Application errors, crashes, and unexpected behaviour are common in any work environment. Before contacting the helpdesk, try these quick steps. Many issues resolve themselves, and if they do not, the information you gather here will help us fix the problem faster.
Step 1: Close and Reopen the Application
Close the application completely (not just minimise) and reopen it. If the application is frozen, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find the application in the list, and click End Task. Then reopen it.
Step 2: Restart Your Computer
A genuine restart clears temporary files, resets memory, and often resolves errors that a simple close-and-reopen does not. Click Start > Power > Restart. Do not use Shut Down and then power on, as modern Windows uses Fast Startup which does not fully reset the system.
Step 3: Check for Updates
If the application has a built-in update check (usually under Help > Check for Updates or About), run it. Outdated software is a common source of errors and crashes.
Step 4: Try the Web Version
If the issue is with a Microsoft 365 application (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams), try the web version at office.com. If the web version works normally, the problem is with the desktop app, not your account or data.
Step 5: Note the Error Message
If an error message or code is displayed, write it down or take a screenshot (Windows + Shift + S to capture a region). Exact error messages help our technicians diagnose the issue quickly.
When to Contact Support
If the steps above do not resolve the issue, or if the error keeps recurring, submit a ticket with:
- The application name and version (if known)
- What you were doing when the error occurred
- The exact error message or a screenshot
- Whether a restart resolved it temporarily or had no effect
Still seeing errors? Submit a ticket and a CMO IT Services technician will assist you.
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