Troubleshooting

What is Troubleshooting?

Troubleshooting is a process where you have to discover the issue and then resolve it. Often applied to repair failed software or a machine. The first step to troubleshoot an issue is to gather all the information about the issue. Once you have enough information to resolve the issue, you need to find the appropriate way to resolve it.

 When the issue is resolved, you need to have a second check to make sure that the issue has not arisen again. Of course, its not always as easy as it sounds. It ain’t strictly connected to computer problems, we meet with problems on a daily basis and they all need troubleshooting.

Getting into the core of the issue can be mind-boggling sometimes. It requires the right questions with right answers, or else you won’t find the root of the problem and the agony continues.

Picture 1. Troubleshooting

4 Easy ways to Troubleshoot for a solution

1. Define a Problem

The starting point is to find out what exactly is wrong, when this issue occured and who was involved when it occured. Without the proper description of the problem, it will be much more difficult to find a solution.

2. Gather All Possible Information

Now that you’ve defined the core information, ask further questions. Under which circumstances this problem occurs, how often, if this is the first time it occurs and if it has any connection with any other procedure.

3. Develop a Hypothesis of the Root Cause

If a problem occurred prior to the new one and we have a clue that it might be the same one, it’s easier for us to find a solution. Or at least be assured that we are on the right track.

4. Try to Find a Solution

After gathering all the information it is much easier to reach a solution. And if you’re a more visual type, you can always write everything on a board. Maybe this will lead you to something.

And if the issue is not urgent, it might be a good idea to leave it for a couple of days. Sometimes the solutioon is right in front of our eyes and we need to take a step back in order to see it.