Final answer:
Removing components to return a computer to its base configuration is a strategy used to simplify the problem-solving process by eliminating the influence of extraneous variables, aligning with common expert problem-solving techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
The strategy of removing components to return a computer back to a base configuration is indeed designed to eliminate variables that may be making a computer problem more difficult to solve. This technique is part of a broader set of problem solving strategies aimed at simplifying a problem by reducing it to its most basic form. By doing this, you can focus on solving the fundamental issue without the added complexity of additional components. This approach aligns with expert problem-solving tactics, where an initial sense of the answer can guide the troubleshooting process, with each step along the way serving to confirm or correct this initial hypothesis. It is the computational equivalent to the scientific method where a hypothesis is tested by controlling variables to identify the root cause of an issue.