CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Test 4
Question 30
A support request at Amberline Finance presents this problem: An office run has continuity but pairs are crossed and technicians keep using a tone generator as proof of correctness. The desired outcome is to select the diagnostic tool for wiring correctness versus cable tracing. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. Which safe pilot action gives the most relevant evidence?
- Collect a short approved RF survey before and after changing the test AP channel
- Test an intentionally miswired patch cable with a wiremap tester and trace a separate unlabeled cable
- Renew the printer lease in a lab subnet after applying its reservation
- Sketch a hypothetical watch-to-phone, office switch, and remote-site circuit topology
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Test an intentionally miswired patch cable with a wiremap tester and trace a separate unlabeled cable. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that an office run has continuity but pairs are crossed and technicians keep using a tone generator as proof of correctness. The support goal is to select the diagnostic tool for wiring correctness versus cable tracing; this pilot action specifically addresses cable tester versus toner and probe without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Collect a short approved RF survey before and after changing the test AP channel. 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 cable tester versus toner and probe instead.
C:
Renew the printer lease in a lab subnet after applying its reservation. 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 cable tester versus toner and probe instead.
D:
Sketch a hypothetical watch-to-phone, office switch, and remote-site circuit topology. This action is appropriate for pan versus lan versus wan scope, normally when a technician must classify a Bluetooth watch connection, office Ethernet and multi-site leased link. Here the observed facts require cable tester versus toner and probe instead.
Question 31
On a service ticket for Pioneer Markets, the team observes: A desktop repair requires replacement memory but the spare part comes from a notebook. The supporting record states that the desktop has full-length DIMM sockets and the spare is a short SODIMM. The desired outcome is to recognize memory module form factors and physical socket compatibility. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. Which inspection most directly confirms the likely cause before changing components?
- Inspect platform memory specifications, module notch positions and current timing
- Check fiber type, distance budget, wavelength and transceiver compatibility
- Inspect motherboard slot shape and part type against service requirements
- Inspect CPU, motherboard and firmware ECC capabilities, not RAM label alone
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
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 the desktop has full-length DIMM sockets and the spare is a short SODIMM. 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. 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 sodimm versus dimm form factor instead.
B:
Check fiber type, distance budget, wavelength and transceiver compatibility. This action is appropriate for single-mode versus multimode fiber, normally when a campus backbone spans several kilometers between buildings and requires high throughput. Here the observed facts require sodimm versus dimm form factor instead.
D:
Inspect CPU, motherboard and firmware ECC capabilities, not RAM label alone. This 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 32
During Westbrook Energy's desktop hardware service bench, the technician encounters this condition: A newly crimped eight-wire Ethernet cable fails a wiremap test because one end follows T568A and the other T568B. The supporting record states that the site intended a normal straight-through patch lead with matching conductor order at both ends. The desired outcome is to apply consistent Ethernet copper pair termination standards. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. What should the technician verify first to establish the problem?
- Inspect each RJ45 conductor color order and wiremap tester results
- Read motherboard M.2 keying and SATA or PCIe lane support alongside drive protocol
- Check the device's Thunderbolt markings, controller support and cable type
- Check fiber type, distance budget, wavelength and transceiver compatibility
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Inspect each RJ45 conductor color order and wiremap tester results. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that the site intended a normal straight-through patch lead with matching conductor order at both ends. The support goal is to apply consistent Ethernet copper pair termination standards; this diagnose action specifically addresses t568a versus t568b rj45 terminations without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Read motherboard M.2 keying and SATA or PCIe lane support alongside drive protocol. This action is appropriate for nvme pcie versus sata storage interface, normally when a technician orders an M.2 SSD for a motherboard slot that supports only SATA signaling. Here the observed facts require t568a versus t568b rj45 terminations instead.
C:
Check the device's Thunderbolt markings, controller support and cable type. 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 t568a versus t568b rj45 terminations instead.
D:
Check fiber type, distance budget, wavelength and transceiver compatibility. This action is appropriate for single-mode versus multimode fiber, normally when a campus backbone spans several kilometers between buildings and requires high throughput. Here the observed facts require t568a versus t568b rj45 terminations instead.
Question 33
On a service ticket for Falcon Transit, the team observes: An enterprise must keep one legacy regulatory workload in its own datacenter while scaling an unrelated web front end in a public provider. The supporting record states that the architecture intentionally integrates private infrastructure with public cloud services. The desired outcome is to classify a hybrid-cloud deployment based on integrated private and public environments. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. Which inspection most directly confirms the likely cause before changing components?
- Identify where services run and whether there is functional integration between deployment models
- Inspect billing dimensions for storage, requests, ingress and outbound transfer
- Inspect provider tenancy model, contractual isolation guarantees and application data boundaries
- List provider and customer responsibilities for VM hosting, managed platform and finished application
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Identify where services run and whether there is functional integration between deployment models. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that the architecture intentionally integrates private infrastructure with public cloud services. The support goal is to classify a hybrid-cloud deployment based on integrated private and public environments; this diagnose action specifically addresses public versus private versus hybrid cloud without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Inspect billing dimensions for storage, requests, ingress and outbound transfer. This action is appropriate for metered cloud ingress and egress costs, normally when an organization expects to store modest data in cloud storage but regularly exports terabytes to an on-premises analytics platform. Here the observed facts require public versus private versus hybrid cloud instead.
C:
Inspect provider tenancy model, contractual isolation guarantees and application data boundaries. 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 public versus private versus hybrid cloud instead.
D:
List provider and customer responsibilities for VM hosting, managed platform and finished application. This action is appropriate for iaas versus paas versus saas ownership, normally when a small business wants a hosted database platform but not responsibility for patching the underlying database server OS. Here the observed facts require public versus private versus hybrid cloud instead.
Question 34
During Orchard Services's laptop and mobile device repair, the technician encounters this condition: A corporate laptop's camera indicator comes on during meetings even when the user thinks video is disabled. The supporting record states that the hardware privacy shutter and camera disable switch are independently controllable from the conferencing app. The desired outcome is to distinguish physical camera privacy control from software meeting settings. 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 camera permission changes and physical privacy control damage
- Monitor memory diagnostic errors and firmware reporting after upgrades
- Track replacement-battery health and repeat swelling reports after the repair
- Monitor repeat weak-signal reports associated with lid movement
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Monitor camera permission changes and physical privacy control damage. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that the hardware privacy shutter and camera disable switch are independently controllable from the conferencing app. The support goal is to distinguish physical camera privacy control from software meeting settings; this monitor action specifically addresses physical webcam privacy hardware without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Monitor memory diagnostic errors and firmware reporting after upgrades. 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 physical webcam privacy hardware instead.
C:
Track replacement-battery health and repeat swelling reports after the repair. This action is appropriate for swollen laptop battery replacement, normally when a business laptop has a lifted trackpad and a visibly swollen internal lithium-ion battery. Here the observed facts require physical webcam privacy hardware instead.
D:
Monitor repeat weak-signal reports associated with lid movement. This action is appropriate for laptop wi-fi antenna reconnection, normally when after a laptop display assembly replacement, Bluetooth works but Wi-Fi signal is very weak. Here the observed facts require physical webcam privacy hardware instead.
Question 35
During Monarch Pharmacy's small-office network service desk, the technician encounters this condition: A small office access point still allows WEP while newer managed clients support WPA3-Personal. The supporting record states that the weak legacy encryption configuration was kept for a retired scanner. The desired outcome is to configure wireless authentication matching modern supported clients and documented business exceptions. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which diagnostic check best distinguishes the relevant fault?
- Review the client's IP, subnet mask, next-hop address and ARP resolution
- Check client capabilities, AP firmware and current WLAN security settings
- Inspect DHCP client settings, network link and offer/relay visibility
- Check adapter specifications, OS support, channel regulations and required security configuration
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Check client capabilities, AP firmware and current WLAN security settings. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that the weak legacy encryption configuration was kept for a retired scanner. The support goal is to configure wireless authentication matching modern supported clients and documented business exceptions; this diagnose action specifically addresses soho wireless wpa security setup without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Review the client's IP, subnet mask, next-hop address and ARP resolution. This action is appropriate for ipv4 subnet mask and gateway selection, normally when a small office workstation has 192.168.10.80/24 and a gateway incorrectly set to 192.168.11.1. Here the observed facts require soho wireless wpa security setup instead.
C:
Inspect DHCP client settings, network link and offer/relay visibility. 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 soho wireless wpa security setup instead.
D:
Check adapter specifications, OS support, channel regulations and required security configuration. This action is appropriate for 6 ghz wi-fi client compatibility, normally when a new 6 GHz SSID is invisible to several laptops even though 5 GHz works. Here the observed facts require soho wireless wpa security setup instead.
Question 36
At Northland Labs, a technician working in computer equipment refresh identifies this issue: An older desktop cannot boot after a 16 GB DDR5 module is ordered for its DDR4 board. The desired outcome is to check memory generation and supported speeds before replacement. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. Which diagnostic check best distinguishes the relevant fault?
- Compare IPS and TN viewing-angle color shifts, calibration and target workload
- Inspect platform memory specifications, module notch positions and current timing
- Inspect CPU, motherboard and firmware ECC capabilities, not RAM label alone
- Inspect motherboard slot shape and part type against service requirements
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Inspect platform memory specifications, module notch positions and current timing. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that an older desktop cannot boot after a 16 GB DDR5 module is ordered for its DDR4 board. The support goal is to check memory generation and supported speeds before replacement; this diagnose action specifically addresses ddr generation electrical compatibility without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
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 ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
C:
Inspect CPU, motherboard and firmware ECC capabilities, not RAM label alone. This 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 ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
D:
Inspect motherboard slot shape and part type against service requirements. 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 ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
Question 37
A support request at Pioneer Markets presents this problem: A desktop shuts off only after several minutes of high CPU utilization. The supporting record states that firmware temperature history reports thermal limits and the CPU fan shows intermittent rotation. The desired outcome is to find the heat-removal fault causing thermal shutdown. The technician must document observations separately from assumptions. Which acceptance result best demonstrates the issue is resolved?
- Verify POST and video return without the suspect expansion card
- Verify POST and extended memory tests pass with all intended modules installed
- Verify CPU temperature and fan speed stay within specified operating limits
- Verify stable operation without power-related resets at the specified load
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Verify CPU temperature and fan speed stay within specified operating limits. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that firmware temperature history reports thermal limits and the CPU fan shows intermittent rotation. The support goal is to find the heat-removal fault causing thermal shutdown; this validate action specifically addresses cpu overheat from failed fan without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify POST and video return without the suspect expansion card. 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 cpu overheat from failed fan instead.
B:
Verify POST and extended memory tests pass with all intended modules installed. This action is appropriate for desktop memory fault preventing post, normally when a desktop powers on but gives a repeating memory-related beep pattern and no display. Here the observed facts require cpu overheat from failed fan instead.
D:
Verify stable operation without power-related resets at the specified load. 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 cpu overheat from failed fan instead.
Question 38
A support request at Amberline Finance presents this problem: A workstation reaches a thermal limit seconds after a cooler was replaced. The supporting record states that the heat sink was not firmly fastened and the thermal interface compound was omitted. The desired outcome is to restore reliable heat transfer from the processor to its cooling assembly. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. Which inspection most directly confirms the likely cause before changing components?
- Inspect UEFI Secure Boot state, key database and boot entries separately
- Check motherboard socket, chipset BIOS support and CPU thermal rating
- Inspect workload random I/O, storage interface, capacity and endurance
- Check heatsink contact, fan operation, thermal compound and measured CPU temperature
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Check heatsink contact, fan operation, thermal compound and measured CPU temperature. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that the heat sink was not firmly fastened and the thermal interface compound was omitted. The support goal is to restore reliable heat transfer from the processor to its cooling assembly; this diagnose action specifically addresses cpu heatsink thermal interface without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Inspect UEFI Secure Boot state, key database and boot entries separately. This action is appropriate for uefi secure boot versus boot order, normally when a laptop can start a trusted OS but prompts when an unsigned bootloader is inserted. Here the observed facts require cpu heatsink thermal interface instead.
B:
Check motherboard socket, chipset BIOS support and CPU thermal rating. This action is appropriate for cpu socket matching motherboard, normally when a gaming PC has a motherboard with an AMD processor socket but an Intel CPU was ordered. Here the observed facts require cpu heatsink thermal interface instead.
C:
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 cpu heatsink thermal interface instead.
Question 39
A support request at Monarch Pharmacy presents this problem: A field technician's map app shows a stale position although other mobile network functions work. The desired outcome is to restore necessary location access without granting unrelated apps broad tracking. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. Which diagnostic check best distinguishes the relevant fault?
- Inspect supported app management features, existing policy assignment and ownership model
- Inspect eSIM profiles, carrier activation state, service plan and cellular data toggle
- Inspect OS-level location services, app permission and accuracy settings
- Check headset pairing mode, existing connections, Bluetooth visibility and adapter status
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Inspect OS-level location services, app permission and accuracy settings. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a field technician's map app shows a stale position although other mobile network functions work. The support goal is to restore necessary location access without granting unrelated apps broad tracking; this diagnose action specifically addresses location permission for navigation without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Inspect supported app management features, existing policy assignment and ownership model. This action is appropriate for byod mobile application management, normally when staff use personally owned phones to read corporate mail but refuse full device enrollment. Here the observed facts require location permission for navigation instead.
B:
Inspect eSIM profiles, carrier activation state, service plan and cellular data toggle. This action is appropriate for mobile esim carrier activation, normally when a company phone has cellular signal bars but cannot attach to its assigned business data plan. Here the observed facts require location permission for navigation instead.
D:
Check headset pairing mode, existing connections, Bluetooth visibility and adapter status. This action is appropriate for bluetooth headset pairing, normally when a wireless headset pairs with a tablet but does not appear on a new laptop's device discovery list. Here the observed facts require location permission for navigation instead.
Question 40
On a service ticket for Granite Capital, the team observes: Staff complain about busy wireless channels in a meeting room. The supporting record states that the available analyzer shows neighboring SSIDs and channel occupancy, while a wired tap captures Ethernet frames. The desired outcome is to use an RF analysis tool for interference assessment rather than wired packet capture. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. What should the technician recommend as the corrective approach?
- Use a cable tester for conductor mapping and a toner/probe to locate an unidentified cable
- Use a Wi-Fi analyzer to select a cleaner channel and appropriate channel width
- Choose the suitable provisioned fiber plan when bidirectional transfer capacity is the dominant requirement
- Allow approved SMB 445 between specified clients and the file server without opening remote desktop
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Use a Wi-Fi analyzer to select a cleaner channel and appropriate channel width. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that the available analyzer shows neighboring SSIDs and channel occupancy, while a wired tap captures Ethernet frames. The support goal is to use an RF analysis tool for interference assessment rather than wired packet capture; this design action specifically addresses wi-fi analyzer versus network tap without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Use a cable tester for conductor mapping and a toner/probe to locate an unidentified cable. This action is appropriate for cable tester versus toner and probe, normally when a technician must determine whether a terminated Ethernet run has crossed wires and split pairs. Here the observed facts require wi-fi analyzer versus network tap instead.
C:
Choose the suitable provisioned fiber plan when bidirectional transfer capacity is the dominant requirement. This action is appropriate for fiber wan versus dsl last-mile capacity, normally when a remote design office regularly transfers multi-gigabyte files and can order either fiber or DSL. Here the observed facts require wi-fi analyzer versus network tap instead.
D:
Allow approved SMB 445 between specified clients and the file server without opening remote desktop. This action is appropriate for smb file sharing port versus rdp, normally when a user can ping a shared Windows file server but cannot map a network share. Here the observed facts require wi-fi analyzer versus network tap instead.
