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My old boss said to always check the simple stuff first, even when it looks complex
About five years ago, I spent three hours trying to fix a PC that wouldn't boot, checking the PSU and motherboard. My boss, a guy named Carl, walked over and just asked if I'd reseated the RAM. I hadn't, and that was it. He told me to start with the easy, free checks before assuming the worst. I've used that advice on probably a hundred machines since. Anyone else have a simple rule they got from a mentor that stuck with them?
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nathan_webb2mo ago
Isn't that more about checking the cheap stuff first, not just the simple stuff? Like, reseating RAM is free, swapping a PSU costs money. My old mentor drilled into me to try the zero-cost fixes before buying any parts. That rule has saved me from ordering so many unnecessary components over the years.
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michael5192mo ago
My old CompTIA A+ book had a whole section on this. They called it "least invasive first" and listed steps like checking cable connections before even opening the case. It's basically the same idea, just formalized for the exam.
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paul_morgan2mo ago
Yeah, the "zero-cost fixes" idea is solid, but it misses the time cost. Reseating every cable and component in a dusty office PC might be free, but it could eat an hour. Sometimes the slightly more invasive check, like a quick diagnostic boot, actually finds the problem faster. It's about balancing the money saved against your time, especially if you're helping a friend and just want it fixed.
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