1

Determine if Bug is a Duplicate

• Optional
• Before opening a new bug in the work item database, search to see if a similar problem has already been identified.
• If the problem is already reported in an open bug work item, update that bug work item with any additional information uncovered during testing.
• If the problem is already reported in a closed bug work item, reactivate the bug work item. Add new information about the bug and document the new steps to reproduce the bug. Also, document the build number where the bug was discovered.

2

Open a New Bug

• Optional
• If the bug is new, open a new bug work item in the work item database.
• Document the steps to reproduce the bug in the bug work item.
• Include as many details as possible to help the team that will investigate the bug so that they can prioritize the bug and understand the problem.
• Where applicable, attach the test, test results, scenario, or requirement to the bug work item.

3

Assign the Bug

• Optional
• Determine the main area of the problem. If more than one area could be the cause, choose one of them.
• Assign the bug to the owner of the affected area of the product.
• Save the bug work item. 

A bug work item is found that already describes the bug, and the bug work item is updated with new information.

A new bug work item is created describing the bug and assigned to the appropriate developer.