CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Test 28
Question 270
A support request at Orchard Services presents this problem: A new virtual machine cannot start a 64-bit guest even though the host processor supports virtualization. The supporting record states that firmware currently disables the processor's VT-x or AMD-V virtualization feature. The desired outcome is to identify firmware virtualization prerequisites for a supported VM platform. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which controlled service test best evaluates the planned approach?
- Open a test virtual desktop session from a thin client over a controlled network
- Boot a disposable guest after enabling the feature on a lab system
- Start a harmless container on a lab host and inspect the shared kernel version
- Create a disposable VM and verify host and guest can run concurrently
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Boot a disposable guest after enabling the feature on a lab system. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that firmware currently disables the processor's VT-x or AMD-V virtualization feature. The support goal is to identify firmware virtualization prerequisites for a supported VM platform; this pilot action specifically addresses virtualization cpu extensions without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Open a test virtual desktop session from a thin client over a controlled network. 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 virtualization cpu extensions instead.
C:
Start a harmless container on a lab host and inspect the shared kernel version. This action is appropriate for container isolation versus full virtual machine, normally when a team needs to package one web service and its dependencies but not another complete guest kernel. Here the observed facts require virtualization cpu extensions instead.
D:
Create a disposable VM and verify host and guest can run concurrently. 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 virtualization cpu extensions instead.
Question 271
A support request at Orchard Services presents this problem: A repair shop accidentally ships laptop-size RAM to a tower PC that takes full-size modules. The desired outcome is to recognize memory module form factors and physical socket compatibility. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. What should the technician verify first to establish the problem?
- Inspect platform memory specifications, module notch positions and current timing
- Inspect workload random I/O, storage interface, capacity and endurance
- Inspect CPU, motherboard and firmware ECC capabilities, not RAM label alone
- Inspect motherboard slot shape and part type against service requirements
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Inspect motherboard slot shape and part type against service requirements. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a repair shop accidentally ships laptop-size RAM to a tower PC that takes full-size modules. The support goal is to recognize memory module form factors and physical socket compatibility; this diagnose action specifically addresses sodimm versus dimm form factor without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Inspect platform memory specifications, module notch positions and current timing. That action is appropriate for ddr generation electrical compatibility, normally when a replacement RAM order has the correct capacity but the wrong DDR generation. Here the observed facts require sodimm versus dimm form factor instead.
B:
Inspect workload random I/O, storage interface, capacity and endurance. This action is appropriate for ssd versus hdd latency and interface, normally when a mobile user needs low-latency storage and shock resistance but a procurement request specifies a 5400 RPM hard disk. Here the observed facts require sodimm versus dimm form factor instead.
C:
Inspect CPU, motherboard and firmware ECC capabilities, not RAM label alone. That action is appropriate for ecc memory error correction compatibility, normally when a workstation used for scientific computation requires supported correction of single-bit RAM errors. Here the observed facts require sodimm versus dimm form factor instead.
Question 272
A support request at Silverline Travel presents this problem: A workstation used for scientific computation requires supported correction of single-bit RAM errors. The supporting record states that the consumer motherboard specifications do not support ECC operation even with an ECC DIMM installed. The desired outcome is to select ECC hardware only where CPU and board support its error reporting. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. How should the solution first be tested on an approved spare or pilot system?
- Use a known-supported test module and confirm safe seating and POST
- Install a compatible test DIMM with power disconnected and ESD precautions
- Test an ECC-capable workstation using manufacturer diagnostics and supported event reporting
- Run a non-destructive throughput test using known files on a certified host/cable pair
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Test an ECC-capable workstation using manufacturer diagnostics and supported event reporting. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that the consumer motherboard specifications do not support ECC operation even with an ECC DIMM installed. The support goal is to select ECC hardware only where CPU and board support its error reporting; this pilot action specifically addresses ecc memory error correction compatibility without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Use a known-supported test module and confirm safe seating and POST. This action is appropriate for ddr generation electrical compatibility, normally when a replacement RAM order has the correct capacity but the wrong DDR generation. Here the observed facts require ecc memory error correction compatibility instead.
B:
Install a compatible test DIMM with power disconnected and ESD precautions. This action is appropriate for sodimm versus dimm form factor, normally when a desktop repair requires replacement memory but the spare part comes from a notebook. Here the observed facts require ecc memory error correction compatibility instead.
D:
Run a non-destructive throughput test using known files on a certified host/cable pair. This action is appropriate for usb-c versus thunderbolt port capability, normally when an external high-bandwidth storage enclosure only negotiates low speed on a laptop USB-C connector. Here the observed facts require ecc memory error correction compatibility instead.
Question 273
During Acorn Foods's branch networking support, the technician encounters this condition: An office adds a second VLAN but expects an unmanaged switch alone to connect both IP subnets. The desired outcome is to identify routing versus local Ethernet switching responsibilities. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. What should be tracked after the fix to maintain service reliability?
- Monitor PoE overload events and added device power requirements
- Monitor NFC reader alignment and Bluetooth pairing failures separately
- Monitor ONT optical alarms and WAN gateway status separately
- Monitor default-gateway reachability and route changes
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Monitor default-gateway reachability and route changes. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that an office adds a second VLAN but expects an unmanaged switch alone to connect both IP subnets. The support goal is to identify routing versus local Ethernet switching responsibilities; this monitor action specifically addresses router versus layer 2 switch forwarding without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor PoE overload events and added device power requirements. This action is appropriate for poe switch power budget, normally when new IP cameras power off when all connected access points and phones start at once. Here the observed facts require router versus layer 2 switch forwarding instead.
B:
Monitor NFC reader alignment and Bluetooth pairing failures separately. This action is appropriate for nfc short-range tap versus bluetooth pairing, normally when a checkout kiosk must read a contactless badge at a few centimeters, not stream audio across a room. Here the observed facts require router versus layer 2 switch forwarding instead.
C:
Monitor ONT optical alarms and WAN gateway status separately. This action is appropriate for ont versus cable modem access equipment, normally when a customer receives a fiber-to-the-premises service but attempts to connect the optical fiber directly to a DOCSIS cable modem. Here the observed facts require router versus layer 2 switch forwarding instead.
Question 274
At Westbrook Energy, a technician working in hardware and network incident triage identifies this issue: A shipping label printer feeds paper but produces completely blank labels. The supporting record states that the printer uses direct-thermal media and its paper roll has been installed with the coated side facing away from the heating element. The desired outcome is to diagnose thermal paper orientation rather than ink or toner depletion. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- Verify cyan lines are continuous and color image banding is reduced
- Verify multiple pages feed without double picks or jams
- Verify the original system boots normally with both drives attached
- Verify dark print appears on the active coated side without consumable ink
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Verify dark print appears on the active coated side without consumable ink. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that the printer uses direct-thermal media and its paper roll has been installed with the coated side facing away from the heating element. The support goal is to diagnose thermal paper orientation rather than ink or toner depletion; this validate action specifically addresses thermal printer paper orientation without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify cyan lines are continuous and color image banding is reduced. 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.
B:
Verify multiple pages feed without double picks or jams. 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.
C:
Verify the original system boots normally with both drives attached. This action is appropriate for uefi boot order after a second drive, normally when a computer reports no bootable operating system after a new secondary drive was added. Here the observed facts require thermal printer paper orientation instead.
Question 275
On a service ticket for Harborworks, the team observes: A tablet becomes hot in a backpack because one application retries a cloud sync every few seconds. The desired outcome is to identify energy consumption from software activity rather than immediately swapping the battery. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. Which diagnostic check best distinguishes the relevant fault?
- Inspect the port for lint, bent pins, moisture indicator and cable seating with power disconnected
- Inspect per-app usage, background refresh, radio activity and battery health metrics
- Check cellular toggle, SIM or eSIM provisioning, airplane mode and signal state
- Identify the failed member, array level, replacement size and current backup state
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Inspect per-app usage, background refresh, radio activity and battery health metrics. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a tablet becomes hot in a backpack because one application retries a cloud sync every few seconds. The support goal is to identify energy consumption from software activity rather than immediately swapping the battery; this diagnose action specifically addresses background app mobile battery drain without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Inspect the port for lint, bent pins, moisture indicator and cable seating with power disconnected. This action is appropriate for mobile charging port debris, normally when a phone charges intermittently only when its USB-C plug is held at an angle. Here the observed facts require background app mobile battery drain instead.
C:
Check cellular toggle, SIM or eSIM provisioning, airplane mode and signal state. This action is appropriate for mobile data failure due to disabled cellular, normally when a smartphone can browse over Wi-Fi but cannot connect to the internet when leaving the office. Here the observed facts require background app mobile battery drain instead.
D:
Identify the failed member, array level, replacement size and current backup state. 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 background app mobile battery drain instead.
Question 276
On a service ticket for Amberline Finance, the team observes: A domain receives email at the wrong destination after DNS changes. The supporting record states that its MX record points to a decommissioned mail host while SPF TXT data still names authorized outbound senders. The desired outcome is to distinguish mail routing records from sender authorization policies. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. What should the technician recommend as the corrective approach?
- Create a scoped DHCP reservation for the printer MAC instead of relying on an exclusion as an assignment
- Create a separate guest VLAN with appropriate ACLs and a supported authenticated VPN for remote staff
- Correct MX routing to the active mail service without treating SPF as an incoming delivery address
- Repair the DNS server or client DNS setting rather than rebuilding the DHCP address pool
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Correct MX routing to the active mail service without treating SPF as an incoming delivery address. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that its MX record points to a decommissioned mail host while SPF TXT data still names authorized outbound senders. The support goal is to distinguish mail routing records from sender authorization policies; this design action specifically addresses mx and spf dns records distinct purposes without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Create a scoped DHCP reservation for the printer MAC instead of relying on an exclusion as an assignment. This action is appropriate for dhcp reservation versus exclusion, normally when a networked printer must keep the same IPv4 address while the rest of the office remains DHCP-managed. Here the observed facts require mx and spf dns records distinct purposes instead.
B:
Create a separate guest VLAN with appropriate ACLs and a supported authenticated VPN for remote staff. This action is appropriate for vlan segmentation versus vpn encrypted tunneling, normally when a small office needs guest Wi-Fi isolated from payroll devices but also needs secure remote employee access. Here the observed facts require mx and spf dns records distinct purposes instead.
D:
Repair the DNS server or client DNS setting rather than rebuilding the DHCP address pool. This action is appropriate for dns resolution versus dhcp address assignment, normally when a workstation has a valid IPv4 address, gateway and lease but cannot reach services by hostname. Here the observed facts require mx and spf dns records distinct purposes instead.
Question 277
During Keystone Health's end-user troubleshooting, the technician encounters this condition: A notebook appears blank unless the screen is illuminated from an outside flashlight. The desired outcome is to distinguish backlight or power-circuit failure from GPU rendering failure. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- Verify movement no longer causes signal loss at the intended resolution
- Verify mobile data works within coverage while Wi-Fi remains optional
- Verify internal brightness returns while external video remains unaffected
- Verify the projector shows the test slide and remains stable in the selected mode
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Verify internal brightness returns while external video remains unaffected. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that a notebook appears blank unless the screen is illuminated from an outside flashlight. The support goal is to distinguish backlight or power-circuit failure from GPU rendering failure; this validate action specifically addresses backlight failure on laptop lcd without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify movement no longer causes signal loss at the intended resolution. 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 backlight failure on laptop lcd instead.
B:
Verify mobile data works within coverage while Wi-Fi remains optional. This action is appropriate for mobile data failure due to disabled cellular, normally when a smartphone can browse over Wi-Fi but cannot connect to the internet when leaving the office. Here the observed facts require backlight failure on laptop lcd instead.
D:
Verify the projector shows the test slide and remains stable in the selected mode. This action is appropriate for projector wrong input versus computer failure, normally when a conference room projector displays a no-signal message while the laptop works locally. Here the observed facts require backlight failure on laptop lcd instead.
Question 278
During Evergreen Manufacturing's IT virtualization planning, the technician encounters this condition: An organization uses a SaaS platform shared with several customer organizations. The supporting record states that the provider logically isolates tenant data but may share underlying physical compute. The desired outcome is to distinguish logical tenant isolation from guaranteed dedicated physical hardware. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which inspection most directly confirms the likely cause before changing components?
- Identify whether the hypervisor runs directly on hardware or above a host desktop OS
- Inspect provider tenancy model, contractual isolation guarantees and application data boundaries
- Identify where services run and whether there is functional integration between deployment models
- Inspect monitoring metrics, scaling policies and resource quotas
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Inspect provider tenancy model, contractual isolation guarantees and application data boundaries. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that the provider logically isolates tenant data but may share underlying physical compute. The support goal is to distinguish logical tenant isolation from guaranteed dedicated physical hardware; this diagnose action specifically addresses multitenancy versus dedicated cloud resources without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Identify whether the hypervisor runs directly on hardware or above a host desktop OS. This action is appropriate for type 1 versus type 2 hypervisors, normally when an organization needs multiple production VMs on a dedicated virtualization host without a general-purpose desktop OS layer. Here the observed facts require multitenancy versus dedicated cloud resources instead.
C:
Identify where services run and whether there is functional integration between deployment models. This action is appropriate for public versus private versus hybrid cloud, normally when an enterprise must keep one legacy regulatory workload in its own datacenter while scaling an unrelated web front end in a public provider. Here the observed facts require multitenancy versus dedicated cloud resources instead.
D:
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 multitenancy versus dedicated cloud resources instead.
Question 279
During Brookside Agency's desktop hardware service bench, the technician encounters this condition: A four-disk production array must remain available during any two simultaneous drive failures. The supporting record states that RAID 5 can tolerate one disk failure, while RAID 6 uses two parity units. The desired outcome is to select a RAID level providing protection against two disk failures. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which inspection most directly confirms the likely cause before changing components?
- Inspect workload random I/O, storage interface, capacity and endurance
- Check usable capacity, minimum disk count and failure tolerance for RAID 5 and RAID 6
- Compare capacity and fault tolerance of two-disk stripe versus mirror
- Compare IPS and TN viewing-angle color shifts, calibration and target workload
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Check usable capacity, minimum disk count and failure tolerance for RAID 5 and RAID 6. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that RAID 5 can tolerate one disk failure, while RAID 6 uses two parity units. The support goal is to select a RAID level providing protection against two disk failures; this diagnose action specifically addresses raid 5 versus raid 6 dual parity without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Inspect workload random I/O, storage interface, capacity and endurance. This action is appropriate for ssd versus hdd latency and interface, normally when a mobile user needs low-latency storage and shock resistance but a procurement request specifies a 5400 RPM hard disk. Here the observed facts require raid 5 versus raid 6 dual parity instead.
C:
Compare capacity and fault tolerance of two-disk stripe versus mirror. This action is appropriate for raid 1 mirror capacity and resilience, normally when a file server has two equal 2 TB disks and needs redundancy against one disk failure. Here the observed facts require raid 5 versus raid 6 dual parity instead.
D:
Compare IPS and TN viewing-angle color shifts, calibration and target workload. This action is appropriate for ips versus tn versus oled displays, normally when a graphic designer prioritizes consistent viewing angles and color accuracy over lowest display price. Here the observed facts require raid 5 versus raid 6 dual parity instead.
Question 280
On a service ticket for Fountain Transport, the team observes: An organization expects to store modest data in cloud storage but regularly exports terabytes to an on-premises analytics platform. The supporting record states that the provider bills some outbound data movement as egress while inbound transfer may have different rates. The desired outcome is to account for measured usage and egress charges in cloud cost design. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. How should the solution first be tested on an approved spare or pilot system?
- Test authorized isolation between two synthetic SaaS tenant accounts
- Compare a synthetic month of uploads and downloads using published provider rates
- Take a test snapshot then restore it while testing separate backup recovery
- Pilot a private-to-public integration in a controlled test network
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Compare a synthetic month of uploads and downloads using published provider rates. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that the provider bills some outbound data movement as egress while inbound transfer may have different rates. The support goal is to account for measured usage and egress charges in cloud cost design; this pilot action specifically addresses metered cloud ingress and egress costs without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Test authorized isolation between two synthetic SaaS tenant accounts. This action is appropriate for multitenancy versus dedicated cloud resources, normally when an organization uses a SaaS platform shared with several customer organizations. Here the observed facts require metered cloud ingress and egress costs instead.
C:
Take a test snapshot then restore it while testing separate backup recovery. This action is appropriate for vm snapshot versus independent backup, normally when a developer calls a local VM snapshot a complete disaster recovery backup. Here the observed facts require metered cloud ingress and egress costs instead.
D:
Pilot a private-to-public integration in a controlled test network. This action is appropriate for public versus private versus hybrid cloud, normally when an enterprise must keep one legacy regulatory workload in its own datacenter while scaling an unrelated web front end in a public provider. Here the observed facts require metered cloud ingress and egress costs instead.
