A troubleshooting checklist for an isolated lab or systems you are authorized to test.
1. Define success: name the user, application, resource, and task that should work.
2. Check DNS: does the application name resolve to the expected destination?
3. Check connectivity: can the client reach the required endpoint and port? A successful ping alone does not prove application availability.
4. Check the application: does a normal request return the expected response?
5. Check identity: can the intended test user authenticate?
6. Check permissions: can that user complete the intended task, while an unauthorized test user is denied?
7. Check dependencies: consider identity providers, databases, certificates, storage, and upstream services.
8. Keep evidence: record timestamps, expected versus actual results, relevant logs, and the next question each test leaves open. Remove credentials and personal data before sharing evidence.
Finish with a user task: sign in, access the right resource, and complete the action. Record what worked and what remains untested.
A successful backup job is a starting point. Test whether you can restore the right data with the right access.
1. Use an isolated lab and disposable sample files.
2. Create a test share with group-based permissions.
3. Back it up, delete one disposable test file, and restore it.
4. Compare the restored contents with the original.
5. Test access with an authorized and an unauthorized lab user.
6. Record the backup used, recovery time, expected and actual results, and troubleshooting notes.
Keep your evidence: restored file, content comparison, permission checks, timestamps, and lessons learned. A file restore is a first test; applications and business services need their own recovery testing.