1. Craft a Descriptive Title
❌ Avoid ✅ Try Instead
"SOS!!! Laptop broken" "Dell XPS 13 won't charge (LED blinks amber × 3)"
"Website issue" "WordPress 6.3 shows 500 error after plugin update"
A good title flags the device, symptom, or error code so helpers know instantly if they can jump in.
2. Open With the Essentials
Copy-paste and fill in what applies:
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**Device / Model:**
**OS / Firmware Version:**
**Problem Summary (1-2 sentences):**
**When It Started:**
**Any Recent Changes (updates, drops, spills, etc.):**
This "spec sheet" prevents the first round of back-and-forth questions.
3. Show What You've Already Tried
Bullet the steps in order:
Restarted laptop and router
Checked power brick—19 V on multimeter
Safe Mode: boots fine, crash only in normal mode
Ran sfc /scannow (no errors)
Helpers can now skip duplicate suggestions and dig deeper.
4. Add Evidence—Safely
Screenshots: Crop out personal info.
Error Logs / Codes: Wrap long logs in ... tags.
Photos / Videos: Use the attachment tool for clear captures.
5. Be Specific & Concise
"My Wi-Fi drops every 10 minutes when streaming on Zoom; Ethernet is fine"
is clearer than
"Internet keeps acting weird."
Describe frequency, triggers, and exact wording of pop-ups.
6. Mind the Etiquette
One Issue per Thread – Multiple problems = multiple threads.
Stay Polite – Frustrated? Sure. Rude? Nope.
Use Paragraphs – Walls of text discourage readers.
Avoid ALL CAPS – Reads like shouting.
Credit Solutions – When fixed, mark Solved and thank helpers.
7. Follow Up
Run suggested steps and report back results (success or new error).
If you find the answer elsewhere, share the link—pays it forward.
8. Template for a Killer Help Post
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Title: "HP Envy 13 freezes when waking from sleep (Windows 11, BIOS F.45)"
Hey Techies,
**Problem:** My HP Envy 13 (2022) hangs on a black screen 30 s after lifting the lid. Power button forces a reboot.
**Specs**
• Windows 11 Pro 23H2
• BIOS F.45 (2025-03-01)
• NVMe Samsung 970 Evo, 16 GB RAM
**Troubleshooting so far**
1. Disabled Fast Startup—no change
2. Updated graphics driver (Intel 31.0.101.5525)
3. Ran HP Diagnostics—no hardware faults
4. Event Viewer shows Kernel-Power Event 41
**Next clues?** Thanks!
—Mike