CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Test 10
Question 90
At Horizon College, a technician working in end-user troubleshooting identifies this issue: A storage drive goes offline when its case is moved and diagnostics show many SATA CRC counts. The desired outcome is to distinguish data cabling problems from disk surface failure. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which verification result supports the intended technical outcome?
- Verify interface CRC errors stop increasing and drive detection is consistent
- Verify retry rate and throughput improve under comparable load
- Verify the array returns to healthy state and files match known checksums
- Verify backup integrity and correct operation from the new healthy drive
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Verify interface CRC errors stop increasing and drive detection is consistent. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that a storage drive goes offline when its case is moved and diagnostics show many SATA CRC counts. The support goal is to distinguish data cabling problems from disk surface failure; this validate action specifically addresses intermittent sata cable data fault without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Verify retry rate and throughput improve under comparable load. This action is appropriate for intermittent wi-fi due to channel interference, normally when users near a lunchroom suffer slow 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi at peak periods while wired links stay normal. Here the observed facts require intermittent sata cable data fault instead.
C:
Verify the array returns to healthy state and files match known checksums. This action is appropriate for degraded raid after a failed member, normally when a mirrored NAS reports one disk failed while files remain available. Here the observed facts require intermittent sata cable data fault instead.
D:
Verify backup integrity and correct operation from the new healthy drive. This action is appropriate for s.m.a.r.t. warning and imminent drive failure, normally when a desktop disk reports increasing reallocated sectors and read retries. Here the observed facts require intermittent sata cable data fault instead.
Question 91
During Crescent Operations's branch networking support, the technician encounters this condition: A support call reveals a default route points to a host outside the user's /24 network. The desired outcome is to select an on-link default gateway matching the client subnet. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. What should support monitor to catch a recurrence of the same failure?
- Watch newly added APs for weak encryption fallback
- Monitor incorrect static gateways and rogue DHCP options
- Monitor recurring APIPA events after router restarts
- Monitor lease pool depletion and DHCP relay failures
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Monitor incorrect static gateways and rogue DHCP options. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that a support call reveals a default route points to a host outside the user's /24 network. The support goal is to select an on-link default gateway matching the client subnet; this monitor action specifically addresses ipv4 subnet mask and gateway selection without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Watch newly added APs for weak encryption fallback. This action is appropriate for soho wireless wpa security setup, normally when a small office access point still allows WEP while newer managed clients support WPA3-Personal. Here the observed facts require ipv4 subnet mask and gateway selection instead.
C:
Monitor recurring APIPA events after router restarts. This action is appropriate for apipa 169.254.x.x missing dhcp lease, normally when a SOHO laptop automatically assigns itself 169.254.42.19 with a 255.255.0.0 mask. Here the observed facts require ipv4 subnet mask and gateway selection instead.
D:
Monitor lease pool depletion and DHCP relay failures. This action is appropriate for dhcp client and server port roles, normally when a new PC never receives an IPv4 lease on its office VLAN. Here the observed facts require ipv4 subnet mask and gateway selection instead.
Question 92
During Cedar Education's hardware and network incident triage, the technician encounters this condition: A user complains that desktop text is blurry after changing to a nonnative display resolution. The supporting record states that the monitor advertises a different native pixel grid than the currently selected mode. The desired outcome is to correct resolution and scaling without treating blur as pixel hardware failure. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. How should the solution first be tested on an approved spare or pilot system?
- Swap only the display cable on a known-good test monitor
- Test a compatible known-good panel with safe power isolation
- Compare the same test image at native resolution and a lower nonnative mode
- Boot a test configuration with supported onboard video after safely removing the add-in GPU
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Compare the same test image at native resolution and a lower nonnative mode. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that the monitor advertises a different native pixel grid than the currently selected mode. The support goal is to correct resolution and scaling without treating blur as pixel hardware failure; this pilot action specifically addresses wrong screen resolution and scaling without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Swap only the display cable on a known-good test monitor. This action is appropriate for intermittent monitor image due to video cable, normally when a monitor intermittently goes black when its display cable is moved. Here the observed facts require wrong screen resolution and scaling instead.
B:
Test a compatible known-good panel with safe power isolation. This action is appropriate for backlight failure on laptop lcd, normally when a laptop screen looks black but a flashlight reveals a faint intact desktop image. Here the observed facts require wrong screen resolution and scaling instead.
D:
Boot a test configuration with supported onboard video after safely removing the add-in GPU. This action is appropriate for post beep code interpretation and expansion-card isolation, normally when a newly upgraded desktop beeps at startup and shows no BIOS screen. Here the observed facts require wrong screen resolution and scaling instead.
Question 93
During Cedar Education's cloud and desktop infrastructure review, the technician encounters this condition: A developer proposes a full Windows guest for each Linux microservice despite a supported container runtime. The desired outcome is to identify containers versus full operating-system VMs for application packaging. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. Which diagnostic check best distinguishes the relevant fault?
- Check host OS, available RAM, processor virtualization and supported desktop hypervisor
- Inspect monitoring metrics, scaling policies and resource quotas
- Compare kernel sharing, image contents and isolation requirements
- Inspect desktop hosting, identity, storage and endpoint access requirements
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Compare kernel sharing, image contents and isolation requirements. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a developer proposes a full Windows guest for each Linux microservice despite a supported container runtime. The support goal is to identify containers versus full operating-system VMs for application packaging; this diagnose action specifically addresses container isolation versus full virtual machine without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Check host OS, available RAM, processor virtualization and supported desktop hypervisor. This action is appropriate for hosted type 2 virtualization for testing, normally when a help desk engineer needs an isolated test operating system on an existing laptop. Here the observed facts require container isolation versus full virtual machine instead.
B:
Inspect monitoring metrics, scaling policies and resource quotas. This action is appropriate for cloud elasticity versus fixed provisioning, normally when an online storefront sees traffic triple for two hours and then fall back to normal. Here the observed facts require container isolation versus full virtual machine instead.
D:
Inspect desktop hosting, identity, storage and endpoint access requirements. This action is appropriate for vdi versus local desktop processing, normally when a company wants centrally managed user desktops accessed from inexpensive endpoints. Here the observed facts require container isolation versus full virtual machine instead.
Question 94
A support request at Aster Systems presents this problem: After a wiring closet change, a desk computer receives a guest-network address and the VoIP phone cannot register. The desired outcome is to diagnose incorrect VLAN port policy rather than replacing healthy endpoints. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. Which verification result supports the intended technical outcome?
- Verify named service access succeeds without changing the existing working gateway
- Verify retry rate and throughput improve under comparable load
- Verify stable boot and normal shutdown with the safe power connection
- Verify the phone registers and the PC receives the employee scope while guests remain isolated
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Verify the phone registers and the PC receives the employee scope while guests remain isolated. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that after a wiring closet change, a desk computer receives a guest-network address and the VoIP phone cannot register. The support goal is to diagnose incorrect VLAN port policy rather than replacing healthy endpoints; this validate action specifically addresses vlan mismatch causing one desk to lose access without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify named service access succeeds without changing the existing working gateway. This action is appropriate for dns failure with working ip connectivity, normally when a workstation opens a service directly by numeric IP but says its hostname cannot be resolved. Here the observed facts require vlan mismatch causing one desk to lose access instead.
B:
Verify retry rate and throughput improve under comparable load. This action is appropriate for intermittent wi-fi due to channel interference, normally when users near a lunchroom suffer slow 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi at peak periods while wired links stay normal. Here the observed facts require vlan mismatch causing one desk to lose access instead.
C:
Verify stable boot and normal shutdown with the safe power connection. This action is appropriate for completely dead desktop power path, normally when a tower PC has no LEDs, fans, or POST activity after the user changed power outlets. Here the observed facts require vlan mismatch causing one desk to lose access instead.
Question 95
During Clearwater Telecom's workplace mobile support, the technician encounters this condition: A field worker's Bluetooth earbuds keep reconnecting to a phone instead of a nearby notebook. The desired outcome is to pair the intended audio accessory without erasing unrelated device settings. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. Which acceptance result best demonstrates the issue is resolved?
- Confirm the display works only through a documented compatible video path
- Verify BIOS reports the expected memory and extended diagnostics pass without errors
- Verify microphone and speaker profiles work on the chosen computer
- Verify pressure levels vary correctly and resting the hand does not draw unintended strokes
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Verify microphone and speaker profiles work on the chosen computer. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that a field worker's Bluetooth earbuds keep reconnecting to a phone instead of a nearby notebook. The support goal is to pair the intended audio accessory without erasing unrelated device settings; this validate action specifically addresses bluetooth headset pairing without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Confirm the display works only through a documented compatible video path. That action is appropriate for usb-c connector versus supported protocol, normally when a user assumes every laptop USB-C port can send video to a USB-C monitor. Here the observed facts require bluetooth headset pairing instead.
B:
Verify BIOS reports the expected memory and extended diagnostics pass without errors. This action is appropriate for laptop sodimm compatibility, normally when a field technician wants to add RAM to a serviceable laptop that currently uses DDR4 SODIMMs. Here the observed facts require bluetooth headset pairing instead.
D:
Verify pressure levels vary correctly and resting the hand does not draw unintended strokes. That action is appropriate for active stylus digitizer compatibility, normally when a designer needs pen pressure and palm rejection on a convertible laptop. Here the observed facts require bluetooth headset pairing instead.
Question 96
On a service ticket for Stonebridge Research, the team observes: A point-of-sale thermal receipt device outputs blank receipts after an employee reverses the paper roll. The desired outcome is to diagnose thermal paper orientation rather than ink or toner depletion. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. Which diagnostic check best distinguishes the relevant fault?
- Inspect whether the media is direct thermal, coated side, sensor placement and heating element cleanliness
- Correlate reboot timing with power demand and inspect PSU rating and connector seating
- Check nozzle pattern, ink cartridge condition and printhead alignment
- Inspect feed roller grip, separation pad, paper weight and tray condition
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Inspect whether the media is direct thermal, coated side, sensor placement and heating element cleanliness. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a point-of-sale thermal receipt device outputs blank receipts after an employee reverses the paper roll. The support goal is to diagnose thermal paper orientation rather than ink or toner depletion; this diagnose action specifically addresses thermal printer paper orientation without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Correlate reboot timing with power demand and inspect PSU rating and connector seating. This action is appropriate for psu instability under peak component load, normally when a machine passes idle checks but reboots when the GPU and CPU draw peak power together. Here the observed facts require thermal printer paper orientation instead.
C:
Check nozzle pattern, ink cartridge condition and printhead alignment. This action is appropriate for inkjet horizontal banding and nozzle obstruction, normally when an inkjet photo printer produces blank horizontal stripes in cyan images. Here the observed facts require thermal printer paper orientation instead.
D:
Inspect feed roller grip, separation pad, paper weight and tray condition. This action is appropriate for laser printer repeated paper jams at pickup, normally when a laser printer jams on the first page when it tries to feed paper from tray 1. Here the observed facts require thermal printer paper orientation instead.
Question 97
On a service ticket for Crescent Operations, the team observes: A computer reports no bootable operating system after a new secondary drive was added. The supporting record states that the original OS disk remains detected but firmware boot order points at the empty secondary disk. The desired outcome is to restore the intended boot entry without formatting healthy storage. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which configuration or repair action best addresses the stated requirement?
- Replace the confirmed failed member and rebuild using the controller's documented procedure
- Move the NVMe drive to a supported PCIe-capable slot or use the correct SATA M.2 model
- Replace the suspect SATA data cable with an appropriate supported one
- Move the verified OS boot entry ahead of the empty disk in firmware
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Move the verified OS boot entry ahead of the empty disk in firmware. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that the original OS disk remains detected but firmware boot order points at the empty secondary disk. The support goal is to restore the intended boot entry without formatting healthy storage; this design action specifically addresses uefi boot order after a second drive without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Replace the confirmed failed member and rebuild using the controller's documented procedure. This action is appropriate for degraded raid after a failed member, normally when a mirrored NAS reports one disk failed while files remain available. Here the observed facts require uefi boot order after a second drive instead.
B:
Move the NVMe drive to a supported PCIe-capable slot or use the correct SATA M.2 model. This action is appropriate for nvme ssd not detected after installation, normally when a new NVMe SSD is absent from firmware and the storage installer. Here the observed facts require uefi boot order after a second drive instead.
C:
Replace the suspect SATA data cable with an appropriate supported one. This action is appropriate for intermittent sata cable data fault, normally when a SATA HDD disappears occasionally despite healthy spin-up and no clear media errors. Here the observed facts require uefi boot order after a second drive instead.
Question 98
At Stonebridge Research, a technician working in desktop hardware service bench identifies this issue: A network printer puts letter-size forms on the wrong paper and uses one-sided output. The supporting record states that the client needs duplex printing from a specific tray and has a compatible vendor driver. The desired outcome is to correct printer job configuration rather than replacing hardware. The technician must document observations separately from assumptions. What should support monitor to catch a recurrence of the same failure?
- Monitor recurring clogs and device idle periods
- Monitor abandoned queued jobs and failed badge-release events
- Monitor driver policy changes and media mismatch errors
- Monitor toner warnings and repetitive cartridge defects
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Monitor driver policy changes and media mismatch errors. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that the client needs duplex printing from a specific tray and has a compatible vendor driver. The support goal is to correct printer job configuration rather than replacing hardware; this monitor action specifically addresses printer duplex and tray settings without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor recurring clogs and device idle periods. This action is appropriate for inkjet printhead clogging, normally when an inkjet printer leaves missing color bands although cartridges contain ink. Here the observed facts require printer duplex and tray settings instead.
B:
Monitor abandoned queued jobs and failed badge-release events. This action is appropriate for secure pull-print and release authentication, normally when confidential reports regularly sit unclaimed in a shared hallway printer's output tray. Here the observed facts require printer duplex and tray settings instead.
D:
Monitor toner warnings and repetitive cartridge defects. This action is appropriate for laser printer faded output and toner, normally when a monochrome laser printer produces uniformly faint pages after many high-volume print jobs. Here the observed facts require printer duplex and tray settings instead.
Question 99
On a service ticket for Summit Media, the team observes: A small office workstation has 192.168.10.80/24 and a gateway incorrectly set to 192.168.11.1. The supporting record states that its peers on 192.168.10.0/24 respond but the default router resides at 192.168.10.1. The desired outcome is to select an on-link default gateway matching the client subnet. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. Which controlled service test best evaluates the planned approach?
- Fail one lab application node while sending a controlled stream of valid requests
- Pilot association and isolation with approved modern and legacy test clients
- Renew the IP configuration on a test client after reconnecting to a working DHCP scope
- Test local peer connectivity and a routed test destination after correcting the gateway
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Test local peer connectivity and a routed test destination after correcting the gateway. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that its peers on 192.168.10.0/24 respond but the default router resides at 192.168.10.1. The support goal is to select an on-link default gateway matching the client subnet; this pilot action specifically addresses ipv4 subnet mask and gateway selection without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Fail one lab application node while sending a controlled stream of valid requests. This action is appropriate for load balancer versus proxy server functions, normally when a web service needs requests distributed across three application servers with failed nodes removed automatically. Here the observed facts require ipv4 subnet mask and gateway selection instead.
B:
Pilot association and isolation with approved modern and legacy test clients. This action is appropriate for soho wireless wpa security setup, normally when a small office access point still allows WEP while newer managed clients support WPA3-Personal. Here the observed facts require ipv4 subnet mask and gateway selection instead.
C:
Renew the IP configuration on a test client after reconnecting to a working DHCP scope. This action is appropriate for apipa 169.254.x.x missing dhcp lease, normally when a SOHO laptop automatically assigns itself 169.254.42.19 with a 255.255.0.0 mask. Here the observed facts require ipv4 subnet mask and gateway selection instead.
Question 100
On a service ticket for Northland Labs, the team observes: A firewall allows remote desktop to a Windows server but staff cannot browse its shared project folder. The desired outcome is to identify the protocol and port needed for Windows file share access. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. What should support monitor to catch a recurrence of the same failure?
- Monitor lease pool depletion and DHCP relay failures
- Monitor SMB connection failures and excessive port 445 exposure
- Monitor DNS truncation, TCP retries and firewall denial logs
- Monitor wireless channel utilization and retransmission patterns
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Monitor SMB connection failures and excessive port 445 exposure. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that a firewall allows remote desktop to a Windows server but staff cannot browse its shared project folder. The support goal is to identify the protocol and port needed for Windows file share access; this monitor action specifically addresses smb file sharing port versus rdp without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor lease pool depletion and DHCP relay failures. This action is appropriate for dhcp client and server port roles, normally when a new PC never receives an IPv4 lease on its office VLAN. Here the observed facts require smb file sharing port versus rdp instead.
C:
Monitor DNS truncation, TCP retries and firewall denial logs. This action is appropriate for dns service transport and port 53, normally when a branch resolver answers ordinary UDP name queries but large signed responses fail. Here the observed facts require smb file sharing port versus rdp instead.
D:
Monitor wireless channel utilization and retransmission patterns. This action is appropriate for wi-fi analyzer versus network tap, normally when staff complain about busy wireless channels in a meeting room. Here the observed facts require smb file sharing port versus rdp instead.
