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How to Troubleshoot AOL Software

AOL software can prove difficult to troubleshoot. The many facets of AOL's robust and enigmatic applications can confuse even the best tech. Following, a list of common troubleshooting steps which may get you on the right path to resolution. Remember that not all success comes from resolving the core issue.

  1. What's wrong? Google it.
  2. Did you find anything?
  3. Did it work?
  4. Reinstall the software.
  5. Redirect customer to AOL support.
  6. Redirect customer to OEM support.
  7. Redirect customer to ISP support.
  8. Redirect customer to a support line they have never heard of, but say they'll be able to help anyway.
  9. Redirect customer back into the queue, preferably one unrelated to the issue and in a different region. Go on break.
  10. Find an out-of-scope problem, like malware. It must have just recently come in. What a bummer.
  11. If working remote support, find a hardware problem.
  12. Propose reinstalling the OS. This will provide an accurate indicator of how much the customer actually cares about the issue.
  13. You might find it convenient if your computer suddenly rebooted.
  14. Or your phone.
  15. Or your router.
  16. Or all three, followed by several minutes of difficulty getting logged back in to work, just to make sure.
  17. Convince the customer they don't want your service.
  18. Convince the customer they don't want AOL software. Shockingly difficult.
  19. Come up with an excuse to end the call, such as fire, sudden illness, or lunch.
  20. Murder/Suicide.
  21. Quit. You know you can't bear it much longer anyway.