What is the first step in the troubleshooting process?

The first step in the troubleshooting process is to perform an operational check. This step is crucial because it helps you understand the system's current state and identify any immediate issues. By assessing whether the system is functioning as expected, you can gather useful information about the nature of the problem.

Conducting an operational check also allows you to establish a baseline for how the system should behave under normal conditions. This sets the stage for more detailed diagnostic procedures allowed for further investigation of specific components or settings if abnormalities are detected during the check.

Following this initial assessment, you can then move on to more specific procedures like inspecting for physical damage, measuring voltage levels, or considering the replacement of faulty components based on the operational check’s findings. Each of these subsequent steps relies on the insights gathered during the operational check, emphasizing its foundational role in effective troubleshooting.