A user reports that a script \\Server\Share\Runme.bat, which is run on a daily basis, cannot be accessed. Which of the following is the FIRST step to take in resolving this issue?

Checking the physical network cable is an overly broad physical-layer step and less efficient than first confirming whether network communication to the specific server is functional.

Pinging the gateway tests connectivity to the local router, not to the file server itself, so it does not isolate whether the server is reachable.

Verifying the workstation IP address is a useful step but comes after confirming whether the server responds, as an IP misconfiguration would already be revealed by a failed ping to the server.

Pinging the server directly tests whether IP-layer connectivity exists between the workstation and the file server hosting the share. This is the most targeted first step because it immediately confirms or rules out a network reachability issue with the specific server involved, following a logical top-down troubleshooting approach.