Questions We've Heard @ The IT Help Desk

• Why won't the The IT Help Desk help me install the software I bought at the bookstore -- They're your disks!!
• My son told me those 'half-lit' folders can be deleted. Why won't my computer work now?

Occasionally, people will get very poor information concerning computers and, unfortunately, they usually call and ask questions after they've followed this advice. This listing is not to mock or ridicule but rather hopefully to get some of this poor information out of circulation. (FYI: Never be embarrassed to ask a computer question of The IT Help Desk. If you don't ask, you may never know, and not knowing where computers are concerned can cost you a great deal.)

We will continue to make additions to this list. If you have a suggestion, please feel free to e-mail .

Why won't the The IT Help Desk help me install the software I bought at the bookstore -- They're your disks!!

The IT Help Desk does not support installation issues with any software on any non-IUN machine. It has been proven out in the past that anything that might go wrong will be blamed on any assistance a person may have received from The IT Help Desk and that person will then expect a new computer for our troubles, despite the fact they were still running a 486. (Perhaps a bit of a exaggeration but you get the idea.) There are simply too many configurations of hardware and software among the various companies and we will not assist in the installation -- period. Yes, that even includes computers you may purchase through IU Bloomington.

The vast majority of software sold these days is very user-friendly and will take you by the hand and walk you through the installation process. If you don't know what a 'custom installation' is, then you probably don't need to do one. Generally speaking, the default choices are a pretty good bet to install properly. If all else fails, there is typically a 'Read Me' or 'Help' file included -- read these before you try to install the software; the information within can work wonders.

If you're looking for information concerning software support issues, take a look at our Software Vendor page or contact the IU Knowledgebase. You may also contact Bloomington's UITS Support Center at 812-855-6789. They will help you with IU purchased and/or IU supported software.

My son told me those 'half-lit' folders can be deleted. Why won't my computer work now?

The reason is because you deleted those half-lit folders.

In the Windows Operating Systems, there are folders that are not as fully-visible as others. These folders are called 'hidden', for obvious reasons, and they are hidden so that (hopefully) someone won't delete them. Deleting them can lead to some very drastic changes in your OS, mainly that it won't work correctly. Deleting or moving OS or application folders is never recommended. Once something is installed on your computer, whenever you use it, it will go to a particular place to look for information it needs to start doing whatever it is that you might be asking it to do. If you move or delete these necessary folders, the OS or application will not find what it needs and will not work.

A general rule of thumb where computers (and most things) are concerned: 'If you don't know what you're doing, don't mess with it.' Another for this specific question might be 'Always confirm information from another reliable source.' (Just because someone can run Microsoft Word, it doesn't mean that they are qualified to edit the registry.)