Troubleshooting is a systematic approach to problem-solving that is often used to find and correct issues with complex machines, electronics, computers and software systems. The first step in most troubleshooting methods is gathering information on the issue, such as an undesired behaviour or a lack of expected functionality.

Once the issue and how to reproduce it are understood, the next step is to eliminate unnecessary components to determine if the issue persists. This can help identify component incompatibility issues and problems caused by third-party products.

Troubleshooting methodologies usually try to isolate a problem so that it can be examined. The initial goal is to diagnose the problem and try obvious solutions, such as performing a system reboot, powering down and up, and checking that the power cord is connected.

Trouble-shooters initially look for common, known causes. For example, when a laptop won’t boot up, an obvious first step is to check whether the power cable is working. Once common issues are ruled out, trouble-shooters must run through a checklist of components to identify where the failure is happening.

Computer problems that trouble-shooters address can show up in any number of places. Examples of places trouble-shooters find themselves working include the following:

• Operating systems
• Applications
• Central processing units or CPUs
• Firewalls
• Hard drives
• Solid-state drives
• Servers