Editorial Policy

How We Research Technical Information

Our research process may include several types of sources, depending on the topic.

Primary sources

Whenever available, we prioritize information from:

• Microsoft
• Apple
• Dell
• HP
• Lenovo
• ASUS
• Acer
• Intel
• AMD
• NVIDIA
• Other device and software manufacturers
• Official product manuals and support documentation

Primary sources are particularly important when explaining device-specific procedures, driver behavior, system settings, specifications, warranties, or diagnostic tools.

Secondary sources

We may also consult reputable technology publications, technical references, specialist websites, and other credible sources to understand common problems, compare solutions, and identify useful troubleshooting approaches.

We do not treat search-engine rankings alone as evidence that information is accurate.

Our Troubleshooting Approach

For technical troubleshooting articles, we aim to identify the cause of a problem before recommending a solution.

Where appropriate, our troubleshooting process follows a structure such as:

Symptoms → Diagnosis → Possible Cause → Test → Result → Recommended Solution

For example, when explaining a laptop display problem, we may distinguish between:

• Windows or software problems
• Graphics-driver problems
• Display settings
• Cable or connection problems
• Monitor problems
• Display-panel problems
• Hardware failures

This approach helps readers avoid applying unnecessary fixes to problems that may have a different underlying cause.

First-Hand Testing

When we personally test a product, device, troubleshooting procedure, or diagnostic method, we aim to provide enough context for readers to understand what was tested.

Depending on the subject, this may include:

• Device model
• Operating system
• Hardware configuration
• Software or driver version
• Connection type
• Test conditions
• Diagnostic steps
• Observed results

We do not describe a procedure as personally tested when it has not actually been tested.

When an article is based primarily on research and manufacturer documentation rather than first-hand testing, we aim to make that distinction clear where it is relevant to the reader.

Screenshots, Images, and Other Visuals

We use images and screenshots when they make technical information easier to understand.

For troubleshooting content, visuals may demonstrate:

• Windows settings
• Error messages
• Device Manager
• Display settings
• BIOS/UEFI screens
• Hardware connections
• Diagnostic procedures
• Product features
• Physical symptoms

When original screenshots or photographs are available and useful, we prefer them over generic stock imagery.

Images should support the information on the page rather than exist solely for decoration.

Product Reviews and Recommendations

When we review or recommend technology products, we aim to evaluate them based on their intended use rather than simply declaring one product universally “best.”

Depending on the product category, factors may include:

• Performance
• Build quality
• Reliability
• Compatibility
• Features
• Ease of use
• Connectivity
• Display quality
• Battery life
• Value for money
• Limitations and drawbacks

We aim to disclose relevant relationships when a product has been provided by a manufacturer, supplied for review, or connected to an affiliate relationship.

Our recommendations are not influenced by the existence of an affiliate relationship.

Affiliate and Commercial Relationships

HowTellMe may participate in affiliate programs or other commercial relationships.

If we use affiliate links, we will disclose this relationship where appropriate.

An affiliate relationship does not guarantee a positive recommendation. We aim to recommend products based on their usefulness, features, suitability, and value for the intended reader.

Sponsored or commercially influenced content should be clearly identified where applicable.

Advertising

HowTellMe may display advertising from third-party advertising networks.

Advertising is separate from our editorial decision-making.

Advertisers do not determine which troubleshooting guides we publish, which products we recommend, or the conclusions reached in independently produced editorial content.

We also aim to avoid advertisements or promotional elements that create confusion between advertising and editorial content.

Updating Existing Articles

Technology changes quickly.

Operating systems receive updates, manufacturers change support procedures, drivers are replaced, and products become discontinued. For this reason, we periodically review existing articles.

An update may involve:

• Correcting technical information
• Updating software instructions
• Updating product specifications
• Replacing outdated links
• Adding newer troubleshooting methods
• Removing obsolete recommendations
• Improving explanations
• Adding relevant safety warnings
• Updating screenshots or other visuals

Where appropriate, articles display a Last Updated date so readers can understand when the content was most recently reviewed.

A changed date does not necessarily mean that every sentence was rewritten. Significant updates are made when the underlying information requires them.

Technical Accuracy and Fact-Checking

Before publication, we aim to check important technical claims against reliable documentation or other credible sources.

For example, when explaining a manufacturer-specific diagnostic procedure, we prefer to verify the procedure against that manufacturer’s current support documentation.

For software troubleshooting, we aim to confirm that menu names, settings, commands, and procedures correspond to the relevant operating-system version whenever possible.

Because technology changes and errors can occur, publication does not mean that an article can never contain an error. We provide a way for readers to report potential inaccuracies.

Corrections

We take reported errors seriously.

If you identify an inaccurate, outdated, misleading, or incomplete statement in one of our articles, please contact us through our Contact page.

When a reported issue is verified, we may:

• Correct the information
• Update the affected section
• Add clarification
• Add a source
• Replace an outdated procedure
• Remove information that is no longer accurate

Significant corrections may be reflected in the article’s update information.

Safety and Repair Information

Some technology procedures involve risks.

Opening a laptop, working around batteries, replacing components, modifying hardware, changing firmware, or performing electrical repairs can cause injury or damage if performed incorrectly.

Our repair and troubleshooting content is intended to provide educational information and general guidance.

Before performing hardware repairs, readers should:

• Shut down and disconnect the device when appropriate.
• Follow the manufacturer’s service instructions.
• Back up important data.
• Consider warranty implications.
• Use appropriate tools and safety precautions.
• Seek qualified professional assistance when a repair is beyond their experience.

If a battery is swollen, leaking, overheating, or otherwise damaged, readers should not attempt an unsafe repair.

We do not encourage readers to take unnecessary risks with electrical components or damaged hardware.

What We Don’t Do

HowTellMe does not intentionally:

• Publish fabricated testing results.
• Invent author credentials or certifications.
• Claim that a product was personally tested when it was not.
• Copy another publication’s content and present it as original work.
• Use fake expert endorsements.
• Create misleading technical claims simply to attract search traffic.
• Hide important commercial relationships from readers.
• Recommend unsafe procedures without appropriate warnings.
• Guarantee that a particular troubleshooting solution will work on every device.

AI-Assisted Content

Technology tools, including artificial intelligence, may be used as part of certain stages of our editorial workflow, such as brainstorming, research organization, outlining, editing, or improving clarity.

However, AI-generated information is not automatically considered accurate.

Technical claims, troubleshooting procedures, specifications, and other important information are reviewed by our editorial process before publication. We do not rely on AI output as a substitute for technical verification, authoritative documentation, or genuine testing.

Our priority is the usefulness and accuracy of the final published content, regardless of which tools were used during its preparation.

Editorial Independence

Our editorial decisions are made independently from advertising and commercial interests.

Commercial relationships should not determine the technical conclusions, troubleshooting recommendations, or editorial opinions presented in our content.

Where a conflict of interest could materially affect a reader’s understanding of an article, we aim to disclose it clearly.

Reader Feedback

Our readers are an important part of improving HowTellMe.

If you discover:

• A broken troubleshooting step
• An outdated Windows procedure
• An incorrect specification
• A missing device model
• A misleading explanation
• A broken source
• A potentially unsafe instruction

please let us know through our Contact page.

Reader feedback can help us identify issues that may not have been apparent during the original publication or review process.

Our Commitment

Our goal is not simply to publish more technology articles.

We aim to create useful, accurate, transparent, and practical technology resources that help readers understand their devices and make informed decisions.

As technology changes, our editorial standards and content will continue to evolve.

If you have questions about our editorial process or believe that one of our articles needs correction, please contact our editorial team.

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Technology Tips, Troubleshooting & Practical Guides