IT Services

Common Questions We Have Heard

In need of managed IT services? ChimeraTek is your trusted local IT support company for your SME business. We cover everything from system maintenance and cloud setup to cybersecurity, storage backup and recovery, hardware repairs and much more…

Seek the questions below in our FAQ page and if you don’t feel like your query is answered, reach out to us. Here are the most common questions we have heard from companies in Lincoln who rely on IT services to keep their hardware running smoothly.

Optimising Spend on IT Services for Better ROI

What is the purpose of IT service management?

Saving your business time, money, and stress.

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Working with a Managed Service Partner (MSP) has the primary benefit of saving your time and reducing your stress to save you a headache with day to day IT frustrations.

When an issue occurs, whether it’s a network issue, emails not working, a windows error, or a hardware malfunction. You should send an email / make a call / send a WhatsApp message to your IT service provider and from that moment onwards, the issue is being actively resolved.

You can carry on with your business safely, reassured that your issue is in hand and will be resolved without you lifting a finger.

Contact ChimeraTek for a free consultation.

What are the cost benefits of outsourcing IT services?

Outsourced IT support saves your business money by reducing overheads and improving efficiency.

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Outsourcing your IT services to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) like ChimeraTek removes the need to hire and train in-house staff, saving thousands in salaries, pensions, and HR costs by offering predictable monthly expenses.

With scalable solutions, you only pay for what your business actually needs, no wasted resources, no overspending.

See how ChimeraTek can help support your business.

Connecting Your Staff With Networking & Telephony

Can you improve my Wifi connection?

We can optimise business networks to keep your staff and devices reliably connected.

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Unstable Wi-Fi or slow Ethernet connections can bring a business to a halt, dropping POS systems, disconnecting staff, and interrupting day-to-day operations.

ChimeraTek can assist with your entire network infrastructure. From router placement to cabling and signal interference, we optimise both wired and wireless networks to ensure fast, stable, and secure connections for desktops, laptops, payment terminals, and all other devices.

No matter your business, we help you stay productive by eliminating connection issues and ensuring your staff can work without disruption.

Contact ChimeraTek for a free consultation.

Can you set up a VoIP phone for my business?

Yes, we provide VoIP phone systems with SLA backed gaurantees of service uptime.

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At ChimeraTek, we set up and manage VoIP phone systems tailored to your needs, whether you’re a small team or a multi-site operation.

We can provide you with systems like 3CX Cloud, traditional PBX systems, or bespoke solutions in order to give you a flexible, scalable setup that grows with your business. From desk phones to softphone apps, we ensure every staff member stays connected whether office based or working remotely.

Contact ChimeraTek for a free consultation.

Fixing & Setting Up Business Systems

Can you fix windows update errors?

If you’ve run Windows troubleshooter and the issue persists, get your computer booked in with ChimeraTek.

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Windows Update errors can happen for a variety of reasons, and many come with error codes such as; 0x80072f8f, 0x20000, 0x80072efe, 0x8007007e

There are many more errors, and to fix them requires some troubleshooting. Your issue could be disk space, a previous pending update or a system / firmware / driver update that is stuck.

Rather than spending hours trying to resolve it yourself, we recommend booking your device in for professional diagnostics and repair. ChimeraTek will fully inspect the system, apply the correct fixes, and return it to you fully updated and running smoothly! Saving you time, frustration, and potential risks.

Contact ChimeraTek to book your device in.

Can you make our current computers faster?

We can optimise performance through clean installs, software management, and strategic upgrades.

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Before investing in new equipment, many businesses are surprised at how much performance can be recovered through a properly managed refresh. At ChimeraTek, we offer full system cleanups, Windows reinstallation (without losing your data), and smart performance tuning.

We’ll also check for background processes, outdated drivers, or unnecessary apps dragging your machines down. If needed, we’ll suggest low-cost hardware upgrades like SSDs or memory to complement the software optimisation—boosting speed without the price tag of new devices.

Explore more on our maintenance, repairs & upgrades page.

Can you restrict software installations?

We can prevent staff from installing software or changing settings and restrict user access, keeping your systems under control.

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If employees are installing their own apps or changing settings, you risk your system slowing down, security issues, and inconsistent setups across the business. We can help by setting up a domained environment using tools Microsoft Intune and other requirement specific softwares.

With these tools, we can enforce user policies, restrict software installations and manage devices remotely, ensuring every machine operates as intended.

This kind of user account control protects business data, reduces IT problems and helps you maintain a professional and compliant IT setup.

Can you set up & Manage Microsoft 365?

Yes, we can handle full Microsoft 365 setup, licensing and long-term support, at better rates than going directly to Microsoft.

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At ChimeraTek, we can remove the headache of setting up Microsoft 365 by handling everything for you. From user account creation and licensing to SharePoint / OneDrive shared drive setups with hierarchical access if required.

Whether you’re a startup or an established business, we ensure your staff are connected with the right tools and productivity software. We also provide ongoing management, including user support, security updates, license adjustments, and data backups.

Outsourcing your Microsoft 365 services to us means less admin, improved uptime, and a system that evolves with your business at a lower cost that going to Microsoft directly.

Business Email Support

How can i get a business email address?

If you want a professional email address such as you@yourbusiness.co.uk, you’ll need a custom domain name.

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Having a branded, custom email address not only builds trust with customers, it’s also a key part of your business identity.

ChimeraTek can help you register a domain with the name of your choice (subject to availability) and the extension you prefer, such as .co.uk, .com, .net, or others. Once your domain is secured, we can handle the full business email setup, including creating your email address and configuring it on your devices.

Contact ChimeraTek to discuss your needs.

What’s the best email platform for a small business?

If you need industry standard features, Microsoft 365. If budget is the primary focus, there are free options we would recommend.

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Microsoft 365 is the industry standard for good reasons. It has a comprehensive feature set that businesses have come to rely on. While ChimeraTek can offer licenses at a better price point than going to Microsoft directly, we understand that sometimes the budget doesn’t allow for this.

Free alternatives that ChimeraTek suggest are:
• Email – Mozilla Thunderbird
• Office apps (such as Excel, Word, Etc…) – Open Office

Contact ChimeraTek to discuss your email needs.

Can you fix issues with my business emails?

If you’re unable to send or receive any emails, it can be fixed incredibly quickly.

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When emails stop sending or receiving, it can bring your business to a standstill. Common causes include a full mailbox, incorrect SMTP or IMAP settings, or provider-side changes that disrupt server connections.

You might also be dealing with blocked ports, expired DNS records, or domain issues, especially if your email runs through third-party hosting.

At ChimeraTek, we provide expert IT support to troubleshoot and fix business email problems quickly. Whether it’s a client setup, domain configuration, or joining a domain to Microsoft for use with Exchange, we’ll get your communications back online with minimal disruption.

Get in touch to restore your email service and keep your business moving.

Cyber security for Businesses

How can we avoid business targeted scams?

Vigilance is key. If you don’t know the sender don’t click any links or download any attached content.

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One of the most common threats is a phishing scam, where a fake email tries to trick you into clicking a link, opening an attachment, or entering login details on a fake website. These often appear to come from a known company but use suspicious domains or slight misspellings to fool you.

Other common scams include:

  • Invoice fraud – fake payment requests appearing to come from suppliers.
  • Tech support scams – callers pretending to be from Microsoft or other providers.
  • Ransomware attacks – malicious software that locks your files or systems and demands payment to restore access.

The easiest way to defeat them is by not taking action.

To stay protected, businesses should regularly review their email security policies, use up-to-date and enterprise grade security software (we do have an offering for this), and train staff to recognise suspicious activity. ChimeraTek can help companies put smart IT security measures in place to reduce risk and stop threats before they cause damage.

Contact ChimeraTek to discuss your needs.

How do i know if i have been phished?

If you’ve received an email but the email domain doesn’t precisely match who they are claiming to be, it’s likely a phishing attempt.

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Be especially cautious if the message includes an unexpected attachment or a link asking you to “log in” to something unfamiliar.

This is a common sign of a phishing attack, and being vigilant is crucial. Scammers often use domains that look almost identical to legitimate ones. For example: example.com might appear as example.co (a subtle but dangerous difference).

IMPORTANT! – If you believe you’ve clicked on a phishing link or entered your credentials on a fake website, change your password immediately using the official site and contact an IT professional right away.

Concerned about your security? Contact ChimeraTek IT Services

Is an antivirus really necessary?

Yes. Internet security is essential for every device in a business environment.

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If your business works with sensitive data or is looking to tender for contracts with the NHS, government, or civil services, then strong cybersecurity measures aren’t optional, they’re manditory. Without proper protection, you’re at greater risk of data breaches, malware infections, and thus noncompliance with GDPR regulations.

Investing in a professional internet security solution helps protect your systems, maintain trust, and meet the data protection standards required for today’s business landscape.

Contact us to discuss your needs.

How can cyber threats be prevented?

Protecting your systems requires more than just basic antivirus, it takes a multi-layered cybersecurity strategy.

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Cyber threats and cybercrime are a constant risk to businesses of all sizes.

Here are the main steps to help prevent cyber threats:

  • Advanced internet security software.
  • Hardware firewall installation – A physical firewall on your network adds a powerful layer of protection against external attacks.
  • Regular data backups – Backing up vital data to a location that is not directly connected to your network will help you recover quickly from ransomware attacks or accidental data loss.
  • User access control & permissions – Limit who can access data across shared drives or cloud systems.
    If a correct hierarchical structure is in place, it limits the data damage caused if a lower access member is compromised.
  • Staff awareness training – Many cyber attacks begin with human error. Educating your team helps stop threats before they start.

ChimeraTek provide business cybersecurity solutions. Whether you’re a small office, a growing company, or managing sensitive data. Proactive, scalable IT security is essential to keeping your business safe.

Contact us to discuss your needs.

Storage Management & Optimisation

Can you upgrade storage without loosing data?

Yes, we can expand your storage safely while keeping your data intact.

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Upgrading your PC or laptop’s storage doesn’t mean losing your files. We can perform drive upgrades with data migration that preserve your data, settings, and software.

If your system is running out of space, you may notice slow performance, failed updates, or issues saving documents. We’ll assess your current setup and transfer everything safely to a new, larger drive with no data loss, and no stress.

How do I know if my storage is failing?

It’s not always obvious, but common signs of hard drive failure include corrupted files, missing data, or slow file access.

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If your PC takes longer than it did to save or open files, or if photos and videos won’t load correctly, your HDD or SSD may be starting to fail.

We recommend booking in for a drive health check to confirm the issue. ChimeraTek offers data recovery, drive replacement, and secure data transfer services if required, to get you back up and running.

How much storage does a small business need?

Choosing the right storage capacity for a small business depends on your workflow and data habits.

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If you rely on cloud services like OneDrive then minimal local space may be fine. If you’re storing everything on the device directly then we would advise you monitor your usage, and if you’re over 60%, it’s time to upgrade.

Determining how much space you will need is like asking ‘how long is a piece of string?’. Every business is different. For tailored advice on business storage solutions, contact ChimeraTek and we’ll help you get it right from the start.

Can you free up OneDrive storage?

We can. Due to data being unique and precious we like to do this with the customer present.

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Working together with the customer we will stop syncronisation with OneDrive, and using the web portal, check over the important files to remove irrelevant data. This clears the space at the source.

Local data can then be verified and pruned as required before resuming syncronisation. If all data is required to be kept, ChimeraTek are always happy to discuss improved and cost effective storage solutions.

Can you manage shared drive access?

We can help businesses streamline shared storage and keep data secure.

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Shared drives can quickly become chaotic if access isn’t properly managed. Files go missing, duplicate folders appear, and confidential data may be viewed by the wrong staff.

At ChimeraTek, we help businesses set up and maintain secure shared storage solutions. With structured folder hierarchies, teams only see what they need to see.

The result? Less clutter, more accountability, and faster access to important files, keeping your business efficient, compliant, and secure.

Data Backups & Recovery

Can data loss be recovered?

In 99% of cases, yes. We cannot gaurantee a 100% success rate as there may be physical damage we cannot overcome.

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ChimeraTek and our trusted partners are experts in data recovery services. And to date, we’ve seen no permanent losses. Whether it’s deleted files, corrupted drives, or hard drive failures, we’ve successfully recovered data from a wide range of situations.

If you’ve experienced data loss, contact ChimeraTek for specialist file recovery support today.

What is the most common cause of data loss?

The most common cause is drive failure due to age and use. Working the drive to the point of failure.

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All storage devices wear out over time. They become more prone to data corruption and mechanical issues that can result in inaccessible files as they age.

While data recovery after a drive failure is often possible, there’s always a chance that some files may be permanently lost, especially in the case of physical damage.

At ChimeraTek, we specialise in helping users recover their data and assess aging storage devices before failure occurs.

Contact ChimeraTek

What are the advantages and disadvantages of cloud storage?

The advantages of cloud storage are numerous, easy access from anywhere, automatic backups, scalability, and strong data redundancy.

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For most businesses, cloud storage solutions provide a more flexible and secure alternative to local storage.

The primary disadvantage of cloud storage is its reliance on an internet connection. Without access to the internet, you may be unable to retrieve or upload new files.

That said, when set up correctly with a solid cloud data backup strategy, the benefits of online storage for businesses almost always outweigh those of local-only storage.

Contact ChimeraTek to discuss your cloud backup strategy

How do I recover lost documents on my computer?

Beyond checking the Recycle Bin, recovering lost documents often requires using advanced data recovery tools.

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Using data recovery tools (DRT’s) incorrectly can cause further damage, or overwrite important files, especially when attempting to undelete documents or restore corrupted data.

For safe, effective results, we strongly recommend using a professional document recovery service. At ChimeraTek, we specialise in recovering deleted files, lost documents, and damaged data from all types of storage devices.

Don’t risk losing your files permanently, contact ChimeraTek today and let us help “un-delete” what matters most.

Device Maintenance & Repairs

Do you support webcam and microphone issues?

Yes, if you or you or your staff are having issues with webcams / microphones we can help fix these quickly.

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If your webcam or microphone isn’t working during video calls, it’s often due to driver issues, privacy settings, or conflicts with apps like Zoom or Teams. Built-in cameras and mics may also fail from hardware faults or system misconfigurations.

ChimeraTek helps diagnose problems such as blocked access, disabled devices, or incorrect input selections and get everything working again quickly.

Whether it’s USB or built-in, oChimeraTek can assist with video conferencing, and hardware troubleshooting.

Keep your teem connected and productive, contact ChimeraTek

Can you fix or replace keyboards, mice, and screens?

Yes, we repair and replace common computer parts including laptop screens, keyboards, mice, and trackpads.

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If your business devices are suffering from cracked screens, broken keyboards, unresponsive mice or faulty trackpads, ChimeraTek can help.

We can supply genuine OEM replacements to keep your team working without delay. Whether it’s a desktop mouse that’s stopped responding or a laptop keyboard with stuck keys, we’ll get it sorted.

For businesses relying on smooth day-to-day operation, these small components make a big difference. We make sure they’re fixed quickly and correctly.

Broken parts? Contact ChimeraTek

Can you help with freezing, crashing or slow devices?

Yes, we can. Performance issues can be due to a number of factors. We will diagnose and replace the faulty / failing component.

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We understand that when your device is freezing, crashing, or lagging, it’s frustrating. Worse still, the time lost is wasted.

Common causes can include:
Failing or insufficient RAM, which limits multitasking.
Overheating or underpowered CPUs, which can cause apps to freeze or crash.
Failing power supplies (PSUs), responsible for random shutdowns and poor system stability.

These faults are especially common in older or overworked business computers, affect productivity and if left unchecked, risking data loss.

ChimeraTek specialises in diagnosing and repairing these core components and restoring performance, keeping your business running smoothly, without needing to replace the entire machine.

If you’re ready to throw something out of frustration. Contact ChimeraTek

IT Services