Before you post about a problem, Some simple guidelines Options

[jgweed]

EEK! I have a problem and need help FAST!!!!!!

We all have had a computer problem or question suddenly rear its ugly head and then run to post in a forum for help from other members. A few guidelines to remember before posting will make getting help easier and faster.



1. Using a topic title that explains the problem you are having, rather than “HELP!!!!” will guide those with expertise in that area (or later, other members having a similar problem) to find your post. Members who want to help generally browse the posts in their spare time by topic titles, and are more likely to respond to a specific topic rather than waste time discovering what you are writing about or looking for a new post in an existing thread.


2. Explain your question or problem with as many details as necessary, and always mention the version of Windows and the application you are using. If there are error messages, write them EXACTLY as they appear. Try to include what you were doing when the problem occurred, and whether you made any system changes or new installations before the problem happened. Remember that, in some instances, someone trying to help you might want to replicate your problem on his own computer, or to open the application you are having problems with. Again, the problem you are having may turn out to be a symptom of something different; a complete description of the problem will often help identify those cases.


3. Include any steps you have taken already. This saves the time involved in asking you to take actions you have already done, or to suggest steps you may already have tried.


4. When you post, it makes sense to follow the rule: one problem, one post. The more problems you include in one post, the more likely the chance one or more of them will get lost or unanswered, especially if the problems require different areas of knowledge. Letting different kinds of problems be answered by members with different areas of expertise will be quicker and probably result in better responses.


5. Double check the information you are supplying. For example, the omission of one letter, or a typo, in talking about an .exe file or a program name can make a major difference resulting in time-wasting confusion or incorrect help.


6. Lastly, before hitting that POST button, take the time to read what you are posting from the point of view of someone trying to help and ask yourself, “is this as clear as I can make it?” When your problem is resolved, remember to add a final reply letting everyone know what worked; this effectively closes the thread as well as validates the solution offered.

This post has been edited by scarlett: May 11 2005, 02:45 PM

[Soldier]

thnx a lot, i have found now dat i made some critical mistakes while sending posts to a forum in worldstart.com, but now it is very clear, i will take care of those things here.
thnx
soldier

[Albert Frankenst...]

Just a suggestion from the peanut gallery, but maybe we could add on more point on the pinned post, and that would be :

Don't ask for advice if you are not willing to take it.

Get's real frusterating for us volunteers who try to help folks and the just seem to REFUSE to follow directions of answer questions even!

[Ashotoftequila]

[I] I just joined and decided to go here first, even before introducing myself as a new member in the introduction forum. Am I really the only one to head here first and read what you two are discussing?? [COLOR=purple][FONT=Times]

Nope! I did it too.

[Stars All Seem T...]

As I was reading the replies to this warning, I saw that jgweed said that someone had posted a post in the wrong forum, and I was wondering how you figure out which forum is the right one to post in. I am not very good with computers and I came here to learn. I was wondering if there was some kind of guide that would direct us as to where to post? And i'm sorry if this is the wrong place to post my question.....

Great forum. Just thought I would add that everyone here seems very kind considerate and respectful of one another.
-Stars

[KoanYorel]

Hi Stars All Seem To Weep

I suggest you start reading in this forum New User Orientation

[Stars All Seem T...]

Thank you very much KoanYorel! I was not even aware of that part of the site....thanks again!

[jgweed]

STARS:
One of the many tasks of moderators is to move posts to more appropriate forums. Which forum to move it to is determined by a lot of experience and a knowledge of the general practice at BC that a new member would not be expected- - -or required--- to know to get a problem resolved or a question answered.
A new member, for example, might place a post about a virus problem in the XP forum, thinking that since they used XP, it should go there. There is nothing "wrong" with putting it there; but moving it to a forum devoted to discussing viruses will enable it get faster attention from members with experience dealing with infections since they generally read that forum first. Some posts, if in a completely "wrong" forum could easily get "lost," and given the heavy volume of posts, it could be soon moved to the second or third page and never read. Incidentally, keeping like problems together helps other members with the same or similar problems, find solutions.

There is an exception. Posts of HJT logs should always (this is stated in theHJT log posting instructions) go in the HJT forum. Our great team of trained volunteers will only work with logs posted there since there is some control (one member-one volunteer) and a fair first posted, first reviewed order. Posting logs elsewhere, moreover, opens them up to non-expert advice or multiple "helpers" and this could do a lot more harm than good. Logs posted in other forums are therefore always moved to the HJT forum.

Bottom Line
Post your non-HJT log problem or question where you think it should go, since if you don't post you will not be able to get help.

Regards,
John

This post has been edited by jgweed: Feb 18 2006, 01:29 AM

[Tosca]

Well, I've just joined you this evening and came straight to this post. You've already helped me solve a months long problem. I'm very grateful. And, I'm so glad to know you're 'out' here.

[MarkWR]

[My first post to bleeping computer - which I reached by hitting a tutorial via google]

Perhaps,
in addition to date joined and similar details about posters, a date last read of the/a "how to post" guide is placed in the left-hand margin, it would be interesting to see if those that fall short of the guidelines have
____ a] not read them
or __ b] read but not taken them on-board

and/or

a nuisance-flag message saying "Never read the how to post guide" is automatically inserted at the start of a post if the "I have read and will try to follow the guidelines" undertaking has not been made.

[:-} neither "bleeping" nor "google" are not in your spell-check dictionary]

[fleamailman]

Must admit that I have at times answered the poster with the canned reply, feel free to use it too:


"Hi, I am sorry that this post is in longhand English but if you would care to place my reply in the given link I am sure all will become more understandable to you."

http://ssshotaru.homestead.com/files/aolertranslator.html

[driver33b]

Thanks guys and gals....will continue reading b4 posting Thanks again.

[eragoneragon]

can some one please help me with my Hijack? its in the other forum

[tg1911]

eragoneragon,

I moved your HJT log to the appropriate forum.
Here, is the link:
Hijackthis Log: Please Help Diagnose

NOTE:
Please, DO NOT make another post in the HJT forum, until it has been responded to by a member of the HJT Team. The first thing they look for, when looking for logs to reply to, is 0 replies. If you make another post, there will be 1 reply. The team member, glancing over the replies, might think someone is already helping you out, and will not respond. So, just make your post, and let it sit there, until a team member responds. This way you will be taken care of, in the most timely manner.

Also, don't make any changes to your system, as that could change the results of the posted log, making it more difficult to properly clean your system.

[tg1911]

rajnish

Please post your question, in the All other Applications forum, with a thorough explanation of the problems you're experiencing, along with:
Operating System (XP Home, XP Pro, etc.)
Browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.)
Antivirus used
Spyware/Malware programs
The exact Error Messages you may have received.
etc....

This way, it will get the attention it deserves.

[Windshearer]

jiweed, I just joined and read your post. Thanks for the very helpful guidance. When I have a problem to post, I shall use this as a reference.