The invention provides for facilitating e-commerce transactions between a
client and a server over a network. In particular, a client, such as a
client computing device, can perform a diagnostic test, such as a power-on
self-test, and determine during the test any goods requiring replacement
(e.g., acquiring a substitute good, repair, or upgrade). The client may
then contact a server, such as a vendor or a technical support department,
for procuring such replacement. In one embodiment, the server sends the
client diagnostic commands so as to allow remote diagnosis of operability
of the client.