After replacing a damaged USB cable connection to an external hard drive, what is the next action you should take?

Testing the solution after replacing a damaged USB cable connection to an external hard drive is a crucial step to confirm that the issue has been resolved. By testing, you ensure that the new cable is functioning correctly and that the external hard drive is being recognized by the computer or device it is connected to. This verification process helps to confirm that the replacement was effective, and any underlying problems can be identified at this stage if they persist.

Taking this action before moving on to other steps, like documentation or consulting the user, assures that the repair made has directly addressed the initial problem. If the hard drive does not respond even after the cable replacement, it can indicate a deeper issue with either the hard drive itself or the port being used, prompting further troubleshooting if necessary.