I thought I'd write up a few top tips for faster support in the forums

Top 5 Essentials

1. Links

• Always post a link to your website, whether it be a new thread, a new post or just a follow on post
• Always post a link with the http:// or www. prefix
• Ensure that the link is to the specific page which is experiencing the problem

2. Screenshots

• A screenshot is usually the best way to describe layout issues
• If it is browser specific, post comparative screenshots between the working and non-working browsers
• If applicable, add notes to the screenshot to highlight and explain the issue
• Make sure the screenshot is in JPG or PNG format only

3. Joomla Version

• Always provide the Joomla version you are using as it dictates the solution such as 1.5.3
• Try to always use the latest version of Joomla

4. Check the Demo

• Does the demo work for you? If so, state that it works for you but your site doesn't
• Did you use the RocketLauncher? If not, try to use it as you know that the demo works so its a good base to start from

5. Browser Names/Versions

• State what browser is experiencing a problem
• State whether it is browser specific
• State the browser version, this is very important. IE could be IE6, IE7 or IE8 and all behave differently

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Top Causes of Problems

1. Javascript:

• Ensure you do not have extensions which don't use mootools such as jquery or prototype
• Ensure you do not have more than one mootools file being loaded
• Check to see if there is an error in Firebug

Check my Javascript video tutorial in my Signature for practices on how to identify JS problems

2. Template Name/Version

• Try to always use the latest version of template as we update with bug fixes

3. Modifications

• If you modify something and it breaks, then its your code change which is the problem. Therefore, always backup before you make modifications and keep backups of everything.
• If in doubt, backup and upload a fresh template

4. Joomla Version

• Ensure you are using the most up-to-date version of Joomla. Problems can be related to old J! versions

5. Extensions

• Keep track of what you are adding incase it breaks your website

6. Reinstall

• Quite a lot of problems are related to corrupt downloads or corrupt uploads. Download a fresh copy and reinstall and fix lots of issues

If you have any ideas, feel free to post them