Problem resolution techniques

[Chris Martin]

> You can run as root /stand/sysinstall. Then go to the menu
> configure,packages. Look for the program you are trying to install. If
> it's there it goes more quickly and it goes almost always good.

I have a specific case right now where both the package and ort built item
core dump on 5.3 (can't test with 4.10 as I don't have any spare machines).
What then?

Also, if you use CVSUP and build world and build kernel and you end up with
a OS version like FreeBSD 5.3-RELEASE-p2 #0, the sysinstall method doesn't
work, as it can't find a file set for your release on any server.

I was more following Sue Blake's FAK for newbies and asking for more self
help techniques than a very specific resolution, just looking for a few
"next steps" to get a better picture of what caused the core dump, to find
clues that may lead to a resolution.

Anyone have any advice?