In troubleshooting, what comes after identifying symptoms?

After identifying symptoms in a troubleshooting process, the next logical step is to select the most probable cause. At this stage, you have gathered information about the issues that are occurring, and it's crucial to narrow down the potential problems that could be responsible for those symptoms.

Choosing the most probable cause involves analyzing the symptoms and correlating them with known issues or common problems that are likely to create such symptoms. This step is critical because it focuses your efforts on what is most likely causing the issue, which can lead to a more effective resolution.

The point of this stage is to prioritize the most likely underlying cause based on the gathered data about the symptoms. Only once you have identified the most probable cause can you proceed to research possible fixes or prepare for testing potential solutions. Hence, selecting the most probable cause is a foundational step that informs all subsequent troubleshooting actions.