What is the first step an administrator should take to troubleshoot issues with an active email?

To effectively troubleshoot issues with an active email, the most logical first step is to verify email preferences. This step involves checking the configurations and settings related to the email, such as the account details, synchronization options, and any specific filters or rules that might be affecting its functionality. By ensuring that the email preferences are correctly set, an administrator can identify any misconfigurations that could lead to problems with sending, receiving, or accessing emails.

While checking the export log, reviewing user permissions, and verifying email server settings are all important steps in troubleshooting, they are more specific and generally follow after confirming that the initial settings are correct. If email preferences are not appropriately configured, it can lead to a domino effect of issues, making it essential to establish a solid foundation first.