How do I troubleshoot this IT issue?

How do I troubleshoot this IT issue?

Decision tree

Overview

Type
Decision tree
Entry
Q1
Questions
6
Outcomes
7
Author
Andrew
Last updated
2026-05-12

Full decision path

Start: Q1

Q1 — Is the device powered on?

Q2 — Is the device connected to the network?

Q2b — Is this a Wi-Fi or wired connection?

Q3 — Are other users on the same network affected?

Q4 — Has anything changed recently (updates, new software, config)?

Q5 — Can you roll back the change?

Outcomes

Check power supply (OUT_POWER)
Reached from Q1 (no).
Reconnect to Wi-Fi (OUT_WIFI)
Reached from Q2b (A).
Check ethernet cable (OUT_WIRED)
Reached from Q2b (B).
Run network diagnostics (OUT_NETWORK_UNKNOWN)
Reached from Q2b (C).
Check service status (OUT_OUTAGE)
Reached from Q3 (yes).
Roll back recent change (OUT_ROLLBACK)
Reached from Q5 (yes).
Escalate to IT support (OUT_ESCALATE)
Reached from Q4 (no), Q5 (no).

Machine-Readable JSON (Canonical Model)

View JSON
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      "id": "Q1",
      "text": "Is the device powered on?"
    },
    {
      "id": "Q2",
      "text": "Is the device connected to the network?"
    },
    {
      "id": "Q2b",
      "text": "Is this a Wi-Fi or wired connection?"
    },
    {
      "id": "Q3",
      "text": "Are other users on the same network affected?"
    },
    {
      "id": "Q4",
      "text": "Has anything changed recently (updates, new software, config)?"
    },
    {
      "id": "Q5",
      "text": "Can you roll back the change?"
    }
  ],
  "outcomes": [
    {
      "id": "OUT_POWER",
      "label": "Check power supply"
    },
    {
      "id": "OUT_WIFI",
      "label": "Reconnect to Wi-Fi"
    },
    {
      "id": "OUT_WIRED",
      "label": "Check ethernet cable"
    },
    {
      "id": "OUT_NETWORK_UNKNOWN",
      "label": "Run network diagnostics"
    },
    {
      "id": "OUT_OUTAGE",
      "label": "Check service status"
    },
    {
      "id": "OUT_ROLLBACK",
      "label": "Roll back recent change"
    },
    {
      "id": "OUT_ESCALATE",
      "label": "Escalate to IT support"
    }
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}

DSL Representation

dag: How do I troubleshoot this IT issue?
version: 1.0.0
entry: Q1

Q1: Is the device powered on?
  hint: Check that the power cable is connected and the power light is on.
  yes -> Q2
  no  -> [OUT_POWER]

Q2: Is the device connected to the network?
  yes -> Q3
  no  -> Q2b

Q2b: Is this a Wi-Fi or wired connection?
  A: Wi-Fi   -> [OUT_WIFI]
  B: Wired   -> [OUT_WIRED]
  C: Unknown -> [OUT_NETWORK_UNKNOWN]

Q3: Are other users on the same network affected?
  hint: Ask a colleague or check the status page.
  yes -> [OUT_OUTAGE]
  no  -> Q4

Q4: Has anything changed recently (updates, new software, config)?
  yes -> Q5
  no  -> [OUT_ESCALATE]

Q5: Can you roll back the change?
  yes -> [OUT_ROLLBACK]
  no  -> [OUT_ESCALATE]

[OUT_POWER]:           Check power supply
  description: Ensure the device is plugged in and the power outlet is working.
  code: FIX_POWER

[OUT_WIFI]:            Reconnect to Wi-Fi
  description: Forget the network and reconnect, or restart the wireless adapter.
  code: FIX_WIFI

[OUT_WIRED]:           Check ethernet cable
  description: Reseat the cable or try a different port on the switch.
  code: FIX_WIRED

[OUT_NETWORK_UNKNOWN]: Run network diagnostics
  description: Use the OS network troubleshooter to identify the connection type.
  code: FIX_NET_DIAG

[OUT_OUTAGE]:          Check service status
  description: A wider outage may be in progress. Monitor the status page and wait.
  code: FIX_OUTAGE

[OUT_ROLLBACK]:        Roll back recent change
  description: Revert the update or configuration change and retest.
  code: FIX_ROLLBACK

[OUT_ESCALATE]:        Escalate to IT support
  description: Collect logs and open a support ticket with the IT helpdesk.
  code: FIX_ESCALATE

Machine Access

Questions in this decision tree

Possible outcomes

How to use this decision tree

Click "Open interactive version" to step through the questions. Your answers narrow the tree until a recommended outcome is reached. You can also embed this tree on your own site.

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