What should you instruct a user to check first if they report a loss of wireless connection in a previously working configuration?

Instructing the user to verify that the wireless card's hardware switch is in the 'On' position is a logical first step because many laptops and some desktop computers come equipped with a physical switch or keyboard shortcut that toggles the wireless card on and off. If this switch has been inadvertently turned off, it would prevent any wireless connection, even if the device was working previously.

Checking this aspect first is especially important because it is a straightforward, uncomplicated task that the user can quickly verify. If the switch is off and the user turns it back on, it should restore the wireless connection without needing to delve into more complex solutions like reconfiguring settings or updating drivers. This minimizes troubleshooting time and often illuminates the problem without unnecessary steps.

Other options, such as rebooting the computer, reconfiguring the wireless settings, or updating the wireless card driver, are valid troubleshooting steps but are typically more involved and are only relevant if the simpler first checks do not resolve the issue.