Test the Theory to Determine an Exact Cause

· Determine the exact cause by testing the theories of probable cause one at a time, starting with the easiest and most obvious first

· After identifying an exact cause of the problem, determine the steps to resolve the problem

· If the exact cause of the problem has not been determined after all theories have been tested, establish a new theory of probable cause and test it

· Document each test tried that did not correct the problem

· Common steps to determine the cause of the problem:

• Ensure that the device is powered on.

• Ensure that the power switch for an outlet is turned on.

• Ensure that the surge protector is turned on.

• Ensure that external cable connections are secure.

• Ensure that the designated boot drive is bootable.

• Verify the boot order in the BIOS setup.