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.
Full Version: Before you post about a problem
Amen. This would help us greatly not only at figuring out people's computer problems, but more benefiting to the community as well.
Also one thing you may have not been clear on...
You should have also stated: The "SpelChek" button is there for a reason. Please use it. It makes it hard if you send in a message that has many word misspelled. Its not the grammar we are after just the spelling. (I know many of, English isn't your 1st language.) However it makes it easier to read if its spelled properly.
Also one thing you may have not been clear on...
QUOTE
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.
You should have also stated: The "SpelChek" button is there for a reason. Please use it. It makes it hard if you send in a message that has many word misspelled. Its not the grammar we are after just the spelling. (I know many of, English isn't your 1st language.) However it makes it easier to read if its spelled properly.
jgweed: A most helpful post, glad it is pinned. I've been guilty more than once of using an unhelpful post title and not providing a clear description of the problem, a complete description of my system, etc. The more I "lurk" here at BC, the more I understand how important it is to effectively communicate, especially when one considers that everyone here is a volunteer eager to help (and in my case learn) as much as possible.
The only thing I might add to your list, is a reference to the BC Tutorials where one might very well discover an answer to a problem (particularly with regard to malware) or at least methods to do a little self-help detective work before making that first post about the problem.
The only thing I might add to your list, is a reference to the BC Tutorials where one might very well discover an answer to a problem (particularly with regard to malware) or at least methods to do a little self-help detective work before making that first post about the problem.
QUOTE(jgweed @ May 10 2005, 10:34 PM)
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.
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.
Well thanks ,you reed and learn it makes sence thanks agaen JL
QUOTE
Plz hlp!!!!. Evr time I go on the net it hppns!!!!! Now it doen't work at all!!!!!!!
Must have it fixed in next hour 'cause my assignments due/bus is leaving/I'm late for work/there's something on TV!!!!!! Why is noone helping me?!!!!!!
Must have it fixed in next hour 'cause my assignments due/bus is leaving/I'm late for work/there's something on TV!!!!!! Why is noone helping me?!!!!!!
Maybe jgweed's helpful post needs to be more direct and succinct, and in very large red letters because I don't think it is being read by a lot of posters. I'm getting really tired of having to ask for basic information.
Rimmer,
It doesn't matter how "direct and succinct" it is, if nobody reads it, which I think is the problem most of the time.
Instead of asking the same questions, over and over, refer them to this post.
It would save some typing.
It doesn't matter how "direct and succinct" it is, if nobody reads it, which I think is the problem most of the time.
Instead of asking the same questions, over and over, refer them to this post.
It would save some typing.
The text originated from a draft I prepared for BC moderators, who then contributed to the content. It is our hope that, by placing these guidelines in key forums, members seeking help will improve the information they originally provide thus making the process more orderly and efficient.
Hopefully,as members read this and begin following these quidelines, the general tone of posts asking for help will improve.
Regards,
John
Hopefully,as members read this and begin following these quidelines, the general tone of posts asking for help will improve.
Regards,
John
There was no criticism intended of you John. The post is often not being read - that's why I'm suggesting the Title be in large red letters (i didn't make that clear before I know) and maybe it should say "READ THIS BEFORE YOU POST"?
Just replying to jgweed. Remember me? My start menu was freezing up on bootup?
Problem seems sorted - I had millions of windows temp files. Apparently Zone Alarm makes them all the time and they were clogging up the system. Thanks for your help.
Jackie
Problem seems sorted - I had millions of windows temp files. Apparently Zone Alarm makes them all the time and they were clogging up the system. Thanks for your help.
Jackie
I am always happy that we were able to solve a member's problems, jackie28.
Cheers,
John
Cheers,
John
[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]
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]
what would the proper way to bring attention to your post if you have posted it and received no answer for a couple of days and it has slipped off the first page of topics? I don't want to be rude, but I just don't really know what people traditionally do in this situation.
There could be any number of reasons that you don't receive a reply to your post. One of the most frequent is a lack of information. If you post a reply to your previous post with additional info it will come back to the top of the list of topics as well as the forum that it is in. You can also send a PM to a Moderator with a link to it and ask them to have a look at your post. Most of us will try to help in that situation.
Jeffholman,if you are referring to the lengthy post that included a HJT log, it may have gone unaswered because it was in the wrong forum. I would suggest you post JUST a log in the HJT forum, instructions for which are found here:}
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/How...s_Log-t956.html
Regards,
John
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/How...s_Log-t956.html
Regards,
John
Over 700 views of the guidelines in this forum since May 10, compared to 2200 hundred initiated topics since (I think) BC began, seems to me to be a good start, Rimmer, and one could speculate about how many "bad" posts it has prevented. I don't know if putting the topic in red glitter would encourage the people posting about a probem with a popup thingy to change their ways.
Regards,
John
Regards,
John
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
thnx
soldier
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!
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!
QUOTE(Otter56 @ Jun 9 2005, 09:24 PM) 
[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]
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.
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
Great forum. Just thought I would add that everyone here seems very kind considerate and respectful of one another.
-Stars
Thank you very much KoanYorel! I was not even aware of that part of the site....thanks again!
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
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
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.
[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]
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]
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
"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
Thanks guys and gals....will continue reading b4 posting Thanks again.
can some one please help me with my Hijack? its in the other forum
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks. The more complete and understandable the post, the faster you will get help---which is what BC is really all about.
John
John
It's not just here, I also volunteer at another popular Q&A site but when people go to ask me a question, they seem to completely ignore the message that comes up:
"In order for me to help you promptly, please provide me with the following information:
Brand of computer
Model of computer
Service or support tag
Version of XP
Current service Pack
If the problem is with a device, in addition to the above, please answer the following:
Type of device
Make of device
Model# of device
Serial# of device
Please describe your problem in complete detail, in this case, there is no such thing as 'too much information'.
Thank you, your co-operation is appreciated,
Jeffrey"
Anyway, my auto request is ignored more than it is followed.
Hmm... I'm wondering if forums scripts like the one here and others could be modded or hacked to ask for
the requested info then autopaste it in their message?
Just a random idea,
Jeff
"In order for me to help you promptly, please provide me with the following information:
Brand of computer
Model of computer
Service or support tag
Version of XP
Current service Pack
If the problem is with a device, in addition to the above, please answer the following:
Type of device
Make of device
Model# of device
Serial# of device
Please describe your problem in complete detail, in this case, there is no such thing as 'too much information'.
Thank you, your co-operation is appreciated,
Jeffrey"
Anyway, my auto request is ignored more than it is followed.
Hmm... I'm wondering if forums scripts like the one here and others could be modded or hacked to ask for
the requested info then autopaste it in their message?
Just a random idea,
Jeff
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