How to Windows Like a Pro (Cheat Sheet Edition)

If the steps in this guide do not resolve your issue, or if the issue occurs regularly, please contact the H&L Support team for further assistance. You can log a support ticket via: 

• Phone: 1800 778 340 
• Email: support@hlpos.com 
• Chat:  Live Chat   
• Client Portal: Click the Submit a Ticket button above. 

Steps to check and restart services

1. Open Services Panel
   There are several ways to access the Services panel in Windows:
   • Start menu search: Click the Start button (Windows icon on the taskbar), type "Services", then select the Services app. The icon looks like two gears.
     
   • Run command: Press Windows + R, type "services.msc", then press Enter.
     
     
2. Locate relevant services
   In the Services window, find the following:
   1. Sysnet services begin with "H&L Sysnet - "  (e.g. H&L Sysnet - Point of Sale Controller Service, H&L Sysnet - Payment Service)
   2. Windows or third-party services (e.g. Print Spooler - manages print jobs, Linkly Client - required for Linkly integrated eftpos)
      
      

3. Start or restart services
   Right-click on each service and choose Start (if not running) or Restart.
   
   

In newer Windows versions:

1. Click the Start button, type "run", then select the Run app.
2. Type "control panel" and press Enter.
3. From the Control Panel window, select Hardware and Sound.  
4. Select Devices and Printers.

• You can also use the Start menu to search for Control Panel directly.
  

Set a Printer as default

Sysnet reporting requires that a default printer is set in Windows.

In Windows Settings (Printers & scanners):

1. Open Printers & scanners via Settings.
2. Left-click the printer you want to set as default.
3. Select Set as default.
4. The word "Default" will appear below the selected printer.

In Control Panel (Devices and Printers):

• Open Devices and Printers via the Control Panel.
• Right-click the printer you want to set as default.
• Select Set as default printer.
• A green checkmark will appear next to the selected printer.
  

Check Printer Status (Online/Offline)

Windows printer status can help identify problems with the printer.

• In Devices and Printers, locate your printer.
• If the printer icon is greyed out or displays "Offline", right-click the printer.
• Click See what's printing, then go to Printer > Use Printer Offline and ensure it is unchecked.

Print a Test Page

A test page confirms that the printer is correctly installed and able to print from Windows.

In Windows Settings (Printers & scanners):

1. Select your printer from the list.
2. Select Print Test Page

In Control Panel (Devices and Printers):

1. Right-click the printer and select Printer properties.
2. In the General tab, click Print Test Page.
   

In Windows Settings (Printers & scanners):

1. Select the printer then select Open print queue.
2. Right-click a print job and select Cancel.

In Control Panel (Devices and Printers):

1. Right-click the printer and select See what’s printing.
2. Right-click a print job and select Cancel.

Note: You can also cancel all print jobs from the print queue window.

How to restart Windows devices correctly

Restarting your system correctly helps ensure that all services, devices, and applications function as expected after reboot. This is especially important for the H&L server, which hosts the Sysnet database and runs key application services.

How to Open Task Manager

• Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager
• Or, Press Control + Shift + Escape

How to end a frozen program

1. In Task Manager, click the Processes tab (if not already selected).
2. Scroll to find the frozen or unresponsive program (e.g. Exceed, Sysnet Utilities).
3. Select the frozen application.
4. Click the End Task button.
5. The app should close immediately. You can now reopen the application.
   

⚠️ Important: Avoid ending applications or system processes if you are unsure of their purpose or unless instructed to do so. System-critical applications (such as Transaction Server) should be reopened immediately after being force-closed.

Verifying OS version, hostname, and IP address

When contacting a person or support service for help, providing key system details, such as the operating system version, hostname, and IP address of your device, helps others understand your environment and assist more efficiently.

How to find your hostname

1. Click the Start button (Windows icon on the taskbar), type "settings", then select the Settings app.
2. Click System, scroll down, and select About.
3. Look for Device name—this is your hostname.

Using System Information:

1. Click the Start button, type "run", then select the Run app.
2. Type "msinfo32" and press Enter.
3. In the System Information window, look for System Name—this is your hostname.

How to check your Windows version

1. Click the Start button, type "run", then select the Run app.
2. Type "winver" and press Enter.
3. A window will appear showing your Windows version and build number.

How to confirm your IP address

1. Click the Start button, type "run", then select the Run app.
2. Type "control panel" and press Enter.
3. Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
4. Click your active network connection. This is a blue link next to Connections:.
5. In the new status window that opens, click Details.
6. Look for IPv4 Address—this is your computer’s IP address on the local network.
   

Running H&L applications as Administrator

Windows settings or permissions can sometimes prevent certain functions from working correctly. Running an application "as administrator" can help identify or resolve the issue. For example, reports may fail to generate during stock movement related tasks, but work when running as administrator.

How to run an application as administrator (one time)

Use this method to confirm if it resolves the issue.

1. Right-click the app shortcut or .exe file.
2. Select Run as administrator.
3. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.

How to always run an application as administrator

⚠️ Important: It’s recommended that you check with your IT or system administrator before permanently setting an application to run as an administrator. They may want to investigate the underlying Windows environment to find a solution that doesn’t require elevated permissions.

• Right-click the app shortcut or .exe file and choose Properties.
• Go to the Compatibility tab.
• Check the box labelled Run this program as an administrator.
• Click Apply, then OK

Opening File Explorer and accessing the Sysnet folder

File Explorer (previously called Windows Explorer) lets you access all the files and folders on your computer. You can use the Sysnet folder to open H&L applications if desktop, taskbar, or system tray shortcuts are unavailable.

How to open File Explorer

• Click the File Explorer icon (yellow folder) on your taskbar.
• Or, press Windows + E on your keyboard.
  
  

How to access the Sysnet folder

1. Open File Explorer.
2. In the left-hand panel, click This PC.
3. Navigate to: Local Disk (C:) > Program Files (x86) > H&L > Sysnet.

How to check your internet connection

Many H&L features and integrations require an active internet connection, including EFTPOS integrations and ODM kitchen monitors. The steps below will help you confirm whether a POS terminal, kitchen monitor, or H&L server is connected to the internet.

Check using a web browser

1. Open any web browser (e.g. Chrome, Edge, or Firefox).
2. In the address bar, type "www.hlpos.com" and press Enter.
3. If the page loads, your internet connection is working.
4. If you see a message such as "No internet" or "Page cannot be displayed", your device is not connected.

If you have no internet

• Check that your network cables are securely plugged in (for Ethernet connections).
• Refer to your IT team, contractor, or internet service provider for internet troubleshooting.
• Contact H&L Support if the issue appears to involve H&L-supplied hardware, or if problems continue after internet access is restored.