rules for attacking objects in 3.5

[jdizzlean]

what are the rules, and steps needed in character to attack an object?

for example:

there is a window that is boarded up, if you charge the window, do you resolve that as a simple melee attack to break the boards? is it a str check to burst/jump through them? is it a series of skill checks or decidedly easier?

[Aracor]

You can choose! If you make a successful strength check, then you go through it in one standard action. If you attack, then you need to get through all of its hit points to break it out completely.

[Goaty14]

You can choose! If you make a successful strength check, then you go through it in one standard action. If you attack, then you need to get through all of its hit points to break it out completely.

To elaborate, there are two options here: Breaking, or Sundering
For the RAW on this matter, refer to the "Breaking and Entering" section of the SRD here: https://www.d20srd.org/srd/exploration.htm
Breaking: Depending on the break DC of the object (for a boarded window, I'd assume between a simple and good wooden door, or a 13-18 DC), the character makes a strength check against the DC, and that's it.

Sundering: As per the normal sunder rules, but with a boarded window instead of a weapon or armor. The character makes an attack against the window's AC (3?), deduct hardness (5 for wood, possibly less if it's rotten), and then apply that to HP (10-15, as per a simple/good wooden door). Once the HP reaches 0, it's "ruined" and presumably broken.

If the player(s) get discouraged on either method, you could remind them that they could likely take 10 or take 20 on their attempts, standard rules applying.