What’s your next step?



An office computer has been having a problem where three or four times a day the system freezes while sitting idle, requiring a reboot each time. You believe the problem may be related to the memory, so you replace all of the system RAM with new memory modules. What’s your next step?

A) While the system is open, replace any other components that could be causing the problem

B) Return the computer to the user and document your changes

C) Change the anti-virus agent on the computer to a version from a different manufacturer

D) Test the new memory modules with a 24-hour burn in process


The answer: D) Test the new memory modules with a 24-hour burn in process

Now that you’ve made one change, you should run some tests to be sure that the one issue you modified has really corrected the issue.


The incorrect answers:

A) While the system is open, replace any other components that could be causing the problem
For most problems, you should change one thing at a time. If you make many changes at one time, you won’t be sure exactly which modification actually solved your problem.

B) Return the computer to the user and document your changes
Before you put the system back in front of the user, it’s worth it to spend a day running tests to confirm that the problem has been resolved.

C) Change the anti-virus agent on the computer to a version from a different manufacturer
Again, it’s important that you don’t make more than one change at a time. Changing the anti-virus agent would be a major change to the operating system.

Want to know more? Watch “The Troubleshooting Process.”

One of the most important aspects of the CompTIA A+ certification is the constant focus on resolving almost any technical issue. In this module, you’ll learn the five steps of troubleshooting theory and how each step is an important part of the process towards resolving problems