A user reports that their desktop PC makes a grinding noise whenever it performs light, everyday tasks. You open the case and confirm that no components are loose or visibly damaged. According to CompTIA's troubleshooting methodology, what should be your NEXT step?
Reset the BIOS/UEFI settings to their factory defaults
Upgrade the system to a solid-state drive (SSD) to eliminate mechanical noise
Research vendor documentation, knowledge-base articles, or technical forums for possible causes of the grinding noise
Replace the hard drive immediately because it is the component most likely to grind
Opening the case verified that nothing was physically loose, completing part of the "identify the problem" stage. The next step is to establish a theory of probable cause, which often involves researching similar symptoms in vendor documentation, technical forums, or an internal knowledge base. Replacing hardware or changing settings comes later, after a probable cause is confirmed.
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