Assuming all was right with your Mac when it left the Apple factory, the troubleshooting process becomes stupidly simple. To locate the problem, just follow the Three-Step Rule to restore your Mac to the way it was when it came gleaming off the assembly line.

System 7 users have the difficult task of turning off extensions and control panels by restarting the Mac and then pressing the Shift key as it boots back up. Tough stuff -- any questions?

These thirty-second steps typically cure more than half the mysterious and pesky system errors that disrupt the Mac.

Fixing the Mac's System folder does not simply mean running the Installer. The Installer program is designed to replace only those components of the System folder that need to be updated (if only such a thing existed for green, shag carpet). Sadly, if your System folder is corrupted, it will stay corrupted. The only way to guarantee a fresh System folder is to execute a clean install.

To activate a clean install, insert the Install 1 disk and find the installer icon -- double-click it to launch the program. After a moment, you'll see the Installer's title screen; click OK. After specifying the appropriate disk for installation, you'll be faced with a decision: you can perform the Easy Install or choose Customize to configure your own installation.

If you're using the new installer (System 7.5, for example), press Apple-Shift-K at this screen. You'll be asked if you want to update your existing System Folder (a normal install) or to install a completely new one (a "clean install"). Our advice: install it completely new.

If the installer you're using is older than System 7.5, then you must first go into your System folder and hide the System file -- feel free to place it in your Preferences folder. Having done this, the computer will no longer recognize the System folder as being a "true" System folder. Then, rename the System folder. Call it "Old, Green Shag Carpet," or something.

Run the Installer. It will create a completely new System folder because it can't find the old one to update. After that, pat yourself on the back, you're finished!

Your Mac comes with its own self-help kit. Keep in mind, this program is not as good as the commercial drive-repair programs like Central Point MacTools or Norton Utilities, but Disk First Aid can be effective on a number of hidden disk problems. Check it out by simply clicking the Start button from within the Disk First Aid program.

Oh so rarely, this little morsel of memory gets violated. System 7'ers reset the PRAM by restarting the Mac. As it is starting up, hold down the Apple button, Option, letter P and R keys until you hear a second startup chord. Release the keys with the dexterity of a concert pianist.

Luckily, the cure is easy. Hold down the Option and Apple keys while restarting your Mac.