CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Test 40
Question 390
On a service ticket for Bluefin Logistics, the team observes: Multiple desktops get 169.254.x.x addresses after a new VLAN is added but its DHCP relay is missing. The desired outcome is to identify absent DHCP replies rather than blaming remote DNS first. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. Which post-repair signal best detects regression or repeat exposure?
- Monitor resolver errors and DHCP option drift
- Monitor CRC errors and recurring physical link events
- Monitor DHCP request timeouts and APIPA occurrences
- Monitor brightness dropout and hinge-related display cable faults
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Monitor DHCP request timeouts and APIPA occurrences. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that multiple desktops get 169.254.x.x addresses after a new VLAN is added but its DHCP relay is missing. The support goal is to identify absent DHCP replies rather than blaming remote DNS first; this monitor action specifically addresses dhcp failure and 169.254 apipa symptom without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor resolver errors and DHCP option drift. 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 dhcp failure and 169.254 apipa symptom instead.
B:
Monitor CRC errors and recurring physical link events. This action is appropriate for copper ethernet link flapping, normally when a workstation loses Ethernet connection whenever its patch lead is bent. Here the observed facts require dhcp failure and 169.254 apipa symptom instead.
D:
Monitor brightness dropout and hinge-related display cable faults. 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 dhcp failure and 169.254 apipa symptom instead.
Question 391
At Vertex Media, a technician working in end-user troubleshooting identifies this issue: A user hears repeated seek noises and sees a disk utility warning about pending bad sectors. The desired outcome is to treat failing disk health as a data protection issue before performance tuning. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. What should the technician verify first to establish the problem?
- Check SMART attributes, backup currency and read error logs
- Identify the failed member, array level, replacement size and current backup state
- Check M.2 socket specifications, BIOS PCIe settings, lane sharing and drive keying
- Inspect SATA data connector seating, cable integrity and interface error counters
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Check SMART attributes, backup currency and read error logs. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a user hears repeated seek noises and sees a disk utility warning about pending bad sectors. The support goal is to treat failing disk health as a data protection issue before performance tuning; this diagnose action specifically addresses s.m.a.r.t. warning and imminent drive failure without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Identify the failed member, array level, replacement size and current backup state. That 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 s.m.a.r.t. warning and imminent drive failure instead.
C:
Check M.2 socket specifications, BIOS PCIe settings, lane sharing and drive keying. 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 s.m.a.r.t. warning and imminent drive failure instead.
D:
Inspect SATA data connector seating, cable integrity and interface error counters. That 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 s.m.a.r.t. warning and imminent drive failure instead.
Question 392
At Vertex Media, a technician working in IT virtualization planning identifies this issue: A team needs to package one web service and its dependencies but not another complete guest kernel. The supporting record states that its runtime supports containers sharing the host operating system kernel. The desired outcome is to identify containers versus full operating-system VMs for application packaging. The technician must document observations separately from assumptions. What should the technician verify first to establish the problem?
- Compare kernel sharing, image contents and isolation requirements
- Check host OS, available RAM, processor virtualization and supported desktop hypervisor
- Inspect desktop hosting, identity, storage and endpoint access requirements
- Inspect snapshot location, retention and independent backup copies
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
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 its runtime supports containers sharing the host operating system kernel. 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
B:
Check host OS, available RAM, processor virtualization and supported desktop hypervisor. That 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.
C:
Inspect desktop hosting, identity, storage and endpoint access requirements. That 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.
D:
Inspect snapshot location, retention and independent backup copies. 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 container isolation versus full virtual machine instead.
Question 393
At Aster Systems, a technician working in branch networking support identifies this issue: A documentation team confuses a smartwatch link with the branch WAN because both are wireless. The desired outcome is to identify network categories from distance and administrative scope. The technician must document observations separately from assumptions. What should support monitor to catch a recurrence of the same failure?
- Monitor link outages, packet loss and uplink utilization
- Monitor new links for incorrect network diagrams and address planning
- Monitor ONT optical alarms and WAN gateway status separately
- Monitor default-gateway reachability and route changes
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Monitor new links for incorrect network diagrams and address planning. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that a documentation team confuses a smartwatch link with the branch WAN because both are wireless. The support goal is to identify network categories from distance and administrative scope; this monitor action specifically addresses pan versus lan versus wan scope without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor link outages, packet loss and uplink utilization. That 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 pan versus lan versus wan scope 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 pan versus lan versus wan scope instead.
D:
Monitor default-gateway reachability and route changes. That action is appropriate for router versus layer 2 switch forwarding, normally when two PCs on separate IPv4 subnets can communicate within their own LANs but not across subnets. Here the observed facts require pan versus lan versus wan scope instead.
Question 394
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 post-repair signal best detects regression or repeat exposure?
- Monitor scaling oscillation, capacity limits and cost spikes
- Monitor host hardware support and hypervisor security updates
- Monitor cross-tenant access alerts and changes to service tenancy configuration
- Monitor cross-environment data flow and newly unauthorized public exposure
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Monitor cross-tenant access alerts and changes to service tenancy configuration. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. 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 monitor action specifically addresses multitenancy versus dedicated cloud resources without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor scaling oscillation, capacity limits and cost spikes. 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.
B:
Monitor host hardware support and hypervisor security updates. 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.
D:
Monitor cross-environment data flow and newly unauthorized public exposure. 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.
Question 395
At Keystone Health, a technician working in desktop hardware service bench identifies this issue: A technician orders an M.2 SSD for a motherboard slot that supports only SATA signaling. The supporting record states that the purchased M.2 drive uses NVMe over PCIe even though the cards look physically similar. The desired outcome is to match storage interface protocol to motherboard slot capabilities. The technician must document observations separately from assumptions. What should be tracked after the fix to maintain service reliability?
- Monitor new drive purchases for overlooked slot protocol differences
- Monitor remaining SSD health and firmware updates
- Monitor optical attenuation and connector contamination
- Watch technician rework rates and damaged connector latches
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Monitor new drive purchases for overlooked slot protocol differences. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that the purchased M.2 drive uses NVMe over PCIe even though the cards look physically similar. The support goal is to match storage interface protocol to motherboard slot capabilities; this monitor action specifically addresses nvme pcie versus sata storage interface without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Monitor remaining SSD health and firmware updates. 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 nvme pcie versus sata storage interface instead.
C:
Monitor optical attenuation and connector contamination. 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 nvme pcie versus sata storage interface instead.
D:
Watch technician rework rates and damaged connector latches. This action is appropriate for t568a versus t568b rj45 terminations, normally when a newly crimped eight-wire Ethernet cable fails a wiremap test because one end follows T568A and the other T568B. Here the observed facts require nvme pcie versus sata storage interface instead.
Question 396
During Keystone Health's hardware and network incident triage, the technician encounters this condition: A desktop powers on but gives a repeating memory-related beep pattern and no display. The supporting record states that the fault appeared after RAM was moved between slots during a service visit. The desired outcome is to diagnose a probable memory seating or module fault before swapping unrelated parts. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- 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
- Verify stable boot and normal shutdown with the safe power connection
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Verify POST and extended memory tests pass with all intended modules installed. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that the fault appeared after RAM was moved between slots during a service visit. The support goal is to diagnose a probable memory seating or module fault before swapping unrelated parts; this validate action specifically addresses desktop memory fault preventing post without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Verify CPU temperature and fan speed stay within specified operating limits. That action is appropriate for cpu overheat from failed fan, normally when a desktop shuts off only after several minutes of high CPU utilization. Here the observed facts require desktop memory fault preventing post instead.
C:
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 desktop memory fault preventing post instead.
D:
Verify stable boot and normal shutdown with the safe power connection. That 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 desktop memory fault preventing post instead.
Question 397
During Westbrook Energy's IT virtualization planning, the technician encounters this condition: An online storefront sees traffic triple for two hours and then fall back to normal. The supporting record states that the chosen cloud platform supports automatically adding and removing application capacity by demand. The desired outcome is to recognize elasticity as capacity adjustment to changing utilization. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. Which controlled service test best evaluates the planned approach?
- Run a safe synthetic load curve in an isolated test service to trigger scale out and back in
- Test authorized isolation between two synthetic SaaS tenant accounts
- Compare a synthetic month of uploads and downloads using published provider rates
- Pilot a private-to-public integration in a controlled test network
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Run a safe synthetic load curve in an isolated test service to trigger scale out and back in. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that the chosen cloud platform supports automatically adding and removing application capacity by demand. The support goal is to recognize elasticity as capacity adjustment to changing utilization; this pilot action specifically addresses cloud elasticity versus fixed provisioning without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Test authorized isolation between two synthetic SaaS tenant accounts. That 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 cloud elasticity versus fixed provisioning instead.
C:
Compare a synthetic month of uploads and downloads using published provider rates. 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 cloud elasticity versus fixed provisioning instead.
D:
Pilot a private-to-public integration in a controlled test network. That 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 cloud elasticity versus fixed provisioning instead.
Question 398
A support request at Granite Capital presents this problem: A small-business employee connects two monitors and power to a laptop through a new USB-C dock. The supporting record states that the dock provides insufficient USB-C Power Delivery and its display bandwidth supports only one monitor at the requested resolution. The desired outcome is to choose a dock meeting host charging and display requirements. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. Which inspection most directly confirms the likely cause before changing components?
- Compare laptop USB-C video modes, dock Power Delivery wattage, and supported display count and resolution
- Check device and cable specifications for DisplayPort Alternate Mode, Thunderbolt or USB4 video support
- Check the convertible's active pen standard and supported pressure or hover features
- Check headset pairing mode, existing connections, Bluetooth visibility and adapter status
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Compare laptop USB-C video modes, dock Power Delivery wattage, and supported display count and resolution. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that the dock provides insufficient USB-C Power Delivery and its display bandwidth supports only one monitor at the requested resolution. The support goal is to choose a dock meeting host charging and display requirements; this diagnose action specifically addresses docking station display and power capability without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Check device and cable specifications for DisplayPort Alternate Mode, Thunderbolt or USB4 video support. 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 docking station display and power capability instead.
C:
Check the convertible's active pen standard and supported pressure or hover features. 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 docking station display and power capability 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 docking station display and power capability instead.
Question 399
A support request at Beacon Group presents this problem: Confidential reports regularly sit unclaimed in a shared hallway printer's output tray. The supporting record states that the multifunction printer supports badge-based secure job release. The desired outcome is to protect printed documents at a shared device. User data and business service continuity must be preserved. What should be tracked after the fix to maintain service reliability?
- Monitor driver policy changes and media mismatch errors
- Monitor toner warnings and repetitive cartridge defects
- Monitor abandoned queued jobs and failed badge-release events
- Monitor driver updates that reset mode selection
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Monitor abandoned queued jobs and failed badge-release events. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that the multifunction printer supports badge-based secure job release. The support goal is to protect printed documents at a shared device; this monitor action specifically addresses secure pull-print and release authentication without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor driver policy changes and media mismatch errors. This action is appropriate for printer duplex and tray settings, normally when a network printer puts letter-size forms on the wrong paper and uses one-sided output. Here the observed facts require secure pull-print and release authentication instead.
B:
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 secure pull-print and release authentication instead.
D:
Monitor driver updates that reset mode selection. This action is appropriate for refresh rate versus screen resolution, normally when a support buyer mistakes 144 Hz for a count of display pixels when comparing two monitors. Here the observed facts require secure pull-print and release authentication instead.
Question 400
A support request at Cedar Education presents this problem: A small office needs guest Wi-Fi isolated from payroll devices but also needs secure remote employee access. The supporting record states that guest and payroll devices share a local switch while remote users traverse the public internet. The desired outcome is to separate local network segmentation requirements from remote encrypted connectivity. User data and business service continuity must be preserved. What should support monitor to catch a recurrence of the same failure?
- Monitor mail bounce reports and unauthorized TXT or MX record drift
- Monitor reservation conflicts and device MAC replacement
- Monitor VLAN trunk policy and remote VPN session errors as distinct controls
- Monitor new links for incorrect network diagrams and address planning
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Monitor VLAN trunk policy and remote VPN session errors as distinct controls. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that guest and payroll devices share a local switch while remote users traverse the public internet. The support goal is to separate local network segmentation requirements from remote encrypted connectivity; this monitor action specifically addresses vlan segmentation versus vpn encrypted tunneling without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor mail bounce reports and unauthorized TXT or MX record drift. This action is appropriate for mx and spf dns records distinct purposes, normally when a domain receives email at the wrong destination after DNS changes. Here the observed facts require vlan segmentation versus vpn encrypted tunneling instead.
B:
Monitor reservation conflicts and device MAC replacement. 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 vlan segmentation versus vpn encrypted tunneling instead.
D:
Monitor new links for incorrect network diagrams and address planning. 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 vlan segmentation versus vpn encrypted tunneling instead.
