Fixing common problems

Five faults account for most of the calls we get. Each takes a few minutes to clear yourself.

PDFs will not print properly from Chrome

Chrome's built-in PDF viewer has long-standing printing quirks, particularly with contract forms. Open the file in Adobe Reader instead.

1. In your email, click the download button on the PDF rather than the preview.
2. In the downloads bar, click the arrow next to the file and choose Always open with system viewer.

From then on PDFs open in your default reader. If you do not have one, install Adobe Reader and set it as the default for .pdf files.

If you normally drag downloads straight into dotloop, Open with system viewer keeps that working.

Printing stopped working after a Chrome update

Resetting Chrome's settings clears it. Your bookmarks and passwords are kept.

1. Click your profile picture in Chrome and note which account is signed in.
2. Menu, then Settings, then Reset settings.
3. Choose Restore settings to their original defaults and confirm. It takes a few minutes.
4. Sign back in with the account you noted and let it sync.

Chrome's homepage or search engine has been hijacked

If Chrome opens on a page you did not choose, or searches go somewhere unexpected, something has changed its policies.

Run a scan with a reputable malware remover first. On a Mac, if the settings will not stick after that, call the helpdesk — the fix involves terminal commands and we would rather run them with you than have them pasted from a web page.

You have forgotten your Mac password

If it is your personal Apple Account password, reset it at iforgot.apple.com.

If it is the login password for the Mac itself, restart holding the power button to reach Recovery, then use the Reset Password assistant. Older guides describe Single User Mode with Command+S — that has not worked since Apple moved to Apple Silicon, so ignore it. Call the helpdesk if you get stuck; this is one worth doing together.

A new Windows computer is in S Mode

S Mode blocks anything outside the Microsoft Store, which means no Chrome. Switching out is free and one-way.

1. Click Start and type Activation.
2. Under Switch to Windows 11 Home or Pro, select Go to the Store. Take care not to click a separate Upgrade your edition of Windows link, which is a paid upgrade.
3. On the Switch out of S mode page, select Get, then Install.

For the initial account setup step, call the helpdesk on 920-993-4515 and we will get you signed in.