When faced with a "File not found" error, which step should be taken first?

The first step in resolving a "File not found" error is to verify that the file is available in the path provided. This is crucial because the error indicates that the system cannot locate the file at the specified location. Ensuring that the file is indeed present in the designated directory eliminates the possibility that the issue is simply due to it being absent.

Starting with this check is efficient, as it addresses the root cause directly. If the file is not in the expected location, any subsequent actions, such as checking for typos or attempting to restart the upload process, would not solve the problem since the file itself is missing. By confirming that the file is actually in the right path, one can then proceed to troubleshoot further if the file does exist, rather than wasting time on other steps that might not be relevant.

This logical approach helps to streamline the troubleshooting process and ensures that you are addressing the most likely cause of the error first.