A person carefully diagnosing an open laptop at a repair workbench

Fix

Find the smallest sensible fix.

Start with the symptom and protect what matters. Then separate the device, account, network, accessory, and service before resetting or replacing anything.

Describe the problem

The calm rule

Observe first. Protect data. Change one thing.

A factory reset, replacement, or new subscription can look decisive while destroying evidence or adding a second problem. A clear boundary is more useful.

Safe symptom router

What is happening?

If there is smoke, fire, a swollen battery, immediate physical danger, or financial loss in progress, stop and use the appropriate emergency, manufacturer, or financial-institution route.

What is affected?
What do you notice?
How wide is the problem?
Is important data protected?