Common Issues

This guide addresses frequently encountered issues in the EduDesk system and provides step-by-step solutions for resolving them.

Login Issues

Cannot Log In

Symptoms:

  • Error message when attempting to log in

  • Credentials are rejected

  • Login page refreshes without logging in

Solutions:

  1. Verify credentials:

    • Ensure you're using the correct email address

    • Check for caps lock and typing errors in your password

    • Try the "Forgot Password" option to reset your password

  2. Browser issues:

    • Clear browser cache and cookies

    • Try using a different browser

    • Disable browser extensions that might interfere

  3. Account status:

    • Your account may be deactivated - contact your administrator

    • Check if your school's subscription is active

    • Verify your email has been verified (for new accounts)

Session Timeouts

Symptoms:

  • Frequent logouts while working

  • "Session expired" messages

Solutions:

  1. Check session settings:

    • Administrators can extend session timeout in System Settings

    • Avoid inactivity for extended periods

  2. Browser settings:

    • Ensure cookies are enabled

    • Check if your browser is set to clear cookies on exit

  3. Network issues:

    • Unstable network connections can cause session problems

    • Try a more stable connection

Ticket Management Issues

Cannot Create Tickets

Symptoms:

  • Error message when submitting a ticket

  • Submit button doesn't respond

  • Form resets without creating a ticket

Solutions:

  1. Required fields:

    • Ensure all required fields are completed

    • Check for character limits in description fields

  2. Attachment issues:

    • Verify attachment size is under the limit (typically 10MB)

    • Ensure file type is supported

    • Try submitting without attachments first

  3. Permission issues:

    • Verify you have permission to create tickets

    • Check if your account is properly configured

Missing Tickets

Symptoms:

  • Previously visible tickets no longer appear

  • Ticket count doesn't match visible tickets

Solutions:

  1. Filter settings:

    • Check active filters in the ticket view

    • Reset all filters using the "Clear Filters" button

    • Verify search terms aren't limiting results

  2. View permissions:

    • You may only have permission to view certain tickets

    • Contact your administrator if you should have access

  3. Archiving:

    • Tickets may have been archived

    • Check the "Archived" section if available

    • Adjust date range filters to include older tickets

Notification Problems

Symptoms:

  • Not receiving email notifications for ticket updates

  • Missing in-app notifications

Solutions:

  1. Email settings:

    • Check your spam/junk folder

    • Verify your email address is correct in your profile

    • Add support@edudesk.org to your safe senders list

  2. Notification preferences:

    • Check your notification settings in your profile

    • Ensure notifications are enabled for relevant events

  3. System configuration:

    • Administrators should verify email server settings

    • Check if notification services are running properly

Performance Issues

Slow Loading Times

Symptoms:

  • Pages take a long time to load

  • System feels sluggish

  • Timeout errors

Solutions:

  1. Browser optimization:

    • Clear browser cache and cookies

    • Close unnecessary tabs and applications

    • Update your browser to the latest version

  2. Connection issues:

    • Test your internet connection speed

    • Try a different network if possible

    • Check if other websites are also slow

  3. System load:

    • The system may be experiencing high traffic

    • Try again during off-peak hours

    • Contact support if the issue persists

Search Not Working Properly

Symptoms:

  • Search returns no results for known items

  • Unexpected or irrelevant search results

  • Search function is slow or times out

Solutions:

  1. Search techniques:

    • Use simpler search terms

    • Try different keywords

    • Use filters instead of search for more specific results

  2. Index issues:

    • Administrators may need to rebuild search indexes

    • Recently added items may not be indexed yet

  3. Permission filters:

    • Search only returns results you have permission to view

    • Verify your access permissions with an administrator

File and Attachment Issues

Cannot Upload Files

Symptoms:

  • Error message when uploading attachments

  • Upload progress stalls

  • Files appear to upload but aren't saved

Solutions:

  1. File size:

    • Ensure files are under the size limit (typically 10MB)

    • Compress large files before uploading

    • Split very large files into smaller parts

  2. File type:

    • Check that the file type is supported

    • Rename files with correct extensions

    • Convert files to a more common format if needed

  3. Storage limits:

    • Your school may have reached its storage limit

    • Administrators should check storage usage in Subscription Settings

    • Consider removing unnecessary attachments

Cannot View Attachments

Symptoms:

  • Attachments appear in the ticket but won't open

  • Download fails or results in corrupted files

  • Attachment links return errors

Solutions:

  1. Browser settings:

    • Ensure pop-up blockers aren't preventing downloads

    • Check if your browser is blocking downloads

    • Try a different browser

  2. File corruption:

    • The file may have been corrupted during upload

    • Ask the uploader to send the file again

    • Try downloading on a different device

  3. Permission issues:

    • Verify you have permission to view attachments

    • Some file types may be restricted by your organization

Knowledge Base Issues

Cannot Find Articles

Symptoms:

  • Known articles don't appear in search results

  • Category navigation doesn't show expected articles

  • Recently created articles are missing

Solutions:

  1. Search techniques:

    • Use different keywords

    • Browse by category instead of searching

    • Check spelling of search terms

  2. Article visibility:

    • Articles may be set to private or internal only

    • Check if the article has been published

    • Verify you have permission to view the article

  3. Indexing delays:

    • New articles may take time to appear in search

    • Administrators may need to rebuild the knowledge base index

Cannot Create or Edit Articles

Symptoms:

  • Error message when saving articles

  • Editor doesn't load properly

  • Changes don't persist after saving

Solutions:

  1. Permission issues:

    • Verify you have permission to create/edit articles

    • Some categories may have restricted editing rights

  2. Content issues:

    • Check for character limits in titles or content

    • Remove any special characters or formatting that might cause issues

    • Try saving with simpler formatting first

  3. Browser compatibility:

    • The editor may have issues with certain browsers

    • Try a different browser

    • Update your current browser to the latest version

Reporting Issues

Reports Not Generating

Symptoms:

  • Error message when running reports

  • Report generation times out

  • Empty or incomplete reports

Solutions:

  1. Data volume:

    • Large date ranges may cause timeouts

    • Try narrowing the report parameters

    • Break complex reports into smaller segments

  2. Filter configuration:

    • Check for conflicting filter settings

    • Ensure required parameters are completed

    • Try with minimal filters first, then add more

  3. Permission issues:

    • Verify you have access to the data being reported

    • Some report types may require specific permissions

Incorrect Report Data

Symptoms:

  • Report numbers don't match expected values

  • Missing data in reports

  • Inconsistent results between similar reports

Solutions:

  1. Parameter settings:

    • Verify date ranges are set correctly

    • Check all filter settings

    • Ensure the correct categories and fields are selected

  2. Data synchronization:

    • Recent data may not be reflected immediately

    • Try running the report again after a few minutes

    • Check if any data imports or migrations are in progress

  3. Report definition:

    • The report may not be configured to show what you expect

    • Consult with an administrator about report definitions

    • Try a different report type that might better match your needs

Account and Profile Issues

Cannot Update Profile

Symptoms:

  • Error message when saving profile changes

  • Changes don't persist after saving

  • Profile page doesn't load properly

Solutions:

  1. Required fields:

    • Ensure all required fields are completed

    • Check for format requirements (e.g., phone numbers)

  2. Permission issues:

    • Some profile fields may be locked by administrators

    • Verify you have permission to edit your profile

  3. Browser issues:

    • Clear browser cache and cookies

    • Try a different browser

    • Disable browser extensions that might interfere

Password Reset Problems

Symptoms:

  • Password reset email never arrives

  • Reset link doesn't work

  • New password is rejected

Solutions:

  1. Email delivery:

    • Check spam/junk folders

    • Verify your email address is correct in the system

    • Ask an administrator to check your email in the system

  2. Link expiration:

    • Reset links typically expire after 24 hours

    • Request a new reset link if needed

    • Complete the reset process promptly

  3. Password requirements:

    • Ensure new password meets complexity requirements

    • Typically needs 8+ characters, uppercase, lowercase, number, symbol

    • Cannot be the same as previous passwords

Integration Issues

CORS Issues with Stripe Integration

Symptoms:

  • Payment processing fails

  • Console errors mentioning CORS policy

  • Subscription changes cannot be completed

Solutions:

  1. For End Users:

    • Clear browser cache and cookies

    • Try a different browser

    • Disable browser extensions that might interfere with payments

    • Contact your administrator to report the issue

  2. For Administrators:

    • EduDesk uses Netlify Functions to handle Stripe payments

    • Verify that the Netlify Functions are properly deployed

    • Check that the environment variables for Stripe are correctly set

    • Ensure your Stripe account is active and properly configured

    • Contact support@edudesk.org if issues persist

SSO Login Problems

Symptoms:

  • "Sign in with Google/Microsoft" doesn't work

  • Redirected back to login page after SSO attempt

  • Error message during SSO process

Solutions:

  1. Account linking:

    • Ensure your SSO email matches your EduDesk account email

    • Your account may need to be linked by an administrator

  2. Configuration issues:

    • SSO integration may not be properly configured

    • Administrators should verify OAuth settings

  3. Browser issues:

    • Clear browser cache and cookies

    • Try a different browser

    • Ensure third-party cookies are enabled

Getting Additional Help

If you've tried the solutions above and still experience issues:

  1. Contact your school's IT administrator

    • They have additional tools and permissions to help

    • They can escalate issues to EduDesk support if needed

  2. Check the Knowledge Base

    • Search for more specific troubleshooting articles

    • New solutions are added regularly

  3. Contact EduDesk Support

    • Email: support@edudesk.org

    • Include detailed information about the issue

    • Mention troubleshooting steps you've already tried

    • Provide screenshots if possible