What should a technician do first if hardware installation will cause a server to go offline?

When scheduling a hardware installation that will result in server downtime, the first action a technician should take is to notify impacted users of the scheduled maintenance. This proactive communication is essential because it allows users to prepare for the downtime, potentially reschedule tasks, and manage their expectations. Understanding when the server will be offline is critical for users who rely on the server for their work, ensuring minimal disruption to their activities.

By notifying users in advance, the technician helps maintain transparency and fosters trust. It also provides users an opportunity to save their work, back up important data, or adjust their workflows accordingly. Additionally, this step is part of good change management practices, which are crucial in maintaining a professional and efficient IT environment.

The other options, while important in the overall maintenance and installation processes, would come into play after the users have been informed. Implementing one change at a time, collecting additional information, and documenting findings are all vital steps during the installation process but should follow the initial communication with users affected by the server's downtime.