CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Test 87
Question 860
At Harborworks, a technician working in end-user troubleshooting identifies this issue: A tablet becomes hot in a backpack because one application retries a cloud sync every few seconds. The desired outcome is to identify energy consumption from software activity rather than immediately swapping the battery. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. How should the solution first be tested on an approved spare or pilot system?
- Temporarily disable nonessential background activity for the suspect app on a test phone
- Turn off Wi-Fi on a spare authorized test device and attempt a harmless network request
- Rehearse a RAID 1 rebuild with a disposable lab array and a spare disk
- Compare a known-good cable before and after a controlled authorized port inspection
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Temporarily disable nonessential background activity for the suspect app on a test phone. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that a tablet becomes hot in a backpack because one application retries a cloud sync every few seconds. The support goal is to identify energy consumption from software activity rather than immediately swapping the battery; this pilot action specifically addresses background app mobile battery drain without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
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 background app mobile battery drain instead.
C:
Rehearse a RAID 1 rebuild with a disposable lab array and a spare disk. This action is appropriate for degraded raid after a failed member, normally when a mirrored NAS reports one disk failed while files remain available. Here the observed facts require background app mobile battery drain instead.
D:
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 background app mobile battery drain instead.
Question 861
On a service ticket for Acorn Foods, the team observes: A replacement RAM order has the correct capacity but the wrong DDR generation. The supporting record states that the motherboard's socket and memory controller only support DDR4, not DDR5. The desired outcome is to check memory generation and supported speeds before replacement. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- Verify memory training succeeds at an approved speed with no diagnostic errors
- Verify firmware exposes ECC mode and error reporting rather than merely booting
- Verify data remains readable in degraded mode and rebuild procedures are documented
- Verify secure latching, firmware recognition and memory diagnostics
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Verify memory training succeeds at an approved speed with no diagnostic errors. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that the motherboard's socket and memory controller only support DDR4, not DDR5. The support goal is to check memory generation and supported speeds before replacement; this validate action specifically addresses ddr generation electrical compatibility without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Verify firmware exposes ECC mode and error reporting rather than merely booting. That action is appropriate for ecc memory error correction compatibility, normally when a workstation used for scientific computation requires supported correction of single-bit RAM errors. Here the observed facts require ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
C:
Verify data remains readable in degraded mode and rebuild procedures are documented. 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 ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
D:
Verify secure latching, firmware recognition and memory diagnostics. 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 ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
Question 862
During Westbrook Energy's computer equipment refresh, the technician encounters this condition: A shop attempts to install an incompatible processor family because the advertised clock speed is similar. The desired outcome is to verify socket and chipset compatibility before installing a processor. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. What should the technician verify first to establish the problem?
- Check motherboard socket, chipset BIOS support and CPU thermal rating
- Inspect UEFI Secure Boot state, key database and boot entries separately
- Check touch controller reporting and the glass digitizer surface instead of replacing the inverter
- Check heatsink contact, fan operation, thermal compound and measured CPU temperature
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Check motherboard socket, chipset BIOS support and CPU thermal rating. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a shop attempts to install an incompatible processor family because the advertised clock speed is similar. The support goal is to verify socket and chipset compatibility before installing a processor; this diagnose action specifically addresses cpu socket matching motherboard without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Inspect UEFI Secure Boot state, key database and boot entries separately. That 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 socket matching motherboard instead.
C:
Check touch controller reporting and the glass digitizer surface instead of replacing the inverter. This action is appropriate for digitizer input versus backlight inverter, normally when a convertible LCD image is visible but finger touches no longer register at a specific region. Here the observed facts require cpu socket matching motherboard instead.
D:
Check heatsink contact, fan operation, thermal compound and measured CPU temperature. That action is appropriate for cpu heatsink thermal interface, normally when a workstation reaches a thermal limit seconds after a cooler was replaced. Here the observed facts require cpu socket matching motherboard instead.
Question 863
On a service ticket for Falcon Transit, the team observes: A convertible LCD image is visible but finger touches no longer register at a specific region. The supporting record states that an external mouse works and display illumination remains stable. The desired outcome is to distinguish touch digitizer trouble from display brightness or backlight faults. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. Which safe pilot action gives the most relevant evidence?
- Set a test monitor first to its native resolution then to an available supported refresh rate
- Install a supported spare drive into a test board and check firmware discovery
- View the same color test pattern from several angles on IPS and TN panels
- Test touch coordinates with a supported calibration tool on a spare panel
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Test touch coordinates with a supported calibration tool on a spare panel. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that an external mouse works and display illumination remains stable. The support goal is to distinguish touch digitizer trouble from display brightness or backlight faults; this pilot action specifically addresses digitizer input versus backlight inverter without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Set a test monitor first to its native resolution then to an available supported refresh rate. That 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 digitizer input versus backlight inverter instead.
B:
Install a supported spare drive into a test board and check firmware discovery. 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 digitizer input versus backlight inverter instead.
C:
View the same color test pattern from several angles on IPS and TN panels. That 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 digitizer input versus backlight inverter instead.
Question 864
On a service ticket for Northland Labs, the team observes: 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. How should the solution first be tested on an approved spare or pilot system?
- Use a known-supported test module and confirm safe seating and POST
- View the same color test pattern from several angles on IPS and TN panels
- Test an ECC-capable workstation using manufacturer diagnostics and supported event reporting
- Install a compatible test DIMM with power disconnected and ESD precautions
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Use a known-supported test module and confirm safe seating and POST. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. 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 pilot action specifically addresses ddr generation electrical compatibility without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
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 ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
C:
Test an ECC-capable workstation using manufacturer diagnostics and supported event reporting. That action is appropriate for ecc memory error correction compatibility, normally when a workstation used for scientific computation requires supported correction of single-bit RAM errors. Here the observed facts require ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
D:
Install a compatible test DIMM with power disconnected and ESD precautions. 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 ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
Question 865
At Beacon Group, a technician working in end-user troubleshooting identifies this issue: A department printer answers ping at its new address but Windows keeps sending jobs to an old port. The desired outcome is to restore the print queue target without replacing the working printer. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- Verify multiple pages feed without double picks or jams
- Verify dark print appears on the active coated side without consumable ink
- Verify movement no longer causes signal loss at the intended resolution
- Verify queued and new jobs print and the queue reports the device online
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Verify queued and new jobs print and the queue reports the device online. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that a department printer answers ping at its new address but Windows keeps sending jobs to an old port. The support goal is to restore the print queue target without replacing the working printer; this validate action specifically addresses printer offline queue despite network availability without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify multiple pages feed without double picks or jams. That action is appropriate for laser printer repeated paper jams at pickup, normally when a laser printer jams on the first page when it tries to feed paper from tray 1. Here the observed facts require printer offline queue despite network availability instead.
B:
Verify dark print appears on the active coated side without consumable ink. That 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 printer offline queue despite network availability instead.
C:
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 printer offline queue despite network availability instead.
Question 866
A support request at Beacon Group presents this problem: A hospital hosts a sensitive application on-site and uses public cloud only for an integrated scheduling front end. The desired outcome is to classify a hybrid-cloud deployment based on integrated private and public environments. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. What should be tracked after the fix to maintain service reliability?
- Monitor host hardware support and hypervisor security updates
- Monitor service patch announcements and customer-managed database access settings
- Monitor cross-tenant access alerts and changes to service tenancy configuration
- Monitor cross-environment data flow and newly unauthorized public exposure
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Monitor cross-environment data flow and newly unauthorized public exposure. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that a hospital hosts a sensitive application on-site and uses public cloud only for an integrated scheduling front end. The support goal is to classify a hybrid-cloud deployment based on integrated private and public environments; this monitor action specifically addresses public versus private versus hybrid cloud without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
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 public versus private versus hybrid cloud instead.
B:
Monitor service patch announcements and customer-managed database access settings. That 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.
C:
Monitor cross-tenant access alerts and changes to service tenancy configuration. 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 public versus private versus hybrid cloud instead.
Question 867
During Summit Media's laptop and mobile device repair, the technician encounters this condition: A business laptop has a lifted trackpad and a visibly swollen internal lithium-ion battery. The supporting record states that the case is deformed and the manufacturer specifies a model-specific service battery. The desired outcome is to remove the battery hazard safely without puncturing the cells. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- Confirm user files and boot integrity are restored and encryption reports protected state
- Verify the new battery sits flat, charges normally, and the enclosure closes without pressure
- Verify BIOS reports the expected memory and extended diagnostics pass without errors
- Compare Wi-Fi received signal strength and roaming stability before and after reconnection
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Verify the new battery sits flat, charges normally, and the enclosure closes without pressure. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that the case is deformed and the manufacturer specifies a model-specific service battery. The support goal is to remove the battery hazard safely without puncturing the cells; this validate action specifically addresses swollen laptop battery replacement without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Confirm user files and boot integrity are restored and encryption reports protected state. That action is appropriate for laptop ssd replacement and encryption, normally when a laptop SSD is failing SMART health checks and holds company data protected with full-disk encryption. Here the observed facts require swollen laptop battery replacement instead.
C:
Verify BIOS reports the expected memory and extended diagnostics pass without errors. 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 swollen laptop battery replacement instead.
D:
Compare Wi-Fi received signal strength and roaming stability before and after reconnection. That 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 swollen laptop battery replacement instead.
Question 868
During Maplebank Ltd's desktop hardware service bench, the technician encounters this condition: A monochrome laser printer produces uniformly faint pages after many high-volume print jobs. The supporting record states that the toner cartridge reports near-empty and an approved replacement cartridge is available. The desired outcome is to identify toner depletion separately from inkjet printhead faults. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. Which inspection most directly confirms the likely cause before changing components?
- Check heatsink contact, fan operation, thermal compound and measured CPU temperature
- Check toner level, cartridge seating, toner-save mode and page examples
- Inspect application print preferences, default tray, media size and duplex capability
- Inspect nozzle test results, cartridge levels and printhead cleaning history
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Check toner level, cartridge seating, toner-save mode and page examples. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that the toner cartridge reports near-empty and an approved replacement cartridge is available. The support goal is to identify toner depletion separately from inkjet printhead faults; this diagnose action specifically addresses laser printer faded output and toner without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Check heatsink contact, fan operation, thermal compound and measured CPU temperature. This action is appropriate for cpu heatsink thermal interface, normally when a workstation reaches a thermal limit seconds after a cooler was replaced. Here the observed facts require laser printer faded output and toner instead.
C:
Inspect application print preferences, default tray, media size and duplex capability. That 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.
D:
Inspect nozzle test results, cartridge levels and printhead cleaning history. That 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.
Question 869
A support request at Maplebank Ltd presents this problem: A SOHO laptop automatically assigns itself 169.254.42.19 with a 255.255.0.0 mask. The supporting record states that the network uses DHCP but the laptop has not received a valid lease from the local server. The desired outcome is to recognize IPv4 link-local APIPA as a DHCP reachability symptom. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. Which post-repair signal best detects regression or repeat exposure?
- Monitor incorrect static gateways and rogue DHCP options
- Monitor DNS response failures and incorrect DHCP DNS option deployment
- Monitor recurring APIPA events after router restarts
- Watch newly added APs for weak encryption fallback
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Monitor recurring APIPA events after router restarts. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that the network uses DHCP but the laptop has not received a valid lease from the local server. The support goal is to recognize IPv4 link-local APIPA as a DHCP reachability symptom; this monitor action specifically addresses apipa 169.254.x.x missing dhcp lease without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor incorrect static gateways and rogue DHCP options. 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.
B:
Monitor DNS response failures and incorrect DHCP DNS option deployment. This action is appropriate for dns resolution versus dhcp address assignment, normally when a workstation has a valid IPv4 address, gateway and lease but cannot reach services by hostname. Here the observed facts require apipa 169.254.x.x missing dhcp lease instead.
D:
Watch newly added APs for weak encryption fallback. 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 870
A support request at Juniper Tech presents this problem: A small office sees wireless packet loss during lunch when nearby microwaves and overlapping APs are active. The desired outcome is to resolve radio interference before increasing wired internet capacity. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. What should the technician verify first to establish the problem?
- Check cable damage, connector strain, monitor input selection and GPU outputs
- Check resolver settings, DNS request responses and direct-IP reachability
- Inspect channel use, signal strength, client retries and non-Wi-Fi interference sources
- Inspect port access and voice VLAN settings, LLDP, assigned IP subnets and switch change log
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Inspect channel use, signal strength, client retries and non-Wi-Fi interference sources. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a small office sees wireless packet loss during lunch when nearby microwaves and overlapping APs are active. The support goal is to resolve radio interference before increasing wired internet capacity; this diagnose action specifically addresses intermittent wi-fi due to channel interference without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Check cable damage, connector strain, monitor input selection and GPU outputs. 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 wi-fi due to channel interference instead.
B:
Check resolver settings, DNS request responses and direct-IP reachability. 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 intermittent wi-fi due to channel interference instead.
D:
Inspect port access and voice VLAN settings, LLDP, assigned IP subnets and switch change log. This 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 intermittent wi-fi due to channel interference instead.
