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Welcome to the Open University Student Computing & Distribution Helpdesk Website


We are here to assist Students and Associate Lecturers with technical and distribution queries relating to the Open University's computing resources.

Opening Hours

The helpdesk is open between the 09:00 and 21:30, Monday to Friday.

The Helpdesk is open on Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00

Most Bank Holidays are covered from 10:00 to 16:00.

The Helpdesk is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday.

PLEASE NOTE: The Helpdesk is closed between 16:30 - 17:30 hours every Wednesday afternoon for Staff Training.



Contacting the Student Computing & Distribution Helpdesk

The OU Student Computing & Distribution Helpdeskcan provide support via the following methods:

Online:

For Technical Support:

ou-computing-helpdesk@open.ac.uk

For Course Material queries:

distribution-helpdesk@open.ac.uk

Phone:

+44 (0) 1908 653972


FAQs & General Help:

http://www.open.ac.uk/computing-helpdesk


FAX:

+44 (0) 1908 652193
Please mark for the attention of the OU Computing Helpdesk


Letter:

OU Computing Helpdesk
The Open University
Room T025
East Perry
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA


When contacting the Helpdesk, whether by telephone or one of the alternate methods detailed above, please supply or have to hand the following information:

  • Your student or staff number (Personal Identifier).

  • Your Module Code.

  • Operating system:
  • Web Browser:
  • Internet Service provider:
  • Broadband connection:
  • Processor Type & Speed:
  • Amount of RAM (memory):
  • OS service packs:
  • Firewall installed:
  • Antivirus installed:
  • Admin privileges:

  • The full and exact text of any error messages or problems that your computer/software has generated.


During busy periods your telephone call will be placed in a queue and your call will be answered as soon as an Advisor becomes available. Please be patient and persistent!

Priority is given to telephone queries over other methods of contact, to minimize call waiting times.

Staff and Research Students


Full time Staff and Research Students should contact the IT helpdesk on
+44 (0)1908 654321 during the following hours:

08:00 to 17:30, Moday to Thursday
08:00 to 17:00 on Fridays

Alernatively you can email them on: IT-Helpdesk@open.ac.uk