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.