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General Troubleshooting Tips - The 5 Step process (as described by Smartforce's Technical Support: PC Diagnostics and Repair)

Begin by talking to the person who reported the problem.
      - explain the sequence of events that caused the problem
      - was the PC moved or tampered with (for cleaning the desk, spills or
        other objects get into the system)
       - were there any hardware or software upgrades just prior to the problem
Verify the problem for yourself and identify the part of the system causing the problem.
       - begin with a careful visual inspection of the system checking the system peripherals for loose         or disconnected cables.
     - check the indicator lights on the front of the system's panel.
        No lights on, the problem is most likely the power supply. Check the power supply cord.
        A faulty power supply can also make the system partially active. Remove the peripheral
        devices and try swapping with a known good device.
Checking peripheral devices -
     - try swapping out devices for a known good part; remember to restart the system after each        part is swapped out to determine which part is faulty.
     - check the configuration settings of peripheral devices (check the device's operation manual)        to verify that they are correct.
    - check manuals for special tests, recommandations for repairs, or explanations of error       messages from the device's self-diagnosis programs.
    - also check the manufacturers online site for additional troubleshooting resources. (See below)
Plug-and-Play devices -
     - each plug-and-play device requires a unique set of resources to work properly (ie. interrupt      request (IRQ) line numbers, direct memory access (DMA) channels, memory addresses)
    - for Non-Plug-and-Play devices, the configuration needs to be set using special software or       jumper or dip settings. Check the instruction manual or manufacturer's online site.
    - occasionally two devices require the same resources that causes one of the devices to fail.      Check the devices' resource settings and manually change them to unique settings. Some      devices, such as interrupts on two PCI devices, can be shared depending on drivers and the      computer.
Document all your actions! -
    - good documentation will help avoid repetitive testing procedures and confusion.
   - generate a list of the problems encountered and results of various test procedures.
   - change only one item at a time and document the effect of that change on the system.

Additional Web Support:

Troubleshooting - diagnostic suggestions -
http://www.pcguide.com/ts/gen/first.htm
General diagnostic techniques -
http://www.pcguide.com/ts/gen/diag_Root.htm
Troubleshooting basics -
http://www.pcnineoneone.com/howto/tsbasics1.html?
Microsoft Troubleshooting and Maintenance Tools
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/reskits/webresources/default.asp

On-line Library Resources:
Upgrading and Repairing Your PC Answers! Certified Tech Support by Dave Johnson and Todd Stauffer
http://www.books24x7.com/marc.asp?isbn=007882463X

If you are unable to resolve a computer/network problem contact your Technology Support Team member.