CompTIA 220-1101 CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set2 Q21-40

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Question 21:

A user reports that their laptop frequently loses power even when the battery shows it is fully charged. The device is less than two years old and the charging adapter functions correctly. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty charging circuitry
B) Overheating CPU
C) Corrupted operating system
D) Insufficient RAM

Answer: A) Faulty charging circuitry

Explanation:

The scenario describes a laptop that shuts down or loses power despite the battery being fully charged and the charger working correctly.

A) Faulty charging circuitry is the most likely cause because modern laptops rely on internal charging circuits to regulate power from the adapter and properly manage battery usage. If the circuitry on the motherboard that controls charging is damaged or malfunctioning, the laptop may misread battery levels or fail to deliver sufficient power to the system even if the battery is technically charged. This issue can occur due to electrical surges, manufacturing defects, or component failure. Symptoms often include erratic shutdowns, the battery not charging beyond a certain percentage, or the laptop failing to power on despite being connected to the adapter. Diagnosis typically involves testing the battery with a known working laptop, checking voltage outputs using diagnostic software, or inspecting the motherboard for damaged power regulation components.

B) Overheating CPU can cause a laptop to shut down unexpectedly. Thermal shutdowns occur when the processor exceeds safe operating temperatures. However, overheating is generally accompanied by fan noise, warm surfaces, and shutdowns during intensive tasks rather than random power loss when idle. While it can cause shutdowns, the question specifies that the device loses power frequently even when not under load, which points more toward a hardware power regulation issue than thermal problems.

C) Corrupted operating system can cause system instability, random crashes, and application failures. However, an OS does not directly control the delivery of electrical power to the laptop hardware. If the operating system is corrupted, the device may fail to boot or display errors, but it will not randomly cut off power if the battery and charging system are functioning.

D) Insufficient RAM can lead to performance issues such as frequent paging, slow response, or application crashes, but it does not cause power loss. Memory shortages affect software performance, not hardware power delivery. Even if the system is under heavy load, the laptop will remain powered on. Therefore, insufficient RAM cannot explain the symptoms described.

In summary, the most probable cause of a laptop losing power despite a fully charged battery and functional adapter is a fault in the internal charging circuitry. Troubleshooting steps include testing the battery externally, checking for motherboard damage, reviewing power management logs, and consulting the manufacturer if necessary. Replacing or repairing the power circuitry may be required to restore normal operation.

Question 22:

A desktop PC is producing a series of beeps during POST and fails to boot. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Loose monitor cable
B) Faulty RAM module
C) Outdated graphics driver
D) Corrupted operating system

Answer: B) Faulty RAM module

Explanation:

When a computer produces beep codes during POST, it is signaling a hardware error before the operating system begins to load.

A) Loose monitor cable would result in no display on the monitor, but the system would continue POSTing, and no beep codes would typically occur due to the monitor cable. The motherboard and RAM would still be tested successfully. Therefore, while a disconnected monitor may cause a blank screen, it does not trigger the described beeps.

B) Faulty RAM modules are the most common cause of repeated or patterned beeping. Modern motherboards use these beep codes to indicate specific hardware failures, and memory errors are among the most frequent. Faulty RAM can prevent the system from allocating memory required for POST and the BIOS to initialize hardware properly. Symptoms include repeated beeps, failed boot attempts, and failure to display any output on the monitor. Troubleshooting involves removing and reseating the RAM modules, testing individual modules in different slots, or replacing defective memory. Some motherboards also include diagnostic LEDs that indicate memory faults.

C) Outdated graphics driver affects operating system functionality and may cause screen artifacts or system crashes once the OS loads. Drivers do not influence POST routines or trigger beep codes. The motherboard’s BIOS handles initialization of hardware, so a driver cannot cause the described failure to boot with beeping.

D) Corrupted operating system can prevent the OS from loading but occurs after POST completes. POST beeps happen at the hardware level, long before the operating system attempts to initialize. Therefore, while a corrupted OS may prevent booting, it will not generate beep codes during POST.

To summarize, hardware diagnostic codes during POST indicate that the issue is with a core component like RAM, CPU, or motherboard. Memory failure is the most common and consistent cause of repeated beep patterns. Corrective actions include reseating RAM, testing modules individually, and replacing defective sticks to restore proper system startup.

Question 23:

A user reports that their smartphone is not charging even though it is connected to a known good charging cable and power adapter. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Corrupted operating system
B) Damaged charging port
C) Overheating CPU
D) Malware infection

Answer: B) Damaged charging port

Explanation:

A) Corrupted operating system can cause functionality issues, application crashes, and unresponsive devices, but it does not prevent electrical charging. Even with a corrupted OS, the phone should still draw power from a functional charging port. Therefore, this is an unlikely cause in this scenario.

B) Damaged charging port is the most probable cause. Charging ports endure frequent physical stress, including repeated plugging and unplugging, exposure to debris, and accidental bending or impact. Over time, connectors can become worn, pins may bend, or the solder joints connecting the port to the motherboard may fracture. A damaged port prevents power from being delivered to the battery, resulting in a phone that refuses to charge. Symptoms include intermittent charging, device not recognizing the cable, or visible physical damage inside the port. Diagnosis may involve inspecting the port, testing with multiple cables, and confirming that the battery and adapter are functional. Repairing or replacing the port is typically required.

C) Overheating CPU may trigger thermal throttling or shut down certain device functions temporarily, but modern smartphones allow charging even if the CPU is under heavy load. Overheating could slow charging speed but does not typically prevent the battery from drawing any power. The described problem is a complete failure to charge, which points to hardware issues rather than thermal management.

D) Malware infection may affect battery life by running background processes but does not physically prevent charging. Malware impacts software functionality, background usage, or excessive power draw, but the device should still accept electrical input if the charging circuitry and port are intact.

In summary, when all other components function and the phone refuses to charge, inspecting the charging port for physical damage, debris, or loose connections is the first diagnostic step. Repairs may involve cleaning, soldering, or replacing the port to restore charging capability.

Question 24:

A technician is troubleshooting a desktop PC that randomly shuts down without warning. The system powers on immediately after disconnecting all external USB devices. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty power supply
B) Shorted USB device
C) Overheating GPU
D) Corrupted BIOS firmware

Answer: B) Shorted USB device

Explanation:

The scenario indicates that removing all external USB devices resolves the random shutdowns.

A) Faulty power supply can cause random shutdowns, but in this scenario, the shutdowns are directly correlated with USB device connection. A defective PSU would likely cause unpredictable shutdowns regardless of external peripherals. While PSU issues cannot be completely ruled out, the direct correlation with USB points to the device as the primary cause.

B) Shorted USB device is the most likely explanation because a defective USB device can draw excessive current, causing the motherboard’s overcurrent protection to trigger a shutdown. Modern motherboards include safety mechanisms to prevent damage from electrical shorts or overcurrent situations. If a USB device is malfunctioning or has internal wiring issues, it may intermittently short the port, resulting in immediate shutdowns whenever connected. Once all devices are disconnected, the system functions normally. Troubleshooting involves testing each USB device individually, checking USB ports for damage, and replacing faulty devices.

C) Overheating GPU triggers shutdowns during graphics-intensive operations. Since the system powers on normally when USB devices are disconnected, overheating is unlikely because there is no mention of heavy GPU load or high temperatures causing the issue. Thermal shutdowns generally occur under sustained usage, not immediately after connecting peripherals.

D) Corrupted BIOS firmware can prevent the system from booting or initializing hardware properly. While it could theoretically cause instability, removing USB devices should not restore functionality if the BIOS were corrupted. Firmware issues require updates or re-flashing rather than simply disconnecting peripherals.

In conclusion, the primary cause of the described shutdown behavior is a shortened or faulty USB device. Identifying the defective peripheral and disconnecting or replacing it restores system stability. This demonstrates the importance of isolating hardware components during troubleshooting.

Question 25:

A user reports that their laptop’s touchpad has stopped responding. An external USB mouse works fine. Which of the following is the BEST initial step to resolve the issue?

A) Replace the touchpad hardware
B) Update the touchpad driver
C) Reinstall the operating system
D) Enable the touchpad in BIOS

Answer: D) Enable the touchpad in BIOS

Explanation:

When a laptop touchpad is unresponsive but an external USB mouse works,

A) Replace the touchpad hardware is a last-resort solution. Hardware replacement is only necessary if the touchpad fails to respond after verifying BIOS settings and updating drivers. Replacing the touchpad without checking software or firmware settings first is inefficient and costly.

B) Update the touchpad driver is important if the BIOS setting is correct but the touchpad still does not function. Drivers control communication between the operating system and hardware. However, driver updates are only relevant if the device is recognized by the OS; if the touchpad is disabled in BIOS, updating drivers will have no effect.

C) Reinstall the operating system is unnecessary at this stage. OS reinstallation is time-consuming and does not address hardware-level BIOS settings. It should only be considered if driver or software issues persist after all other troubleshooting steps.

Enabling the touchpad in BIOS is safe, quick, and often resolves touchpad issues immediately. After enabling, the technician can verify functionality, update drivers if needed, and consider hardware replacement only if the problem persists.

D) Enable the touchpad in BIOS is the most appropriate first step. Many laptops include an option in BIOS or UEFI settings to disable the internal touchpad. This can prevent conflicts with external pointing devices or may have been disabled accidentally. Checking BIOS ensures that the touchpad is enabled before pursuing software or hardware replacements. Enabling it in BIOS can immediately restore functionality without requiring complex steps.

Question 26:

A technician is configuring a new workstation that will be used for graphic design and video editing. Which of the following components will MOST significantly impact performance for these tasks?

A) High-capacity HDD
B) Dedicated GPU
C) Optical drive
D) Extra USB ports

Answer: B) Dedicated GPU

Explanation:

A) High-capacity HDD provides storage for large project files but does not improve the processing speed of graphic or video tasks. While a larger hard drive allows for more storage, the read/write speeds of traditional HDDs are significantly slower than SSDs or NVMe drives, which would be more suitable for fast access to large media files. Storage capacity alone has minimal impact on the actual rendering or editing performance.

B) dedicated GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is the most critical component impacting performance. GPUs are specialized processors designed to handle graphics rendering, video processing, and parallel computation efficiently. Applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and After Effects rely heavily on GPU acceleration to render complex graphics, apply filters, or process high-resolution video. Without a dedicated GPU, these tasks would rely entirely on the CPU, which can become a bottleneck, slowing rendering times and reducing workflow efficiency. Dedicated GPUs also have their own memory (VRAM), which allows them to store textures, models, and video frames directly, improving data throughput and reducing reliance on system RAM.

C) Optical drive is largely obsolete and does not affect performance for video editing or graphic design. It only provides the ability to read/write CDs or DVDs. Most modern software and media are stored digitally or transferred via network drives, so optical drive speed is irrelevant to performance.

D) Extra USB ports may be convenient for connecting peripherals such as external drives or input devices, but they do not directly improve processing power or rendering capabilities. While they can facilitate data transfer, the presence of extra ports does not impact the computational or graphical performance critical to video and graphic workflows.

In summary, while storage and connectivity are important for overall workflow efficiency, the dedicated GPU has the most significant impact on performance for graphic-intensive tasks. Proper GPU selection ensures faster rendering, smoother playback, and a more productive editing experience.

Question 27:

A user reports that their smartphone’s battery life has decreased significantly over the past six months. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Malware infection
B) Battery degradation
C) Corrupted OS
D) Faulty charging cable

Answer: B) Battery degradation

Explanation:

Smartphone batteries, particularly lithium-ion types, degrade over time due to repeated charge and discharge cycles. 

A) Malware infection can cause excessive background activity and increased power consumption, which may contribute to battery drain. However, malware-related battery issues usually present with additional symptoms such as unusual app behavior, pop-ups, or network activity. If the device is clean and regularly updated, battery degradation is more probable.

B) Battery degradation is the most likely cause of reduced battery life after six months of normal use. Lithium-ion cells gradually lose capacity as their internal chemistry changes, leading to shorter runtime and increased frequency of charging. Common symptoms include the battery draining quickly, the device shutting down unexpectedly, and slower charging. While new phones may last a full day under typical usage, aging batteries often struggle to maintain the same performance.

C) Corrupted OS can lead to software inefficiencies and misreported battery statistics, but the battery’s physical ability to hold charge remains unchanged. While a corrupted OS may affect how power management features function, it does not cause the actual chemical degradation that leads to reduced capacity. Reinstalling the OS may temporarily help with reporting issues but cannot restore battery health.

D) Faulty charging cable could prevent proper charging or slow down the charging process, but the problem in this scenario is reduced battery life over time rather than failure to charge. A working cable would not improve a degraded battery, indicating the root cause is internal to the battery itself.

In conclusion, battery degradation is a normal and expected outcome of lithium-ion usage. Users experiencing significant decline can either replace the battery (if removable or through manufacturer service) or adjust device usage patterns to prolong remaining battery life. Regular calibration, avoiding extreme temperatures, and not leaving devices at 100% charge constantly can help mitigate long-term degradation.

Question 28:

A technician is installing a new printer on a Windows workstation. After installation, the printer is recognized but prints blank pages. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Wrong printer driver installed
B) Printer offline
C) Corrupted network cable
D) Faulty USB port

Answer: A) Wrong printer driver installed

Explanation:

A) Wrong printer driver installed,When a printer prints blank pages, it often indicates a driver mismatch between the operating system and the printer. Installing the wrong driver prevents the OS from properly communicating with the printer’s firmware. The printer may receive instructions but misinterpret them, resulting in blank output. Correct driver installation ensures that the printer understands print commands, handles page formatting, and accurately applies ink or toner. Troubleshooting involves verifying the manufacturer and model, downloading the latest driver from the official website, uninstalling any generic or incorrect drivers, and reinstalling the correct one.

B) Printer offline typically prevents printing altogether. When a printer is offline, print jobs queue without being processed. In this scenario, the user reports that printing occurs but produces blank pages, indicating that the printer is online and operational but not receiving proper instructions.

C) Corrupted network cable can interfere with communication for networked printers, causing print jobs to fail or time out. However, the user’s description implies that the job reaches the printer and prints, suggesting that the communication channel is intact. A corrupted cable usually prevents any transmission rather than causing blank output.

D) Faulty USB port may prevent a locally connected printer from working, but a failing port generally results in the printer not being detected or jobs failing entirely. Since the printer is recognized, the USB port is functional, and the issue lies elsewhere.

In summary, blank pages after printing are most commonly caused by driver issues. Ensuring the correct, up-to-date driver installation is critical to proper printer functionality. Testing after driver updates often resolves the problem, restoring accurate print output.

Question 29:

A workstation connected to a wired network experiences slow file transfers and frequent network interruptions. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Duplex mismatch
B) Insufficient RAM
C) Malware infection
D) Corrupted OS

Answer: A) Duplex mismatch

Explanation:

A) Duplex mismatch occurs when the network interface card (NIC) and the connected switch port are configured with incompatible duplex settings, such as one device set to half-duplex and the other to full-duplex. This mismatch leads to collisions, retransmissions, and severely reduced throughput, which manifests as slow file transfers and intermittent connectivity. Troubleshooting involves checking NIC settings and switch port configurations, ensuring both are set to auto-negotiate or explicitly match in duplex mode. Network monitoring tools may show high collision counts or packet loss, confirming a duplex mismatch.

B) Insufficient RAM can cause system slowdowns but primarily affects application performance rather than network throughput. Low RAM might cause excessive paging to disk, indirectly affecting network operations under extreme load, but it would not consistently produce the described network-specific symptoms.

C) Malware infection can cause high network usage or abnormal traffic, leading to slower connections. However, malware rarely results in consistent duplex-specific performance degradation and is less likely if multiple devices on the same network do not experience similar issues. Malware diagnosis involves scanning the system, monitoring processes, and analyzing traffic patterns.

D) Corrupted OS can lead to unpredictable system behavior, crashes, or application failures, but the symptoms described are isolated to network performance. The operating system’s integrity alone does not cause duplex-specific communication errors on a wired LAN. OS corruption would more likely result in broader system instability rather than network-specific issues.

In conclusion, a duplex mismatch is the most likely cause of slow wired network performance and interruptions. Correcting the duplex settings ensures proper synchronization between the NIC and switch, restoring network stability and speed.

Question 30:
A user reports that their desktop PC randomly restarts during gaming sessions, but other applications run normally. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
A) Faulty RAM
B) Overheating GPU
C) Malware infection
D) Corrupted operating system

Answer: B) Overheating GPU

Explanation:
Random restarts during gaming sessions are often associated with thermal issues, particularly with components under heavy load such as the GPU. Overheating GPU is the most likely cause because gaming puts a significant workload on the graphics card, increasing its temperature. Modern GPUs include thermal protection mechanisms that automatically shut down or restart the system to prevent permanent damage when temperatures exceed safe limits. Symptoms may include sudden restarts, artifacts on the screen, or system instability during graphics-intensive tasks, while normal office applications may run without issues due to their minimal GPU demand.

A) Faulty RAM can cause random crashes, freezes, or blue screens, but it is unlikely that instability would be limited to gaming sessions. RAM issues usually affect all types of applications and can cause POST errors, data corruption, or unpredictable behavior, not a problem confined to GPU-heavy workloads. Testing the RAM with diagnostic tools and reseating or replacing modules can confirm if memory is defective.

C) Malware infection can cause system slowdowns, crashes, or abnormal behavior, but it would likely affect all system activities, not just high-demand gaming sessions. Malware typically consumes resources in the background, leading to slower performance rather than triggering thermal shutdowns of hardware components. While it is good practice to scan for malware, the scenario strongly points to a hardware issue.

D) Corrupted operating system can also result in application crashes or system instability, but like malware, it would affect the system more broadly, not exclusively during gaming sessions. OS corruption may require reinstallation, but it would not selectively trigger restarts under GPU load unless combined with a hardware problem.

In conclusion, an overheating GPU is the most probable cause of restarts limited to gaming. Troubleshooting steps include monitoring GPU temperatures using software tools, ensuring proper airflow, cleaning dust from heatsinks and fans, verifying that GPU drivers are up-to-date, and checking that thermal paste is applied correctly. Implementing these steps can prevent thermal shutdowns and restore stable performance during gaming.

Question 31:

A technician is setting up a laptop for an employee who frequently works in public spaces and requires protection against unauthorized access. Which of the following security measures BEST achieves this goal?

A) BIOS password
B) Full disk encryption with TPM
C) Disable Wi-Fi
D) Password-protecting the screensaver

Answer: B) Full disk encryption with TPM

Explanation:

A) BIOS password provides a layer of protection by preventing unauthorized users from changing BIOS settings or booting the laptop without credentials. However, a BIOS password alone does not encrypt data on the drive. A determined attacker can bypass BIOS security by removing the drive and reading it externally, leaving sensitive data exposed.

B) Full disk encryption with TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is the most effective way to protect sensitive data on a laptop used in public spaces. Full disk encryption ensures that all data on the storage device is unreadable without proper authentication, and TPM securely stores the encryption keys, protecting them from unauthorized access even if the drive is removed. This security measure protects the data in the event of theft, preventing attackers from accessing files by booting the laptop from an external device or removing the storage media.

C) Disable Wi-Fi may prevent wireless attacks or unauthorized connections, but it does not protect stored data. While it may improve network security, the data on the laptop is still vulnerable if the device is physically stolen.

D) Password-protecting the screensaver provides basic access control when the laptop is idle but only protects the device in short-term situations. It does not prevent access if the device is stolen, nor does it encrypt the storage, leaving the data at risk.

In summary, combining full disk encryption with TPM provides robust protection against unauthorized access in public environments. It ensures that even if the laptop is stolen, sensitive data remains secure, addressing the most critical risk associated with mobile devices used in uncontrolled locations.

Question 32:

A user reports that their networked printer intermittently fails to print, and jobs queue up on the workstation. Other users on the same network are not affected. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Printer hardware failure
B) Incorrect printer driver on the workstation
C) Faulty network cable to the printer
D) Network switch malfunction

Answer: B) Incorrect printer driver on the workstation

Explanation:

A) Printer hardware failure would affect all users. Since other workstations can print successfully, the printer itself is functioning correctly. Hardware failure typically presents as paper jams, error lights, or complete inoperability, rather than selective intermittent issues.

B) Incorrect printer driver on the workstation ,When only one workstation experiences intermittent printing issues while other users can print without problem, the most likely cause is an incorrect or corrupted printer driver installed on the affected workstation. Printer drivers act as the translator between the operating system and the printer hardware. A driver mismatch can cause print jobs to queue without being processed, produce blank pages, or fail intermittently. Updating or reinstalling the correct driver resolves these communication issues, ensuring that the workstation can successfully submit print jobs to the printer.

C) Faulty network cable to the printer would cause connectivity issues for all users sharing the same printer. If a single workstation is affected while others print normally, the network cable is unlikely to be the source of the problem.

D) Network switch malfunction could cause network-wide connectivity issues, affecting multiple devices. Because only one workstation is impacted, the switch is functioning correctly for other users.

In conclusion, the issue is isolated to the affected workstation, making the printer driver the most probable cause. The technician should verify the driver version, uninstall any outdated or generic drivers, and install the manufacturer-recommended driver. This will restore consistent printer functionality for the user without impacting other workstations on the network.

Question 33:

A technician is configuring a laptop to connect securely to a corporate network while using public Wi-Fi. Which of the following is the BEST method to achieve secure communication?

A) Enable WPA2 on the public network
B) Use a VPN
C) Disable Bluetooth
D) Enable NFC

Answer: B) Use a VPN

Explanation:

A) Enable WPA2 on the public network is generally not possible, as public networks are managed by the network provider. Even if the public Wi-Fi supports WPA2, the encryption protects the connection only between the device and the access point. Once traffic leaves the network, it may still be vulnerable, making VPN encryption essential for end-to-end security.

B) Use a VPN ,A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the most effective solution for ensuring secure communication over public Wi-Fi networks. VPNs encrypt all data transmitted between the laptop and the corporate network, creating a secure tunnel that prevents eavesdropping, man-in-the-middle attacks, and data interception. When a user connects to public Wi-Fi, unencrypted traffic can be intercepted by malicious actors. A VPN mitigates this risk by encrypting the traffic and authenticating the connection to the corporate network.

C) Disable Bluetooth reduces local attack surfaces, preventing nearby devices from exploiting Bluetooth vulnerabilities. However, this does not protect data transmitted over Wi-Fi or the internet. While it is good practice for general security, it does not address the user’s primary concern of securing communication on a public network.

D) Enable NFC allows for close-proximity communication for payment or data exchange. NFC does not encrypt or protect network traffic, making it irrelevant for securing remote or internet-based connections.

In summary, using a VPN provides the strongest protection when accessing a corporate network over untrusted public Wi-Fi. It ensures that sensitive information, such as email, files, and corporate applications, remains secure from interception, fulfilling the user’s requirement for secure connectivity.

Question 34:

A workstation connected to a corporate network is experiencing intermittent slow file transfers. A technician observes that the NIC is set to half-duplex while the switch port is set to full-duplex. Which of the following is the BEST course of action?

A) Replace the NIC
B) Change the NIC to full-duplex
C) Scan for malware
D) Upgrade the OS

Answer: B) Change the NIC to full-duplex

Explanation:

A) Replace the NIC is unnecessary if the hardware is functioning properly. The problem lies in the configuration rather than a hardware defect. Replacing the NIC would not fix the duplex mismatch if settings are still incorrect.

B) Change the NIC to full-duplex, When a network interface card (NIC) is set to half-duplex while the connected switch port is configured for full-duplex, a duplex mismatch occurs. Duplex mismatch leads to collisions and retransmissions, reducing network throughput and causing intermittent slow file transfers. Changing the NIC to full-duplex to match the switch port or configuring both to auto-negotiate resolves this issue. Troubleshooting involves verifying the settings on both the NIC and the switch, ensuring proper synchronization to restore optimal performance.

C) Scan for malware may help identify software that consumes excessive network resources. However, malware would generally affect multiple network activities and not consistently cause slow transfers specific to one configuration scenario.

D) Upgrade the OS does not impact the duplex settings of the NIC or switch. OS upgrades improve system stability or security but will not correct a duplex mismatch at the hardware layer.

In conclusion, adjusting the NIC to match the duplex configuration of the switch is the most direct and effective solution. Correcting the mismatch ensures smooth, high-speed file transfers and prevents collisions that degrade network performance.

Question 35:

A user reports that their laptop’s display flickers intermittently. The issue occurs regardless of the application being used. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty GPU
B) Corrupted OS
C) Malware infection
D) Loose monitor cable

Answer: A) Faulty GPU

Explanation:

A) Faulty GPU ,Intermittent display flickering across all applications typically indicates a hardware issue, most commonly a faulty GPU or graphics subsystem. The GPU is responsible for rendering all graphical content, and a failing graphics card can produce artifacts, flickering, or instability regardless of the software running. Symptoms often include screen flicker during normal operation, crashes in graphics-intensive applications, or complete display loss. Troubleshooting may involve updating drivers, checking for overheating, testing with an external monitor, or replacing the GPU.

B) Corrupted OS can cause graphical anomalies but is unlikely to affect all applications uniformly. OS corruption usually manifests as crashes, slow performance, or errors in specific applications rather than system-wide flickering. Reinstalling the OS may help, but the root cause is more likely hardware in this scenario.

C) Malware infection can cause unexpected behavior, but malware typically targets software performance or security, not consistent flickering across all operations. While malware could theoretically manipulate display output, it is highly improbable as the root cause in this case.

D) Loose monitor cable is a common cause of display issues on desktops. However, laptops have integrated displays, and flickering is less likely to result from cable problems internally unless there is physical damage. Most flickering on laptops originates from the GPU, display panel, or internal connectors.

In conclusion, a failing GPU is the most probable cause of intermittent flickering on a laptop display. Addressing the issue may involve driver updates, checking for overheating, or hardware replacement to restore stable visual output.

Question 36:

A user reports that their laptop cannot connect to a corporate Wi-Fi network, but other networks work fine. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Incorrect Wi-Fi password
B) MAC address filtering
C) Faulty network card
D) Malware infection

Answer: B) MAC address filtering

Explanation:

When a laptop can connect to other Wi-Fi networks but fails to connect to a specific corporate network.

A) Incorrect Wi-Fi password would prevent access to any network if the password is entered incorrectly. Since the laptop connects to other networks, this is less likely.

B) MAC address filtering is the most likely cause. Many corporate networks restrict access to authorized devices by maintaining a whitelist of MAC addresses. If the laptop’s MAC address is not on the approved list, it will be denied access, even if the password is correct. Troubleshooting involves verifying network access policies, checking for device registration, and adding the MAC address to the approved list if permitted.

C) Faulty network card (NIC) could prevent connectivity to all networks, as it is the primary interface for sending and receiving data. However, since other Wi-Fi networks work fine, the NIC is functioning correctly, and the issue likely lies with the specific network configuration, router, or access point rather than the hardware. This helps narrow troubleshooting to network settings, IP conflicts, or signal interference rather than requiring a hardware replacement, saving time and resources in resolving connectivity problems.

D) Malware infection can disrupt network connectivity by modifying system settings, blocking ports, or interfering with network services. However, infections usually cause widespread network problems affecting multiple connections or devices, not just a single network. If only one network is inaccessible while others work normally, the issue is more likely related to network configuration, router settings, or access point issues rather than malware, making targeted troubleshooting more efficient. This distinction helps prioritize diagnosing configuration or hardware issues over performing a full malware scan initially.

Question 37:

A technician is setting up a workstation that requires virtualization for testing multiple operating systems. Which of the following hardware features is MOST important to enable?

A) TPM
B) CPU virtualization extensions
C) High-speed SSD
D) Dedicated GPU

Answer: B) CPU virtualization extensions

Explanation:

A) TPM secures encryption keys but does not improve virtualization performance.

B) CPU virtualization extensions such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V. These extensions allow the CPU to efficiently manage multiple virtual machines by providing hardware-level support for virtualization. Enabling these in the BIOS/UEFI ensures that hypervisors like VMware or VirtualBox can run multiple operating systems simultaneously with optimal performance.

C) High-speed SSD improves storage speed, reducing load times for virtual machines, but does not provide virtualization capabilities.

D) Dedicated GPU enhances graphics performance but is not critical for virtualization unless running GPU-intensive applications inside VMs.

Question 38:

A desktop PC intermittently displays a blue screen with memory-related errors. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty RAM
B) Corrupted OS
C) Malware infection
D) Outdated BIOS

Answer: A) Faulty RAM

Explanation:

A) Faulty RAM Intermittent blue screens with memory-related error codes are often caused by faulty RAM. Memory errors occur when the system reads or writes data incorrectly, leading to crashes or corruption. Symptoms include random BSODs, application crashes, and system instability. Troubleshooting involves running memory diagnostic tools, reseating modules, or replacing defective RAM sticks.

B) Corrupted OS can cause BSODs but typically generates error codes unrelated to memory access.

C) Malware infection may cause instability but rarely produces consistent memory errors.

D) Outdated BIOS can lead to hardware compatibility issues, but memory-specific blue screens usually point directly to faulty RAM rather than firmware.

Question 39:

A user reports that their smartphone battery drains rapidly even when idle. Which of the following is the BEST initial troubleshooting step?

A) Disable background apps
B) Replace the battery immediately
C) Factory reset the device
D) Enable battery saver mode

Answer: A) Disable background apps

Explanation:

A) Disable background apps ,Rapid battery drain when idle is often caused by background applications consuming CPU and network resources. Disabling or limiting these apps prevents unnecessary power usage, improving idle battery life. Modern smartphones allow viewing battery usage per app, making it easier to identify culprits.

B) Replace the battery immediately may be necessary if degradation is severe but should not be the first step.

C) Factory reset erases data and should be a last resort after identifying software issues.

D) Enable battery saver helps conserve power but does not identify the underlying apps causing the drain.

Question 40:

A technician is configuring a workstation that requires maximum data transfer speed for large files. Which of the following storage configurations provides the BEST performance?

A) Single HDD
B) RAID 0 SSD
C) USB external drive
D) NAS over Wi-Fi

Answer: B) RAID 0 SSD

Explanation:

A) Single HDD provides adequate storage but cannot match SSD speed.

B) RAID 0 with SSDs provides the best performance for large file transfers. RAID 0 stripes data across multiple drives, increasing read and write speeds, and SSDs inherently offer faster access times than HDDs. This combination is ideal for workloads involving video editing, large datasets, or high-performance applications.

C) USB external drive depends on USB bandwidth and is typically slower than internal SSDs, especially for large sequential transfers.

D) NAS over Wi-Fi is limited by network bandwidth and latency, making it slower than directly attached RAID 0 SSDs.