What is the first step in troubleshooting?

The first step in troubleshooting is to conduct a visual inspection. This step involves looking over the equipment or system carefully to identify any obvious issues such as loose connections, damaged components, or other visible signs of malfunction. It allows the technician to gather initial information about the state of the system and often reveals foundational problems that can lead to further investigative steps.

Once a visual inspection is performed, other troubleshooting methods can be utilized, such as consulting manuals, performing reboots, or conducting functional tests. However, starting with a visual inspection can save time and effort by identifying apparent issues before diving deeper into more complex diagnostics.