CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Test 64
Question 630
At Summit Media, a technician working in hardware and network incident triage identifies this issue: A workstation opens a service directly by numeric IP but says its hostname cannot be resolved. The supporting record states that it has a valid address and gateway but was configured with an unreachable DNS resolver. The desired outcome is to troubleshoot name resolution separately from basic routed network access. The technician must document observations separately from assumptions. What should the technician verify first to establish the problem?
- Inspect port access and voice VLAN settings, LLDP, assigned IP subnets and switch change log
- Check resolver settings, DNS request responses and direct-IP reachability
- Inspect channel use, signal strength, client retries and non-Wi-Fi interference sources
- Review DHCP Discover and Offer exchange, relay route and scope health
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Check resolver settings, DNS request responses and direct-IP reachability. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that it has a valid address and gateway but was configured with an unreachable DNS resolver. The support goal is to troubleshoot name resolution separately from basic routed network access; this diagnose action specifically addresses dns failure with working ip connectivity without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Inspect port access and voice VLAN settings, LLDP, assigned IP subnets and switch change log. That action is appropriate for vlan mismatch causing one desk to lose access, normally when a desk phone and PC stop reaching their correct services after a switch port change. Here the observed facts require dns failure with working ip connectivity instead.
C:
Inspect channel use, signal strength, client retries and non-Wi-Fi interference sources. This action is appropriate for intermittent wi-fi due to channel interference, normally when users near a lunchroom suffer slow 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi at peak periods while wired links stay normal. Here the observed facts require dns failure with working ip connectivity instead.
D:
Review DHCP Discover and Offer exchange, relay route and scope health. That action is appropriate for dhcp failure and 169.254 apipa symptom, normally when an office PC obtains a 169.254 address and cannot reach internet destinations. Here the observed facts require dns failure with working ip connectivity instead.
Question 631
On a service ticket for Northland Labs, the team observes: A technician must determine whether a terminated Ethernet run has crossed wires and split pairs. The supporting record states that the office has a wiremap cable tester and a toner/probe used for tracing cable identity. The desired outcome is to select the diagnostic tool for wiring correctness versus cable tracing. The technician must document observations separately from assumptions. How should the solution first be tested on an approved spare or pilot system?
- Test TCP 445 and open a harmless authorized file on a staging share
- Sketch a hypothetical watch-to-phone, office switch, and remote-site circuit topology
- Test an intentionally miswired patch cable with a wiremap tester and trace a separate unlabeled cable
- Collect a short approved RF survey before and after changing the test AP channel
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
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 the office has a wiremap cable tester and a toner/probe used for tracing cable identity. 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:
Test TCP 445 and open a harmless authorized file on a staging share. 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 cable tester versus toner and probe instead.
B:
Sketch a hypothetical watch-to-phone, office switch, and remote-site circuit topology. That 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.
D:
Collect a short approved RF survey before and after changing the test AP channel. That 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.
Question 632
On a service ticket for Amberline Finance, the team observes: A laptop screen looks black but a flashlight reveals a faint intact desktop image. The supporting record states that an external display works and the built-in LCD image exists without sufficient illumination. The desired outcome is to distinguish backlight or power-circuit failure from GPU rendering failure. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. What should the technician recommend as the corrective approach?
- Restore the correct DHCP relay or server reachability for that VLAN
- Repair the supported backlight or panel power assembly after confirming external video health
- Replace the suspect cable and secure connectors without unnecessary GPU replacement
- Select the correct HDMI input and supported duplicate or extend mode
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Repair the supported backlight or panel power assembly after confirming external video health. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that an external display works and the built-in LCD image exists without sufficient illumination. The support goal is to distinguish backlight or power-circuit failure from GPU rendering failure; this design action specifically addresses backlight failure on laptop lcd without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Restore the correct DHCP relay or server reachability for that VLAN. This action is appropriate for dhcp failure and 169.254 apipa symptom, normally when an office PC obtains a 169.254 address and cannot reach internet destinations. Here the observed facts require backlight failure on laptop lcd instead.
C:
Replace the suspect cable and secure connectors without unnecessary GPU replacement. 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.
D:
Select the correct HDMI input and supported duplicate or extend 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 633
A support request at Horizon College presents this problem: An inkjet photo printer produces blank horizontal stripes in cyan images. The supporting record states that a nozzle check identifies missing cyan nozzles while the paper path is clear. The desired outcome is to correct an ink delivery issue rather than changing duplex settings. User data and business service continuity must be preserved. What should support monitor to catch a recurrence of the same failure?
- Monitor address reservations and print server port drift
- Monitor incompatible label rolls and printhead wear
- Monitor infrequent printing and repeated nozzle blockages
- Monitor recurring drum damage and contaminant buildup
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Monitor infrequent printing and repeated nozzle blockages. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that a nozzle check identifies missing cyan nozzles while the paper path is clear. The support goal is to correct an ink delivery issue rather than changing duplex settings; this monitor action specifically addresses inkjet horizontal banding and nozzle obstruction without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor address reservations and print server port drift. This action is appropriate for printer offline queue despite network availability, normally when a shared printer is reachable on the network but user jobs accumulate in an offline queue. Here the observed facts require inkjet horizontal banding and nozzle obstruction instead.
B:
Monitor incompatible label rolls and printhead wear. This action is appropriate for thermal printer paper orientation, normally when a shipping label printer feeds paper but produces completely blank labels. Here the observed facts require inkjet horizontal banding and nozzle obstruction instead.
D:
Monitor recurring drum damage and contaminant buildup. This action is appropriate for laser repeated streaks from drum defect, normally when printed laser pages have a dark stripe repeated at the same distance down each sheet. Here the observed facts require inkjet horizontal banding and nozzle obstruction instead.
Question 634
A support request at Harborworks presents this problem: A 24-port switch can power each phone alone but fails when most ports power cameras simultaneously. The desired outcome is to select power-delivery capacity based on per-port and overall PoE requirements. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. Which configuration or repair action best addresses the stated requirement?
- Provide a suitable router or Layer 3 routing function with permitted inter-subnet paths
- Use a Wi-Fi analyzer to select a cleaner channel and appropriate channel width
- Use the provider-approved ONT for fiber access and connect a router to its supported handoff
- Use a switch or injector capacity that satisfies the combined supported PoE draw
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Use a switch or injector capacity that satisfies the combined supported PoE draw. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that a 24-port switch can power each phone alone but fails when most ports power cameras simultaneously. The support goal is to select power-delivery capacity based on per-port and overall PoE requirements; this design action specifically addresses poe switch power budget without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Provide a suitable router or Layer 3 routing function with permitted inter-subnet paths. This 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 poe switch power budget instead.
B:
Use a Wi-Fi analyzer to select a cleaner channel and appropriate channel width. 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 poe switch power budget instead.
C:
Use the provider-approved ONT for fiber access and connect a router to its supported handoff. 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 poe switch power budget instead.
Question 635
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. What should support monitor to catch a recurrence of the same failure?
- Monitor carrier provisioning failures and profiles unexpectedly disabled
- Monitor reconnection failures and the headset's remembered-device limit
- Audit excess background location permissions and new app privacy prompts
- Review work-app policy compliance and data-leak exceptions, not personal browsing history
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Audit excess background location permissions and new app privacy prompts. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. 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 monitor action specifically addresses location permission for navigation without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor carrier provisioning failures and profiles unexpectedly disabled. That 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.
B:
Monitor reconnection failures and the headset's remembered-device limit. 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:
Review work-app policy compliance and data-leak exceptions, not personal browsing history. That 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.
Question 636
On a service ticket for Northland Labs, the team observes: A laptop SSD is failing SMART health checks and holds company data protected with full-disk encryption. The supporting record states that the replacement is a compatible internal SSD but the recovery key has not been escrowed or verified. The desired outcome is to replace storage without losing required user data or encryption recovery access. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. Which diagnostic check best distinguishes the relevant fault?
- Confirm swelling, disconnect external power, and check the manufacturer's battery handling instructions
- Check backup success, recovery-key availability, drive connector and manufacturer form-factor compatibility
- Compare laptop USB-C video modes, dock Power Delivery wattage, and supported display count and resolution
- Inspect WLAN antenna snap connectors, cable routing and card detection against service documentation
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Check backup success, recovery-key availability, drive connector and manufacturer form-factor compatibility. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that the replacement is a compatible internal SSD but the recovery key has not been escrowed or verified. The support goal is to replace storage without losing required user data or encryption recovery access; this diagnose action specifically addresses laptop ssd replacement and encryption without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Confirm swelling, disconnect external power, and check the manufacturer's battery handling instructions. 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 laptop ssd replacement and encryption instead.
C:
Compare laptop USB-C video modes, dock Power Delivery wattage, and supported display count and resolution. This action is appropriate for docking station display and power capability, normally when a small-business employee connects two monitors and power to a laptop through a new USB-C dock. Here the observed facts require laptop ssd replacement and encryption instead.
D:
Inspect WLAN antenna snap connectors, cable routing and card detection against service documentation. 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 laptop ssd replacement and encryption instead.
Question 637
A support request at Lakeside Analytics presents this problem: A SATA HDD disappears occasionally despite healthy spin-up and no clear media errors. The supporting record states that drive connection logs show interface CRC errors after the PC was transported. The desired outcome is to distinguish data cabling problems from disk surface failure. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- Verify movement no longer causes signal loss at the intended resolution
- Verify backup integrity and correct operation from the new healthy drive
- Verify interface CRC errors stop increasing and drive detection is consistent
- Verify the array returns to healthy state and files match known checksums
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Verify interface CRC errors stop increasing and drive detection is consistent. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that drive connection logs show interface CRC errors after the PC was transported. The support goal is to distinguish data cabling problems from disk surface failure; this validate action specifically addresses intermittent sata cable data fault without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
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 intermittent sata cable data fault instead.
B:
Verify backup integrity and correct operation from the new healthy drive. That action is appropriate for s.m.a.r.t. warning and imminent drive failure, normally when a desktop disk reports increasing reallocated sectors and read retries. Here the observed facts require intermittent sata cable data fault instead.
D:
Verify the array returns to healthy state and files match known checksums. 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 intermittent sata cable data fault instead.
Question 638
During Granite Capital's computer equipment refresh, the technician encounters this condition: A two-drive NAS needs continued access after one drive fails rather than the combined capacity of RAID 0. The desired outcome is to choose RAID 1 when simple mirroring is the requirement. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which inspection most directly confirms the likely cause before changing components?
- Compare capacity and fault tolerance of two-disk stripe versus mirror
- Inspect controller support, even drive count and RAID 10 mirror grouping
- Check usable capacity, minimum disk count and failure tolerance for RAID 5 and RAID 6
- Inspect application print preferences, default tray, media size and duplex capability
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Compare capacity and fault tolerance of two-disk stripe versus mirror. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a two-drive NAS needs continued access after one drive fails rather than the combined capacity of RAID 0. The support goal is to choose RAID 1 when simple mirroring is the requirement; this diagnose action specifically addresses raid 1 mirror capacity and resilience without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Inspect controller support, even drive count and RAID 10 mirror grouping. This action is appropriate for raid 10 mirrored striped array, normally when a database server needs fast disk I/O and redundancy with four equal drives. Here the observed facts require raid 1 mirror capacity and resilience instead.
C:
Check usable capacity, minimum disk count and failure tolerance for RAID 5 and RAID 6. This 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 raid 1 mirror capacity and resilience instead.
D:
Inspect application print preferences, default tray, media size and duplex capability. 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 raid 1 mirror capacity and resilience instead.
Question 639
On a service ticket for Acorn Foods, the team observes: A user can ping a shared Windows file server but cannot map a network share. The supporting record states that a network rule permits RDP 3389 to the host but blocks SMB 445. The desired outcome is to identify the protocol and port needed for Windows file share access. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which planned change most directly resolves the documented issue?
- Permit the authorized DNS transport paths including TCP 53 without opening unrelated services
- Restore DHCP server or relay reachability rather than assigning random static client addresses
- Allow approved SMB 445 between specified clients and the file server without opening remote desktop
- Use a cable tester for conductor mapping and a toner/probe to locate an unidentified cable
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Allow approved SMB 445 between specified clients and the file server without opening remote desktop. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that a network rule permits RDP 3389 to the host but blocks SMB 445. The support goal is to identify the protocol and port needed for Windows file share access; this design action specifically addresses smb file sharing port versus rdp without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Permit the authorized DNS transport paths including TCP 53 without opening unrelated services. This action is appropriate for dns service transport and port 53, normally when a branch resolver answers ordinary UDP name queries but large signed responses fail. Here the observed facts require smb file sharing port versus rdp instead.
B:
Restore DHCP server or relay reachability rather than assigning random static client addresses. This action is appropriate for dhcp client and server port roles, normally when a new PC never receives an IPv4 lease on its office VLAN. Here the observed facts require smb file sharing port versus rdp instead.
D:
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 smb file sharing port versus rdp instead.
Question 640
During Evergreen Manufacturing's branch networking support, the technician encounters this condition: A customer portal slows because all traffic reaches one server while two identical servers sit idle. The desired outcome is to choose the appropriate network service for distributing application traffic. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which post-repair signal best detects regression or repeat exposure?
- Monitor default-gateway reachability and route changes
- Monitor NTP offset, source reachability and logger ingestion separately
- Monitor DNS response failures and incorrect DHCP DNS option deployment
- Monitor backend health, distribution and excessive failover events
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Monitor backend health, distribution and excessive failover events. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that a customer portal slows because all traffic reaches one server while two identical servers sit idle. The support goal is to choose the appropriate network service for distributing application traffic; this monitor action specifically addresses load balancer versus proxy server functions without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor default-gateway reachability and route changes. This 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 load balancer versus proxy server functions instead.
B:
Monitor NTP offset, source reachability and logger ingestion separately. That action is appropriate for ntp time service versus centralized syslog, normally when authentication logs from two branch routers show conflicting timestamps during the same event. Here the observed facts require load balancer versus proxy server functions instead.
C:
Monitor DNS response failures and incorrect DHCP DNS option deployment. That 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 load balancer versus proxy server functions instead.
