Joe, a technician, is tasked with disassembling a laptop to replace its motherboard. Which of the following is the FIRST step he should perform?

Writing down screw locations is a useful practice but is a step taken during disassembly, not before it begins.

Preparing containers for parts is good organization but is a preparatory task secondary to understanding the correct procedure from documentation.

Physically removing the battery and CD-ROM drive is a correct early hardware step, but it should only be performed after consulting documentation to confirm the proper order.

Manufacturer documentation provides model-specific disassembly sequences, torque specs, and warnings about fragile connectors or proprietary fasteners that generic knowledge may miss. Consulting it first prevents irreversible damage during motherboard replacement. It is universally recognized as the first step in any hardware service procedure.