Practical digital skills

Prepare a useful support request

Describe the expected result, reproduction steps and observed message, then share only the information needed by the official support team.

Step-by-step guideUpdated
Follow the method ↓
A technician examines computer components beside a work laptop

The answer in 30 seconds

It does not work leaves many possibilities open. A short, ordered description helps support understand the situation and avoids repeating tests you have already completed.

A useful request explains what you are trying to do, what happens and how to reproduce it. Include version, time and previous checks without sharing passwords or unnecessary private documents.

Examples to adapt

An intermittent problem

Record frequency, connection and affected device to identify common conditions.

A private file

Create a fictional example that reproduces the problem instead of sending the original.

Follow the method

  1. 1
    State the expected result

    Describe the exact action: opening a page, exporting a file or connecting a device. Add when it last worked if known.

  2. 2
    Reproduce safely

    Record the steps and exact message. Do not repeat an action that might send a payment or delete data.

  3. 3
    Prepare evidence

    Include the version and a cropped screenshot when helpful. Check tabs, notifications and filenames before sharing.

  4. 4
    Use the correct channel

    Find support through the official website, retain the case number and keep a record of attempted solutions.

A checklist to keep

Use these checks to record your observations. They are a reading aid, not an automatic assessment.

Prepare a useful support request: checklist
CheckWhat to examineAction
GoalExpected actionDescribe
ObservationMessage and timeRecord
ContextVersion and deviceSpecify
ChecksAction and resultKeep

Download the CSV checklist

Free, no sign-up. UTF-8 text with semicolon-separated columns.

What to check

Support does not need your password.

Logs may contain private information.

An unsolicited message does not establish a technician’s identity.

Common questions

Should I send an entire technical log?

Review its contents and the request, then provide the relevant minimum.

How can I track checks?

Record action, date and outcome so that changes remain clear.

Sources and documentation

Documentation consulted on . Examples are illustrative; interfaces and results may change.

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