What is the first step in the troubleshooting process?

The first step in the troubleshooting process is to analyze the symptom. This step is crucial because it involves gathering information about the problem at hand. By observing and identifying the symptoms, a technician can begin to understand the nature of the issue. This initial phase establishes a baseline for further investigation and helps in formulating potential solutions. Without a thorough analysis of the symptoms, one risks misdiagnosing the problem, which can lead to ineffective solutions or further complications.

Moving beyond this step involves detecting and isolating the trouble, which is a natural progression but relies heavily on the understanding gained from the initial symptom analysis. Implementing a solution and correcting the problem are subsequent actions that can only be effectively executed after the root cause has been properly identified and understood. Thus, analyzing the symptom is essential to navigating the troubleshooting process effectively, making it the foundational first step.