Step-by-step fixes for three common headaches. Open the one you need, work down the list, and print it for the fridge if you like (the open guide is what prints).

📶 My internet is downFix it in 10 minutes before you call anyone
  1. 1
    Is it every device, or just one?

    Check a second device (your phone on Wi-Fi, say). If only one device is affected, restart that device and reconnect it to your Wi-Fi network. If everything is offline, keep going.

  2. 2
    Check for an outage

    Using your phone on mobile data, check your provider’s app or outage page. If there is an outage in your area, there is nothing to fix on your side. Wait for service to return.

  3. 3
    Power-cycle your equipment

    Unplug the modem (and the router, if you have a separate one). Wait at least 30 seconds. Plug the modem back in and wait a few minutes for it to come online. Then plug the router back in.

  4. 4
    Check the cables

    Make sure the power, Ethernet and coaxial cables are firmly connected. If a splitter is in use, try removing it. Look for kinks, cuts or damage and replace any damaged cable.

  5. 5
    Still down? Call your provider

    Have your account number handy. Do not press the pin-hole reset button unless the provider tells you to: on a combined modem/router it erases custom Wi-Fi settings, and you would need the default details from the sticker on the unit.

Sources: Rogers (Shaw) support: “Unable to connect to the Internet” (rogers.com/support). Steps are common to most providers; your provider’s own guidance comes first. Checked October 14, 2026.

Fix-it guide by Tachyon Business & Computer Solutions · Vernon, BCwebitpartner.caNeed a hand? Get in touch.

🎣 I clicked a bad linkStay calm and work down the list in order
  1. 1
    Stop

    Close the page. Do not enter anything further, and do not open any attachment.

  2. 2
    Change affected passwords

    Change the password on any account you entered it on, and on any other account that uses the same one. The Government of Canada suggests unique passphrases of four or more random words, at least 15 characters. If you can, do it from a device you trust.

  3. 3
    Turn on multi-factor authentication

    On email, banking and anything important. It makes a stolen password much less useful.

  4. 4
    Shared card or banking details? Phone your bank

    If you shared card or banking details, call your financial institution right away using the number on your card, not one from the message.

  5. 5
    Scan your device

    If you clicked a suspicious link or opened an attachment, run a scan with your antivirus software (or install a reputable one first).

  6. 6
    Report it

    Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or 1-888-495-8501. Call your local police if you lost money. Keep screenshots and the message.

  7. 7
    Protect your credit if identity details were shared

    The Competition Bureau advises asking Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada for a free credit report and a fraud alert. If your SIN may be stolen, contact Service Canada (1-866-274-2267).

  8. 8
    Not sure what happened?

    Contact us. We can check your device and accounts with you.

Sources: Government of Canada, Get Cyber Safe: “What to do if you are a victim of a phishing scam” (getcybersafe.gc.ca); Competition Bureau of Canada: “How to report fraud and scams in Canada” (competition-bureau.canada.ca). Checked October 14, 2026.

Fix-it guide by Tachyon Business & Computer Solutions · Vernon, BCwebitpartner.caNeed a hand? Get in touch.

🖨️ My printer won’t printWindows steps, from easiest to most involved
  1. 1
    Look at the printer

    Is it on, with paper and ink or toner, and no error light or message? Fix anything it is reporting first.

  2. 2
    Power-cycle the printer

    Turn it off and unplug it. Wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and turn it on.

  3. 3
    Check the Wi-Fi

    Make sure the printer is on the same network as your computer. Check the printer’s screen or menu for its Wi-Fi status, and rejoin the network if needed.

  4. 4
    Check the default printer

    In Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer and choose Set as default. If that option is missing, turn off “Let Windows manage my default printer” first.

  5. 5
    Clear the print queue

    Open the printer in Printers & scanners, open the print queue, then choose the ellipsis (…) and Cancel all.

  6. 6
    Restart the Print Spooler

    This is more technical. Open Services, find Print Spooler, right-click it and choose Restart. This is a good point to ask us.

  7. 7
    Remove and re-add the printer

    Remove it under Printers & scanners, then add it again with the printer on and connected. Restart the computer if it still fails.

Sources: Microsoft Support: “Troubleshooting offline printer problems in Windows” (support.microsoft.com). These steps are for Windows 11; on a Mac the screens differ. Checked October 14, 2026.

Fix-it guide by Tachyon Business & Computer Solutions · Vernon, BCwebitpartner.caNeed a hand? Get in touch.