TECHNICAL SUPPORT CHAIN AUTOMATION WITH GUIDED SELF-HELP CAPABILITY VIA A SYSTEM-SUPPLIED SEARCH STRING

A method for automated technical support in a computer network having a client machine, and at least one server from which live help is available. The method begins in response to entry by a user of a problem area and description. In response, a diagnostic map is executed to explore the user's machine and the problem description. The map returns a self-help search string that, upon execution in a search engine, is expected to return relevant search results. The search string may then be executed to facilitate a guided self-help session.