COMPUTING AND TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Welcome to the Faculty & Staff FAQs page. Browse through the list of frequently asked questions below to help address your problem. If you can't find the answer to your question after browsing through the list, please contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) for assistance.

FAQs - General Information

 

FAQs - Faculty & Staff Computer Replacement Information

 

FAQs - Network and Account Information

 

FAQs - Outlook/E-mail Information

 

FAQs - Printing Information

 

FAQs - Macintosh Information

 

FAQs - Department Information

 
 

I can't open a file on my floppy disk. Is there anything I can do?

If you can't open a file on your floppy disk, or if you get a message that the disk needs to be formatted, bring the disk to the Computing Help Desk or Application Support Desk (both located in the Information Commons area of Butler Library). We have software that may be able to repair the disk and recover your files. We may be able to recover data from other media as well, such as CDs, USB disks, and zip disks. Please be aware, however, that there is no guarantee that we can repair the disk.

Please Note: Computing and Technology Services (CTS) will no longer purchase new floppy or zip drives for faculty/staff desktops/laptops, and repair of existing floppy and zip drives has been phased out (as of June 1, 2007). Faculty and staff who currently store files on floppy or zip disks are advised to transfer these files to either their network share, computer hard drive, a thumb/flash drive or CD/DVD. CTS and E. H. Butler Library staff will provide assistance to faculty and staff who wish to transfer their files.

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Why do I get an error message when I try to install software on my PC?  

If you try to install software on your office computer you will get a message stating that "you must have Administrator rights to install this application." All software installations must be approved by CTS (see the software policy below). If you need to have software installed please contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357).

Notice on Software Licensing and Installation
It is Buffalo State College policy to maintain compliance with software licensing agreements, and to prohibit the installation of unlicensed software on campus-owned computers. Only Computing and Technology Services staff (Installations and Lab Teams) may install software for which a license was purchased by the college specifically for the computer on which the software is to be installed. Please be aware that any previously installed software for which an appropriate license cannot be verified is subject to removal.

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What software is available for home use?

Microsoft Software
All Buffalo State College employees are eligible to receive one copy each of most Microsoft titles, including the current versions of Office and Windows, for a fraction of the retail cost. The software is distributed through the UB Micro Computer Store on the Amherst campus. You must present a valid Buffalo State College ID card when picking up the software. Please contact UB Micro at 645-3554 for more information.  

McAfee Antivirus
All Buffalo State College employees are eligible to install a copy of the latest McAfeeAntivirus program on their home computer. Stop by the Computing Help Desk to borrow a copy of the installation CD.

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My computer is running slow and I think it has spyware. What should I do?

There are a number of reasons why your computer may be running slow. Your PC may be getting old, it may not have a lot of memory, you may have too many programs running at once, or your computer may be infected with spyware. If your computer was running fine before today, you may just need to restart your computer (Start > Shut Down > Restart). If this doesn't work, try closing a few programs to see if this speeds things up.

If you get a ton of pop-ups when you are on the Internet your computer is probably infected with spyware. If this is the case, contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) for assistance. One of our staff members can login to your computer remotely and run a spyware scan. 

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How do I find the device name on my PC?

If you need to contact the Computing Help Desk for assistance, you may be asked to provide the device name for your computer. All Buffalo State College computers have a device name sticker located on top of the tower. This sticker begins with a two letter abbreviation of your building, followed by the letter "P" (for PCs) or the letter "M" (for MACs). For example, a PC located in Grover Cleveland would have a device name sticker beginning with the letters "GCP" or "GCPE." These letters will be followed by a 3 or 4 digit number. A typical device name looks like this: GCP123 or GCPE4567.

PC USERS - If the sticker on your computer is missing, follow these steps to locate your device name:

  1. Make sure you are logged into your computer
  2. Right-click the My Computer icon and select Properties from the menu
  3. Click the Computer Name tab (see picture below)
  4. The first part of the Full computer name is the device name
  5. In the example below, BLPE0646 is the device name


MAC USERS - If the sticker on your computer is missing, follow these steps to locate your device name:

  1. Make sure you are logged into your computer
  2. Click the Apple logo and select System Preferences from the menu
  3. Select Sharing from the Internet & Network section
  4. The Computer Name box displays the device name for your computer

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How do I backup files to my personal network folder?

It is highly recommended that you make two copies of your work on two separate disks to protect your data. When working on campus, we strongly recommend backing up your important files to your personal share folder. All faculty and staff receive 500 megabytes (MB) of network storage space to save files, which is equivalent to about 345 floppy disks. Our servers are backed up on a weekly basis, so there is a good chance Computing Services will be able to restore a working copy of corrupt files or files that have been accidentally deleted. 

To save files directly to your personal network folder from a Microsoft Office application, follow the steps below: 
  1. Within any Microsoft application, select Save As from the File menu
  2. Click My Computer from the task bar on the left (see picture below)
  3. Double-click the Z: drive to open your network folder
  4. Create a name for your file in the File name box
  5. Click once on the Save button

To copy files from a removable disk (such as a floppy disk) to your network folder, follow these steps:
  1. Login to a campus computer and insert your disk into the drive
  2. Double-click the My Computer icon to open it (see picture below)
  3. Double-click the 3.5 Floppy (A:) drive (or the drive where you have your files saved)
  4. Select the files that you want to copy, and then select Copy from the Edit menu
  5. Click the Back button to return to the list of drives
  6. Double-click the Z: drive to open your network folder
  7. Select Paste from the Edit menu
 

Note: USB flash drives are quickly replacing floppy disks as the storage medium of choice among computer users. We strongly encourage using these devices instead of floppy disks, as floppies are highly susceptible to damage and don’t have a lot of storage space. One 128MB flash drive has the same storage capacity as 88 floppy disks.

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How do I copy my files and folders to CD in Windows XP?

CDs are an excellent storage medium for backing up your important data. We strongly encourage using CDs or USB flash drives instead of floppy disks, as floppies are highly susceptible to damage and don't have a lot of storage space. One blank CD-R disk can store up to 700MB of data, which is roughly equivalent to 485 floppy disks. Follow the instructions below to copy files and folders to CD using the built-in Windows XP CD recording software:

  1. Insert a blank recordable disk (CD-R) into the rewritable drive. If a dialog box appears, click Cancel
  2. Double-click My Computer and select the files and folders you want to copy to CD.
    • Tip: Hold down the CTRL key while you click to select multiple files and folders, or press CTRL+A to select all of the files and folders.
  3. With the files and folders selected, click one of the following options from the File and Folder Tasks bar:
    • Copy this file
    • Copy this folder
    • Copy the selected items
  4. When the Copy Items box opens, select the CD-RW drive, and click Copy. The You have files waiting to be written to the CD notification balloon appears. Click the balloon to see the files.
 
  1. A list of Files Ready to Be Written to the CD is displayed. You’ll notice that the file icons are somewhat transparent (see picture). This means that they have not actually been written to the CD yet. Windows holds the files in a temporary folder on the hard drive until you are ready to burn the files to CD.

  1. Click Write these files to CD from the CD Writing Tasks bar on the left.
  2. When the CD Writing Wizard opens enter a name for the CD and click Next. The recording process will begin, and the files and folders you selected are written to the disk.  When the process is finished, the wizard will prompt you to create another CD containing the exact same files. If you do not wish to make multiple copies, click Finish.

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How do I change my password?

Protect your accounts, files, and other computer resources by periodically changing your Buffalo State password. To do so, visit the Password Change Utility. Your password should be as strong as possible - avoid using dictionary words, names of people you know, phone numbers or anything else that might easily be associated with you. Your password must be 6 to 14 characters long, and should contain a combination of upper/lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Tip: You can use the Microsoft Password Checker to test the strength of your password.

Note: Changing your Buffalo State password will affect the following campus systems - Campus Logon, E-Mail/Barracuda, ANGEL, Library Databases, Online Directories, CyberQuad Registration, SUNY Administration System, and Degree Navigator (initial logon). 

It is your responsibility to safeguard your accounts and passwords! Never share your passwords with anyone for any reason, and never logon to campus computers for someone else! Doing so violates the campus policy on the use of electronic resources. If you are having trouble accessing your accounts, or changing your password, please contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357).

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How do I look up my Banner ID?

You can look up your Banner ID at any time by following the steps below:

  1. Open Internet Explorer and go to: https://bscintra.buffalostate.edu/accounts/idlookup/
  2. In the User name box, enter bsclogon\ followed by your Buffalo State username
  3. In the Password box, enter your password and click OK
  4. Your Banner ID number should be displayed 

Note: If your Banner ID is not displayed, please contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) for assistance.

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When I try to login to Banner it says "Authorization Failure." What should I do?

If you get the error "Authorization Failure - Invalid User ID or PIN" when you try to login to Banner, you are entering the wrong Banner ID or PIN. If this is your first time logging into Banner, be sure to enter your DOB as the PIN (in the MMDDYY format). If this doesn't work, go here to confirm that you are using the correct Banner ID number (when the login box appears, don't forget to enter "bsclogon\" before your Buffalo State username). After verifying that you are using the correct Banner ID, try resetting your Banner PIN by following the steps below:

  1. At the Banner logon screen, enter your Banner ID in the User ID box, and click the Forget PIN? button.
  2. Enter the answer to your Security Question in the Answer box, and click the Submit Answer button.
 
  1. When prompted to reset your Banner PIN, enter your new PIN in both the New PIN and Re-enter new PIN boxes, and click the Reset PIN button.


Note:  If you have trouble resetting your PIN, or still aren't able to login after resetting it, you will need to contact the Banner Support (878-3434). 

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I'm having trouble entering my grades in Banner. What should I do?

If you are having trouble with Banner, the first thing to do is consult the online documentation on the Banner homepage. After reading through these documents, if you still have questions, contact Banner Support (878-3434).

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How do I map a network folder on my office computer?

Follow these steps to map a network folder on a PC: 

  1. Double-click the My Computer icon on your Desktop
  2. Select Map Network Drive from the menu the Tools menu
  3. In the Drive box, select the first available drive letter from the drop-down list (starting from the end of the alphabet)
  4. In the Folder box, type the path to the folder using the examples below as a guide:
  • If mapping a department share type: \\bscappm1\sharename (replacing "sharename" with the name of the department share)
  • If mapping a personal share (faculty) type: \\bscappm2\username$ (replacing the word "username" with your Buffalo State username)
  • If mapping a personal share (staff) type: \\bscappm3\username$ (replacing the word "username" with your Buffalo State username)
  • If mapping a personal web folder type: \\facstaff-new\username$ (replacing the word "username" with your Buffalo State username)


  1. Make sure Reconnect at logon is checked, and click Finish
  2. The drive will show up in My Computer as sharename on 'bscappm1'


Follow these steps to map a network folder on a MAC:

  1. Go to your desktop and select Connect to Server from the Go menu
  2. In the Server Address box, type the path to the folder using the examples below as a guide:
  • If mapping a department share type: smb:///bscappm1/sharename (replacing "sharename" with the name of the department share)
  • If mapping a personal share (faculty) type: smb:///bscappm2/username$ (replacing the word "username" with your Buffalo State username)
  • If mapping a personal share (staff) type: smb:///bscappm3/username$ (replacing the word "username" with your Buffalo State username)
  • If mapping a personal web share type: smb:///facstaff-new/username$ (replacing the word "username" with your Buffalo State username)

 

  1. Click on the plus sign (+) to add the folder to the Favorites Servers list
  2. Click once on the Connect button 
  3. The folder should now appear on your desktop

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How do I FTP to my personal web folder from off campus?

Faculty and staff can FTP to their personal web folder (i.e. facstaff-new) from off campus using the program WS_FTP.

Follow the steps below to download and install the WS_FTP program:

  1. Go to http://www.buffalostate.edu/cts/x540.xml 
  2. Click on the Download WsFTP link
  3. When prompted click Save and download the file to your Desktop
  4. Go to your Desktop and double-click the wsftple file to unzip the folder
  5. Double-click the wsftple.exe file to begin the installation and click Continue
  6. To open the program click Start > All Programs > WS_FTP > WS_FTP95 LE

Here is a screen shot of the Session Properties window you will see when you open the WS_FTP program:



Follow the steps below to configure your FTP connection in the Session Properties window:

  1. In the Host Name/Address box, type facstaff.buffalostate.edu
  2. In the Host Type box, select Automatic detect from the drop-down list
  3. In the User ID box, type bsclogon\ followed by your Buffalo State username
  4. In the Password box, enter your password and click OK

Here is a screen shot of the FTP window that will appear when you logon. Notice that the left pane displays the files and folders on the "Local System" (this is your computer), and the right pane displays the files and folders on the "Remote Site" (this is your personal web folder). You will use this window to upload files to and from your personal web folder. Follow the steps below to transfer your files:  
 

  1. When you first logon to WS_FTP the default path that appears in the Local System pane is C:\Program Files\WS_FTP. Double-click the green arrow twice to move up to the root folder (C:\). 
  2. Next, double-click the folder icons until you locate the source folder (i.e. the folder where you have your web/HTML files saved). For example, if your files are saved in your My Documents folder, double-click Documents and Settings, followed by the folder with your name/username, followed by My Documents. If you go too far, simply double-click the green arrow to move back to the previous folder.    
  3. Once you locate the source folder, click once on the file that you want to transfer. To select multiple files, hold down the CTRL key as you click on the files. To select all of the files in the folder, click once on the top file, hold down the SHIFT key, and then click once on the bottom file. 
  4. From the Remote Site pane on the right, double-click the folder icons until you locate the destination folder (i.e. the folder that you want to upload your web/HTML files to). Again, if you go too far, use the green arrow to move back to the previous folder. To create a new subfolder in your web folder, click the MkDir button, type in a name for the folder, and click OK.  
  5. With the source files selected on the left (Local System), and the destination folder selected on the right (Remote Site), you are now ready to transfer your files. To do this, click on the --> button in the center of the window (between the two panes). After a few moments, depending on how large the files are that are being transferred, you should see the "transfer complete" confirmation appear in the status box at the bottom of the window.
  6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 to transfer additional files to your web folder. You can also transfer files in the opposite direction, that is, from the Remote Site to the Local System, by using the <-- button instead of the --> button.     

Note: If you have trouble logging in or using WS_FTP contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) for assistance.

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I can’t login to the library databases. What should I do?

If you get the error "your username or password was incorrect" when you try to login to the library databases, you are entering the wrong username or the wrong password. Confirm that you are entering the correct username and also make sure that you are using your NT password to logon to the library databases. This is the same password you use to logon to your campus computer.

Note: If you are still using the date of birth as your password (e.g. MAR061971), you will not be able to logon to the library databases until you change your password. To do this, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to the Password Reset Utility* page
  2. In the Username box, type your Buffalo State username
  3. In the Old Password box, type your date of birth (e.g. MAR061971)
  4. In the New Password box, create a new password which is at least 6 characters long
  5. In the Confirm New Password box, retype your new password
  6. Click the OK button to change your password

You should see a message that your password was successfully changed. If so, you should now be able to login to library databases. If not, you will need to contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) to have your password reset. You must present a valid Buffalo State College ID card to receive assistance.

*Note: Changing your Buffalo State password will affect the following campus systems - Campus Logon, E-Mail/Barracuda, ANGEL, Library Databases, Online Directories, CyberQuad Registration, SUNY Administration System, and Degree Navigator (initial logon). 

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I can't login to Degree Navigator. What should I do?

Follow the steps below to login to Degree Navigator:

  1. Open Internet Explorer and go to: www.buffalostate.edu
  2. Click the Degree Navigator link at the top of the page
  3. Click the DN Faculty/Staff LOGIN link 
  4. Click the Logon button (the first logon box appears)
 
  1. In the User name box, type bsclogon\ followed by your Buffalo State username
  2. In the Password box, enter your password and click OK (the second logon box appears)
 
  1. In the UserId box, type the word staff
  2. In the Password box, type the word staff and click Login

Warning! Internet Explorer may automatically fill-in the username box for you the next time you logon to DN. IE always enters this information incorrectly, and places the @buffalostate.edu after your username (which you DO NOT want!). If this happens, make sure you retype your username using the convention shown in the picture above. Otherwise, you won’t be able to log in.

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Why do I get an error when I try to login to a campus computer?

 The reason you can't login depends on which error message your receive. Here are a couple of the most common error messages that user's receive when trying to login to campus computers:

  • Error 1: The local policy of this system does not permit you to logon interactively.


Reason: This error means that you don't have permission to logon to the computer in question. In order to gain access to the computer, you must have your supervisor contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) and request access for you. When your supervisor calls, we will need your full name, username, and also the device code of the computer.

  • Error 2: The system could not log you on. Make sure your User name and domain are correct, then type your password again. Letters in passwords must be typed using the correct case.


Reason: There are three possible reasons why you would receive this error message: (1) you entered the wrong username, (2) you entered the wrong password, or (3) the "Log on to" field is set to something other than "bsclogon." Make sure you are entering the correct username. If you forgot your password, you will need to contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) to have your password reset. You must present a valid Buffalo State College ID card to receive assistance. 

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My computer is locked by another user. How do I unlock it?

If another user has logged on and locked your computer, you will see the following message displayed on your screen:

This computer is in use and has been locked.
Only bsclogon\username or an administrator can unlock this computer.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to unlock this computer.

There are a couple of options to unlock the computer. Assuming you recognize the username, the best option is to contact the user and have them unlock the computer. If you don't recognize the username, it may be someone from Computing Services who logged on remotely to perform maintenance or install software. If this is the case, contact the Computing Help Desk for assistance at 878-4357.

As a last resort, you can forcibly unlock the computer by powering off and back on. To power off, press and hold the power button on the tower for 5-10 seconds until the computer shuts off completely. Wait a second or two, and then press the power button again to turn it back on.

Warning! Only resort to this option if you are absolutely certain that the user saved all of their files prior to locking the computer. If the user forgot to save their work prior to locking the computer, some of their files may be lost when the computer is powered off.

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Can I access my personal share folder from off campus?

The only way to access your personal network share from home is to use Remote Desktop to remote into your office computer from home. Visit the CyberQuad Registration page or contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) for information about Remote Desktop.

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How do I connect to the wireless network with my laptop?

Wireless Hot Spots are currently available in E.H. Butler Library, the Student Union and the Bulger Communication Center. Upton 210 and the CIS Lab in Chase Hall also have wireless access. Currently, there is no wireless access in any of the other buildings on campus (including the residence halls), but we will be adding additional locations in the future.

In order to access the campus wireless network, your laptop must be equipped with a wireless network card. This can be either a built-in or an add-on card and must conform to the 802.11b (Wi-Fi) or 802.11g standards.

Follow these steps to connect to the wireless network in one of the wireless locations: 

  1. Open a browser window on your computer (a logon box appears)
  2. In the User name box, enter your Buffalo State username
  3. In the Password box, enter your password and click OK

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I haven't received any new e-mail recently. Is something wrong with Outlook? 

If you haven't received any new e-mail recently, and other users in your office or department have received e-mail, Outlook is probably configured to work in offline mode on your computer. If you see the word "offline" in the very bottom right-hand corner of the Outlook window, this is the case. Follow these steps to resolve this problem:

  1. Click the View menu and make sure there is a check mark next to Status Bar
  2. Click on the word Offline in the very bottom right-hand corner of the Outlook window
  3. When the menu appears, click once on Work Offline to remove the check mark (see picture)
 
  1. After a few seconds your mailbox should be up-to-date

Note: If this did not resolve your problem, please contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) for assistance.

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How do I turn on the out-of-office message in Outlook? 

Follow these steps to turn on the out-of-office message in Outlook:

  1. Make sure your Inbox folder is selected
  2. Select Out of Office Assistant from the Tools menu
  3. Select the option I am currently Out of the Office
  4. In the Autoreply only once to each sender with the following text box, type the message that you want people to see if they e-mail while you are away
  5. Click OK to turn on the out-of-office message

Follow these steps to turn on the out-of-office message in Outlook Web Access (OWA):

  1. Login to OWA and click the Options button from the left pane
  2. Select the option I am currently Out of the Office
  3. In the Autoreply only once to each sender with the following text box, type the message that you want people to see if they e-mail while you are away
  4. Click the Save and Close button to turn on the out-of-office message

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How do I check my e-mail when I'm off campus? 

Outlook Web Access (OWA) is the web-based version of Outlook, and it allows Buffalo State faculty and staff to access their e-mail account from any computer with an Internet connection. The new OWA interface looks very similar to the desktop version of Outlook 2003, and gives you all of the tools needed to organize and manage your e-mail messages.

Note: For the best results, PC users should use Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher when checking mail with OWA; Safari is recommended for Macintosh users. You can use other browsers to check your mail, but the look will be different and some OWA features will not be available. 

  1. Open Internet Explorer and go to: www.buffalostate.edu
  2. Click the For Faculty/Staff link in the upper right-hand side of the page
  3. Click the Faculty/Staff E-mail link at the top of the page
  4. Select your Operating System below and follow the steps to the right
WINDOWS 98 users will see this OWA logon box...

 WINDOWS 98 users should follow these steps:


  • In the User name box, enter your Buffalo State username
  • In the Password box, enter your password
  • In the Domain box, enter bsclogon, click OK
WINDOWS XP users will see this OWA logon box...

 WINDOWS XP users should follow these steps:
 

  • In the User name box, type bsclogon\ followed by your username
  • In the Password box, enter your password and click OK
MACINTOSH users will see this OWA logon box...

 MACINTOSH users should follow these steps:
 
  • In the Name box, type bsclogon\ followed by your username
  • In the Password box, enter your password and click Log In



Warning! Internet Explorer may automatically fill-in the username box for you the next time you logon to OWA. IE always enters this information incorrectly, and places the @buffalostate.edu after your username (which you DO NOT want!). If this happens, make sure you retype your username using the convention shown in the picture above. Otherwise, you won’t be able to log in, and you’ll receive the “Error: Access is Denied” message.

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My mailbox is full. What should I do?

Faculty and staff are currently allotted 100MB of mailbox storage space. Your mailbox includes all of the items in the following folders: Calendar, Contacts, Deleted Items, Drafts, Inbox, Journal, Notes, Sent Items and Tasks. Once you exceed 85MB you will begin receiving automated e-mail notifications from the System Administrator informing you that your mailbox close to being full. If you exceed the 100MB storage quota, your mailbox will automatically close and will remain closed until you clean it up. Your mailbox will remain closed until you clean out the items in these folders. You have two options to get you mailbox under the limit:

  1. Delete unwanted messages from your Inbox, Sent Items, and Deleted Items folders.
  2. Move messages that you want to keep to a Personal Folder (click here for more information on organizing your mailbox).

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Is there an easy way to share a distribution list that I created with another user at Buffalo State?

Yes. If you created a distribution list in Outlook, you can share the list with another user at Buffalo State by sending it as an attachment. Before proceeding with the steps below, check to see which e-mail editor you are using in Outlook. To do this, select Options from the Tools menu and click the Mail Format tab. If the option "use Microsoft Office Word 2003 to edit e-mail messages" is checked, Word is your e-mail editor. If this option is not checked, Outlook is your e-mail editor.

If Microsoft Word is your e-mail editor

  1. Open a new message
  2. Click the message body
  3. Drag the distribution list from your Contacts folder into the message
  4. Send the message

If Microsoft Outlook is your e-mail editor

  1. Open a new message
  2. Click the message body
  3. On the Insert menu, click Item
  4. In the Look in list box, select your Contacts folder
  5. In the Items list box, select the distribution list that you want to send, click OK
  6. Send the message  

Note: When the user receives the message from you, he or she can simply drag and drop the attachment to their Contacts folder to add the distribution list.

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Is there a way to recall a message I've already sent in Outlook?

Microsoft Outlook gives you the ability to recall messages that you already sent, but this feature is only available using the desktop version of Outlook. It will not work using Outlook Web Access (OWA), so you must be on campus to recall a message. Follow these steps to recall a message that you sent:

  1. Open your Sent Items folder
  2. Open the message you want to recall
  3. On the Actions menu, click Recall This Message
  4. Click Delete unread copies of this message
  5. To be notified about the success of the recall or replacement for each recipient, select the Tell me if recall succeeds or fails for each recipient check box

Note: Only messages that have not been read can be recalled. If the recipient already read the message or moved it from their Inbox, the recall will not succeed. Also, you can only recall a message from a recipient who has a Buffalo State Exchange (Outlook) account. In other words, only messages that you sent to other Buffalo State faculty and staff can be recalled. Messages sent to non-Buffalo State e-mail accounts cannot be recalled.

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How do I change the default printer on my PC?



Follow the steps below to change the default printer on your computer:


  1. Click the Start button to begin
  2. Select Printers and Faxes from the Settings menu
  3. Click once on the printer that you want to set as the default
  4. Select Set as Default Printer from the File menu
  5. Close the Printers and Faxes window 

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How do I install a network printer on my PC? 

If your department has a shared network printer, follow the steps below to install the printer on your computer:

  1. Click the Start button to begin
  2. Select Printers and Faxes from the Settings menu
  3. Click the Add a printer link from the left task pane
  4. When the Add Printer Wizard window opens, click Next
  5. Select the option A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer and click Next
  6. Select the option Connect to this printer (or to browse for a printer, select this option and click Next) (see picture below)
  1. In the Name box type the following path: \\printsrvr1\queuename (replacing "queuename" with the name of the printer that you want to add)
  2. Click Next. Select Yes or No when prompted to make this your default printer, click Next, and then click Finish. 

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How do I delete documents from the print queue?

If you are having trouble with your printer, or if you accidently started printing a document that you want to cancel, follow the steps below to delete documents for the print queue:

  1. Click the Start button to begin
  2. Select Printers and Faxes from the Settings menu
  3. Double-click on the printer to open the queue 
  4. Select the documents you want to cancel
  5. Select Cancel from the Document menu 

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My printer is not responding. What should I do?

If your printer stops responding when you try to print, here are a few things to check before contacting the Help Desk:

  1. Try printing from a different application
  2. Check the printer's cable connections  
  3. Make sure the printer has paper
  4. Make sure the printer has ink/toner
  5. Delete all documents from the print queue
  6. Power-cycle the printer (i.e. turn the printer's power off and back on)
  7. Try rebooting your computer

Note: If you still can't print after going through the checklist above, contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) for assistance.

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When I try to print the Save As dialog box opens. What should I do?

If the Save As dialog box appears when you try to print, the Microsoft Office Document Image Writer is set as the default printer on your computer. This problem can be resolved by changing the default printer. Follow the steps below to change the default printer on your computer:


  1. Click the Start button to begin
  2. Select Printers and Faxes from the Settings menu
  3. Click once on the printer that you want to set as the default
  4. Select Set as Default Printer from the File menu
  5. Close the Printers and Faxes window 

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How do I install a network printer on my MAC?

If your department has a shared network printer, follow the steps below to install the printer on your computer:

If the network printer has an Apple queue (look for a sticker on the printer beginning with the letters "AP")

  1. Open the Printer Setup Utility
  2. Click the Add Printer icon
  3. Make sure AppleTalk is selected
  4. Locate the printer in the list and click Add

If the network printer doesn't have an Apple queue

  1. Open the Printer Setup Utility
  2. Click the Add Printer icon
  3. Make sure Windows Printing is selected
  4. Scroll down to PRINTSRVR1, click Choose
  5. Enter username and password when prompted
  6. Locate the printer in the list and click Add

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How do we request accounts for new faculty/staff? 

New accounts for staff and faculty must be requested by the department chair/secretary or the user's direct supervisor. Requests can be submitted by calling the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) or by filling out our online web form. The following information is required when requesting user accounts:

  • Employee's full name (including middle initial)
  • Employee's start date
  • Employee's date of birth
  • Type of position (e.g. faculty or staff) 
  • Funding source (e.g. Albany or Research Foundation)
  • Accounts needed (e.g. NT, Exchange, Alpha)
  • Employee's department
  • Employee's building and room number
  • Employee's phone extension
  • Employee's device number

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How do we give a user access to our department share folder? 

Access to department share folders must be requested by the department chair/secretary or the user's direct supervisor. Requests can be submitted by calling the Computing Help Desk (878-4357). The following information is required when requesting folder access:

  • Full name of person needing access
  • Username of person needing access
  • Name of the department share folder
  • Access/permission required (i.e. read only; read/write; read/write/modify)  

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How do we make arrangements to have a computer moved to a new office?

If you need to have a computer moved to a new office, please contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) to make arrangements. Please make sure that you have the following information before contacting the Help Desk:

  • The device name of the computer being moved (where do I find this?)
  • The room number of the new location
  • The network port box number that the device will connect to in the new room
  • The name of the user who will be using the device

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How do we send out a bulk e-mail to all Buffalo State students?

 

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I'm the Primary Web Contact (PWC) for my department. Can I FTP to our department web folder from off campus?

FTP access to department web folders must be requested on behalf of the employee by the department chair/secretary or the user's direct supervisor. Requests can be submitted by calling the Computing Help Desk (878-4357). Once you have access you can FTP to your department web folder (i.e. on WWW1) from off campus using the program WS_FTP.

Follow the steps below to download and install the WS_FTP program:

  1. Go to http://www.buffalostate.edu/cts/x540.xml 
  2. Click on the Download WsFTP link
  3. When prompted click Save and download the file to your Desktop
  4. Go to your Desktop and double-click the wsftple file to unzip the folder
  5. Double-click the wsftple.exe file to begin the installation and click Continue
  6. To open the program click Start > All Programs > WS_FTP > WS_FTP95 LE

Here is a screen shot of the Session Properties window you will see when you open the WS_FTP program:


Follow the steps below to configure your FTP connection in the Session Properties window:

  1. In the Host Name/Address box, type www.buffalostate.edu
  2. In the Host Type box, select Automatic detect from the drop-down list
  3. In the User ID box, type bsclogon\ followed by your Buffalo State username
  4. In the Password box, enter your password and click OK

Here is a screen shot of the FTP window that will appear when you logon. Notice that the left pane displays the files and folders on the "Local System" (this is your computer), and the right pane displays the files and folders on the "Remote Site" (this is the WWW server). You will use this window to upload files to and from the department web folder. Follow the steps below to transfer your files:  
 


 

  1. When you first logon to WS_FTP the default path that appears in the Local System pane is C:\Program Files\WS_FTP. Double-click the green arrow twice to move up to the root folder (C:\). 
  2. Next, double-click the folder icons until you locate the source folder (i.e. the folder where you have your web/HTML files saved). For example, if your files are saved in your My Documents folder, double-click Documents and Settings, followed by the folder with your name/username, followed by My Documents. If you go too far, simply double-click the green arrow to move back to the previous folder.    
  3. Once you locate the source folder, click once on the file that you want to transfer. To select multiple files, hold down the CTRL key as you click on the files. To select all of the files in the folder, click once on the top file, hold down the SHIFT key, and then click once on the bottom file. 
  4. From the Remote Site pane on the right, double-click the Inetpub folder, and double-click again on the depts folder. You should now see your department's web folder (i.e. the folder that you want to upload your web/HTML files to). Again, if you go too far, use the green arrow to move back to the previous folder. To create a new subfolder in the department web folder, click the MkDir button, type in a name for the folder, and click OK.  
  5. With the source files selected on the left (Local System), and the destination folder selected on the right (Remote Site), you are now ready to transfer your files. To do this, click on the --> button in the center of the window (between the two panes). After a few moments, depending on how large the files are that are being transferred, you should see the "transfer complete" confirmation appear in the status box at the bottom of the window.
  6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 to transfer additional files to department web folder. You can also transfer files in the opposite direction, that is, from the Remote Site to the Local System, by using the <-- button instead of the --> button.     


Note: If you have trouble logging in or using WS_FTP contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) for assistance.

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I just got a new computer and the STARS icon is missing from my Desktop. How do I get it back?



If you have STARS access, and the Buffalo State Alpha (QVT Term) icon is not on your Desktop, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start > All Programs and go to the QvtTerm folder*
  2. Right-click the Buffalo State Alpha icon, go to the Send To folder, and select Desktop (create shortcut) from the menu
  3. The Buffalo State Alpha icon should now appear on your Desktop. If you get a blank screen when you open Buffalo State Alpha, click here.  

*Note: If the QvtTerm folder is empty, please contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) for assistance.

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When I double-click the Buffalo State Alpha (QVT Term) icon on my Desktop I get a blank screen. What should I do?

If you have STARS access, and you get a blank screen when you open Buffalo State Alpha (QVT Term), follow these steps:

  1. Make sure the Buffalo State Alpha (QVT Term) window is closed
  2. Right-click the Buffalo State Alpha icon on your Desktop and select Properties from the menu
  3. In the Target box, make sure the text is entered exactly as it appears below (including quotations):
"C:\Program Files\QPC\QVTNet\bin\Term.exe" snybufaa.buffalostate.edu
 
  1. Click OK to close the Properties window
  2. Double-clicking the Buffalo State Alpha icon on Desktop should now bring up the login screen

Note: If you are still having trouble contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) for assistance.

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Is there a way to access STARS from home?

The only way to access STARS from home is to use Remote Desktop to remote into your office computer from home. Visit the CyberQuad Registration page or contact the Computing Help Desk (878-4357) for information about Remote Desktop.

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