okay, what is the problem you're having?
dev: *shows us a piece of all yellow paper* Well, when I print this image, it just comes out all yellow! We need this fixed immediately!
us: Okay, what leads you to believe that is a problem with the network?
dev: Well, the color yellow is obviously getting to the printer. I think the other colored packets are being blocked by the network. Do you have firewalls on?
us: *laughing* Well, we can take a look at the network but that's not really how it works.
dev: thanks! Let me know!
2) My dad worked as an MIS for a law firm several years ago when then "I love you" virus was released. He sent out an email to the entire law firm regarding that and if someone gets an email DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENT!!! About a week after, they received a security alert as well as a phone call from one of the lawyers. My dad went to speak with him and asked him if he got the email to not open the attachment. The lawyer stated, "Yes, I received the email and read it. I opened the attachment because I wanted to see what it would actually do to my computer."
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cath over 6 years ago

Had a call from someone that said their mouse was acting strange. They said when they moved it that it would go in the opposite direction. After trying a couple suggestions I realized what the issue was with it. I told them to look down at the mouse and let me know where the buttons were on it. They said on the bottom. I told them to flip it around cause their mouse was upside down.
Another person complained about sticky repeating keys on a laptop. Finally discovered they had spilt red wine over the keyboard and used a hair dryer to "fix it".
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desr over 7 years ago

I got a call, gee the printer wont print for some reason it just doesn't work. I asked if there were any error messages on it, well of course there is It says: Add paper so I asked did you try that. no that is IT's job not mine
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thamain1 over 7 years ago

Client calls in and asked, "Could we assist her in fixing her cup holder?"
HD Agent. "Cup Holder? Ma,am, we are a technical support desk for your servers and PC's."
Client, "I know that! The cup holder I am having issues with is part of my back office PC!"
HD Agent, "Describe the issue to me then please."
Client, "When I press the button that normally opens my cup holder it does not open. It just flashes a little green light at me and makes an odd grinding sound."
HD Agent, "Can you read what is written on the front of the cup holder tray that opens?"
Client, "Yes I can, it says DVD ROM. What does that mean?"
Got a lot of laughs from listening to that one over and over again.
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kevincrouch4 over 7 years ago

I would probably just move from sata slot a to slot B and take off and replace a hard drive jumper in the same place. Maybe switch power connectors.
See how long it took them to come back and go "heeeyy!! you didn't change anything!"
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