CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Test 53
Question 520
During Silverline Travel's desktop hardware service bench, the technician encounters this condition: 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. What should support monitor to catch a recurrence of the same failure?
- Monitor renegotiation to fallback modes after dock or firmware changes
- Monitor corrected memory events and growing error rates
- Monitor inventory bins for mixed laptop and desktop memory modules
- Monitor unsupported module combinations and BIOS fallback settings
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Monitor corrected memory events and growing error rates. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. 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 monitor action specifically addresses ecc memory error correction compatibility without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor renegotiation to fallback modes after dock or firmware changes. 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.
C:
Monitor inventory bins for mixed laptop and desktop memory modules. That 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:
Monitor unsupported module combinations and BIOS fallback settings. 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 ecc memory error correction compatibility instead.
Question 521
On a service ticket for Fountain Transport, the team observes: A service technician swaps a SATA M.2 disk for NVMe and the notebook suddenly reports no disk. The desired outcome is to identify storage slot signaling incompatibility before declaring the SSD defective. The technician must document observations separately from assumptions. How should the solution first be tested on an approved spare or pilot system?
- Power the PC from a verified test outlet and known-good cord without opening the energized PSU
- Test the SSD in an approved NVMe-capable lab M.2 socket
- Rehearse a RAID 1 rebuild with a disposable lab array and a spare disk
- Select the existing OS boot manager temporarily on a test PC
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Test the SSD in an approved NVMe-capable lab M.2 socket. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that a service technician swaps a SATA M.2 disk for NVMe and the notebook suddenly reports no disk. The support goal is to identify storage slot signaling incompatibility before declaring the SSD defective; this pilot action specifically addresses nvme ssd not detected after installation without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Power the PC from a verified test outlet and known-good cord without opening the energized PSU. 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 nvme ssd not detected after installation instead.
C:
Rehearse a RAID 1 rebuild with a disposable lab array and a spare disk. 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 nvme ssd not detected after installation instead.
D:
Select the existing OS boot manager temporarily on a test PC. That 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 nvme ssd not detected after installation instead.
Question 522
During Maplebank Ltd's hardware and network incident triage, the technician encounters this condition: A tablet repeatedly loses a wireless barcode scanner despite normal Wi-Fi service. The supporting record states that the scanner battery is weak and it often reconnects to a nearby previously paired device. The desired outcome is to differentiate Bluetooth accessory power and pairing from WLAN connection quality. User data and business service continuity must be preserved. Which safe pilot action gives the most relevant evidence?
- Turn off Wi-Fi on a spare authorized test device and attempt a harmless network request
- Select the existing OS boot manager temporarily on a test PC
- Compare a known-good cable before and after a controlled authorized port inspection
- Test the scanner against one spare tablet with prior host disconnected
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Test the scanner against one spare tablet with prior host disconnected. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that the scanner battery is weak and it often reconnects to a nearby previously paired device. The support goal is to differentiate Bluetooth accessory power and pairing from WLAN connection quality; this pilot action specifically addresses bluetooth accessory reconnect failure without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Turn off Wi-Fi on a spare authorized test device and attempt a harmless network request. That 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 bluetooth accessory reconnect failure instead.
B:
Select the existing OS boot manager temporarily on a test PC. 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 bluetooth accessory reconnect failure instead.
C:
Compare a known-good cable before and after a controlled authorized port inspection. That 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 bluetooth accessory reconnect failure instead.
Question 523
At Orchard Services, a technician working in branch networking support identifies this issue: A workstation moved to a different VLAN broadcasts for DHCP but cannot reach its assigned scope. The desired outcome is to identify DHCP IPv4 client and server UDP ports and scope reachability. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- Verify the client receives an address, gateway and DNS options from the correct scope
- Confirm the response succeeds over TCP 53 while ordinary UDP resolution continues
- Verify mapping succeeds for authorized users while unrelated users remain denied
- Verify healthy nodes continue serving requests and unhealthy nodes leave rotation
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Verify the client receives an address, gateway and DNS options from the correct scope. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that a workstation moved to a different VLAN broadcasts for DHCP but cannot reach its assigned scope. The support goal is to identify DHCP IPv4 client and server UDP ports and scope reachability; this validate action specifically addresses dhcp client and server port roles without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Confirm the response succeeds over TCP 53 while ordinary UDP resolution continues. That 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 dhcp client and server port roles instead.
C:
Verify mapping succeeds for authorized users while unrelated users remain denied. That 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 dhcp client and server port roles instead.
D:
Verify healthy nodes continue serving requests and unhealthy nodes leave rotation. 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 dhcp client and server port roles instead.
Question 524
At Lakeside Analytics, a technician working in computer equipment refresh identifies this issue: A shared office laser device prints pale text even though paper feeds cleanly. The desired outcome is to identify toner depletion separately from inkjet printhead faults. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. Which controlled service test best evaluates the planned approach?
- Print a nozzle-check test after one controlled cleaning cycle
- Print a test page after inserting a compatible toner cartridge in a powered-down service state
- View the same color test pattern from several angles on IPS and TN panels
- Print a controlled two-page sample from the target application
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Print a test page after inserting a compatible toner cartridge in a powered-down service state. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that a shared office laser device prints pale text even though paper feeds cleanly. The support goal is to identify toner depletion separately from inkjet printhead faults; this pilot action specifically addresses laser printer faded output and toner without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Print a nozzle-check test after one controlled cleaning cycle. 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 laser printer faded output and toner instead.
C:
View the same color test pattern from several angles on IPS and TN panels. 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 laser printer faded output and toner instead.
D:
Print a controlled two-page sample from the target application. 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 laser printer faded output and toner instead.
Question 525
A support request at Silverline Travel presents this problem: A tower PC has no LEDs, fans, or POST activity after the user changed power outlets. The supporting record states that the AC cable and switched outlet are unverified and there is no sign the PSU receives input. The desired outcome is to isolate basic external power before replacing the motherboard. User data and business service continuity must be preserved. Which diagnostic check best distinguishes the relevant fault?
- Check documented beep codes, DIMM seating, and one-module test configuration
- Correlate reboot timing with power demand and inspect PSU rating and connector seating
- Check the outlet, power strip, cord, PSU input switch and known-good source
- Check the exact board beep code table, GPU seating and required GPU power
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Check the outlet, power strip, cord, PSU input switch and known-good source. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that the AC cable and switched outlet are unverified and there is no sign the PSU receives input. The support goal is to isolate basic external power before replacing the motherboard; this diagnose action specifically addresses completely dead desktop power path without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Check documented beep codes, DIMM seating, and one-module test configuration. 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 completely dead desktop power path instead.
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 completely dead desktop power path instead.
D:
Check the exact board beep code table, GPU seating and required GPU power. 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 completely dead desktop power path instead.
Question 526
During Crescent Operations's hardware and network incident triage, the technician encounters this condition: 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. What should support monitor to catch a recurrence of the same failure?
- Monitor link reset and CRC error trends after repairs
- Monitor rebuild progress and additional SMART failures
- Monitor firmware resets and missing boot entries
- Monitor BIOS lane-sharing changes and unsupported replacement drive orders
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Monitor firmware resets and missing boot entries. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. 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 monitor action specifically addresses uefi boot order after a second drive without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor link reset and CRC error trends after repairs. 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.
B:
Monitor rebuild progress and additional SMART failures. 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.
D:
Monitor BIOS lane-sharing changes and unsupported replacement drive orders. 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.
Question 527
At Monarch Pharmacy, a technician working in workplace mobile support identifies this issue: 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 configuration or repair action best addresses the stated requirement?
- Use available app-level protection policies for corporate data instead of assuming whole-device ownership
- Grant the dispatch app only the location permission needed for its approved use
- Disconnect the former host if required and put the headset into manufacturer pairing mode
- Install the authorized eSIM profile and select the correct plan for cellular data
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Grant the dispatch app only the location permission needed for its approved use. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. 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 design action specifically addresses location permission for navigation without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Use available app-level protection policies for corporate data instead of assuming whole-device ownership. 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.
C:
Disconnect the former host if required and put the headset into manufacturer pairing mode. 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.
D:
Install the authorized eSIM profile and select the correct plan for cellular data. 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.
Question 528
At Pioneer Markets, a technician working in small-office network service desk identifies this issue: A new PC never receives an IPv4 lease on its office VLAN. The supporting record states that capture shows DHCP discover broadcasts but no offer from an authorized DHCP server. The desired outcome is to identify DHCP IPv4 client and server UDP ports and scope reachability. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. Which inspection most directly confirms the likely cause before changing components?
- Compare effective TCP 445 connectivity, SMB service state and share authorization
- Inspect UDP 68 client requests, UDP 67 server responses and relay configuration across the VLAN
- Review the blocked query sizes, truncated-response flag and firewall rules for UDP and TCP 53
- Inspect DHCP scope, existing leases and printer hardware MAC
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Inspect UDP 68 client requests, UDP 67 server responses and relay configuration across the VLAN. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that capture shows DHCP discover broadcasts but no offer from an authorized DHCP server. The support goal is to identify DHCP IPv4 client and server UDP ports and scope reachability; this diagnose action specifically addresses dhcp client and server port roles without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Compare effective TCP 445 connectivity, SMB service state and share authorization. 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 dhcp client and server port roles instead.
C:
Review the blocked query sizes, truncated-response flag and firewall rules for UDP and TCP 53. 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 dhcp client and server port roles instead.
D:
Inspect DHCP scope, existing leases and printer hardware MAC. 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 dhcp client and server port roles instead.
Question 529
At Lakeside Analytics, a technician working in branch networking support identifies this issue: A desktop shows a 169.254.x.x address and can see a nearby printer but cannot reach the router. The desired outcome is to recognize IPv4 link-local APIPA as a DHCP reachability symptom. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. What should the technician verify first to establish the problem?
- Review the client's IP, subnet mask, next-hop address and ARP resolution
- Inspect DHCP client settings, network link and offer/relay visibility
- Map connected endpoints, geography and link boundaries for each example
- Check client capabilities, AP firmware and current WLAN security settings
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Inspect DHCP client settings, network link and offer/relay visibility. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a desktop shows a 169.254.x.x address and can see a nearby printer but cannot reach the router. The support goal is to recognize IPv4 link-local APIPA as a DHCP reachability symptom; this diagnose action specifically addresses apipa 169.254.x.x missing dhcp lease without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Review the client's IP, subnet mask, next-hop address and ARP resolution. That 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 apipa 169.254.x.x missing dhcp lease instead.
C:
Map connected endpoints, geography and link boundaries for each example. 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 apipa 169.254.x.x missing dhcp lease instead.
D:
Check client capabilities, AP firmware and current WLAN security settings. That 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 apipa 169.254.x.x missing dhcp lease instead.
Question 530
On a service ticket for Falcon Transit, the team observes: A traveling employee's laptop suffers slow random reads and vibration-related drive failures. The desired outcome is to choose a solid-state storage device for random-access latency and portability. The technician must document observations separately from assumptions. Which safe pilot action gives the most relevant evidence?
- Simulate a single disk failure in an isolated RAID 1 test array
- Model two drive failures on a disposable RAID 6 lab array
- Benchmark random reads on approved test HDD and SATA SSD devices
- Install a compatible test DIMM with power disconnected and ESD precautions
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Benchmark random reads on approved test HDD and SATA SSD devices. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that a traveling employee's laptop suffers slow random reads and vibration-related drive failures. The support goal is to choose a solid-state storage device for random-access latency and portability; this pilot action specifically addresses ssd versus hdd latency and interface without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Simulate a single disk failure in an isolated RAID 1 test array. That 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 ssd versus hdd latency and interface instead.
B:
Model two drive failures on a disposable RAID 6 lab array. That action is appropriate for raid 5 versus raid 6 dual parity, normally when a four-disk production array must remain available during any two simultaneous drive failures. Here the observed facts require ssd versus hdd latency and interface instead.
D:
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 ssd versus hdd latency and interface instead.
