What action is involved in the first step of the troubleshooting procedure?

Identifying the symptoms is a crucial initial step in any troubleshooting procedure. This step involves recognizing and understanding the specific problems or issues that are occurring with a system or device. By clearly defining the symptoms, you create a foundation for further investigation and analysis. This enables you to focus on the areas that need attention and directs the subsequent steps in the troubleshooting process.

Gathering tools and analyzing data are important, but they come after you have a clear understanding of the symptoms. Reviewing previous repairs can provide context and insights but is not the first action taken in troubleshooting. By starting with identifying the symptoms, you ensure that your approach to solving the problem is grounded in the actual issues experienced, which ultimately leads to more effective and efficient problem resolution.