CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Test 9
Question 80
At Acorn Foods, a technician working in desktop hardware service bench identifies this issue: 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. Which planned change most directly resolves the documented issue?
- Specify a platform that explicitly supports and enables ECC where required
- Use RAID 6 when the stated requirement is two-drive fault tolerance
- Use the correct desktop DIMM rather than forcing a laptop SODIMM into the socket
- Select a qualified DDR4 module of a supported configuration rather than DDR5
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Select a qualified DDR4 module of a supported configuration rather than DDR5. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. 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 design action specifically addresses ddr generation electrical compatibility without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Specify a platform that explicitly supports and enables ECC where required. This action is appropriate for ecc memory error correction compatibility, normally when a workstation used for scientific computation requires supported correction of single-bit RAM errors. Here the observed facts require ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
B:
Use RAID 6 when the stated requirement is two-drive fault tolerance. 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.
C:
Use the correct desktop DIMM rather than forcing a laptop SODIMM into the socket. This action is appropriate for sodimm versus dimm form factor, normally when a desktop repair requires replacement memory but the spare part comes from a notebook. Here the observed facts require ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
Question 81
During Clearwater Telecom's end-user troubleshooting, the technician encounters this condition: A desktop color inkjet skips alternating bands after sitting unused for months. The desired outcome is to correct an ink delivery issue rather than changing duplex settings. The technician must document observations separately from assumptions. What should the technician recommend as the corrective approach?
- Replace the supported toner/drum unit or imaging drum as designed
- Perform approved nozzle cleaning and replace a failed cartridge or head only if indicated
- Replace the suspect SATA data cable with an appropriate supported one
- Load the correct thermal stock in the required orientation and clean the printhead as supported
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Perform approved nozzle cleaning and replace a failed cartridge or head only if indicated. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that a desktop color inkjet skips alternating bands after sitting unused for months. The support goal is to correct an ink delivery issue rather than changing duplex settings; this design action specifically addresses inkjet horizontal banding and nozzle obstruction without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Replace the supported toner/drum unit or imaging drum as designed. 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.
C:
Replace the suspect SATA data cable with an appropriate supported one. 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 inkjet horizontal banding and nozzle obstruction instead.
D:
Load the correct thermal stock in the required orientation and clean the printhead as supported. 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.
Question 82
On a service ticket for Monarch Pharmacy, the team observes: 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 verification result supports the intended technical outcome?
- Confirm controlled copy or save actions are restricted while private personal content remains unaffected
- Verify the app receives usable location when authorized and loses access when revoked
- Verify mobile data works with Wi-Fi off and voice features meet plan support
- Verify microphone and speaker profiles work on the chosen computer
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Verify the app receives usable location when authorized and loses access when revoked. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. 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 validate action specifically addresses location permission for navigation without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Confirm controlled copy or save actions are restricted while private personal content remains unaffected. 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:
Verify mobile data works with Wi-Fi off and voice features meet plan support. This action is appropriate for mobile esim carrier activation, normally when a company phone has cellular signal bars but cannot attach to its assigned business data plan. Here the observed facts require location permission for navigation instead.
D:
Verify microphone and speaker profiles work on the chosen computer. This action is appropriate for bluetooth headset pairing, normally when a wireless headset pairs with a tablet but does not appear on a new laptop's device discovery list. Here the observed facts require location permission for navigation instead.
Question 83
A support request at Horizon College presents this problem: A wireless headset pairs with a tablet but does not appear on a new laptop's device discovery list. The supporting record states that the headset is still connected to the tablet and has not entered discoverable pairing mode. The desired outcome is to pair the intended audio accessory without erasing unrelated device settings. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. How should the solution first be tested on an approved spare or pilot system?
- Connect a known video-capable test host and compare it with the data-only port
- Restore a non-sensitive test backup to the new SSD and verify recovery-key retrieval in a controlled service workflow
- Test pressure sensitivity and palm rejection using a compatible pen in a drawing app
- Pair the headset to a test laptop using supported Bluetooth discovery with the old host out of range
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Pair the headset to a test laptop using supported Bluetooth discovery with the old host out of range. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that the headset is still connected to the tablet and has not entered discoverable pairing mode. The support goal is to pair the intended audio accessory without erasing unrelated device settings; this pilot action specifically addresses bluetooth headset pairing without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Connect a known video-capable test host and compare it with the data-only port. 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 bluetooth headset pairing instead.
B:
Restore a non-sensitive test backup to the new SSD and verify recovery-key retrieval in a controlled service workflow. This 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 bluetooth headset pairing instead.
C:
Test pressure sensitivity and palm rejection using a compatible pen in a drawing app. 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 bluetooth headset pairing instead.
Question 84
During Summit Media's computer equipment refresh, the technician encounters this condition: An employee assumes any phone-style USB-C lead provides the bandwidth of a Thunderbolt SSD enclosure. The desired outcome is to determine host and cable protocol support rather than assuming a USB-C shape is sufficient. The technician must document observations separately from assumptions. Which planned change most directly resolves the documented issue?
- Connect through a supported Thunderbolt or USB4 port and rated cable meeting the enclosure requirements
- Order a compatible SATA M.2 model or install into a supported NVMe PCIe slot
- Use supported single-mode fiber and matched long-reach optics for the kilometer-scale link
- Use RAID 6 when the stated requirement is two-drive fault tolerance
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Connect through a supported Thunderbolt or USB4 port and rated cable meeting the enclosure requirements. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that an employee assumes any phone-style USB-C lead provides the bandwidth of a Thunderbolt SSD enclosure. The support goal is to determine host and cable protocol support rather than assuming a USB-C shape is sufficient; this design action specifically addresses usb-c versus thunderbolt port capability without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Order a compatible SATA M.2 model or install into a supported NVMe PCIe slot. 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 usb-c versus thunderbolt port capability instead.
C:
Use supported single-mode fiber and matched long-reach optics for the kilometer-scale link. 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 usb-c versus thunderbolt port capability instead.
D:
Use RAID 6 when the stated requirement is two-drive fault tolerance. 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 usb-c versus thunderbolt port capability instead.
Question 85
During Evergreen Manufacturing's computer equipment refresh, the technician encounters this condition: A PC technician believes moving the internal disk to first boot position is the same as enabling Secure Boot. The desired outcome is to distinguish boot selection priority from cryptographic boot validation. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. Which safe pilot action gives the most relevant evidence?
- Remount the cooler on a safe test board with correct fan connection
- Test one authorized signed boot medium and one deliberately unsigned training medium
- Test POST using a supported CPU after inspecting socket pins with power removed
- Install a supported spare drive into a test board and check firmware discovery
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Test one authorized signed boot medium and one deliberately unsigned training medium. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that a PC technician believes moving the internal disk to first boot position is the same as enabling Secure Boot. The support goal is to distinguish boot selection priority from cryptographic boot validation; this pilot action specifically addresses uefi secure boot versus boot order without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Remount the cooler on a safe test board with correct fan connection. 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 uefi secure boot versus boot order instead.
C:
Test POST using a supported CPU after inspecting socket pins with power removed. This action is appropriate for cpu socket matching motherboard, normally when a gaming PC has a motherboard with an AMD processor socket but an Intel CPU was ordered. Here the observed facts require uefi secure boot versus boot order instead.
D:
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 uefi secure boot versus boot order instead.
Question 86
During Falcon Transit's desktop hardware service bench, the technician encounters this condition: 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. What should the technician recommend as the corrective approach?
- Select an IPS-class monitor meeting the required color gamut rather than choosing TN solely for speed
- Choose a resolution meeting workspace needs and refresh rate supported by the GPU and cable
- Service or recalibrate the compatible digitizer assembly after confirming driver and physical damage
- Order a compatible SATA M.2 model or install into a supported NVMe PCIe slot
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Service or recalibrate the compatible digitizer assembly after confirming driver and physical damage. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. 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 design action specifically addresses digitizer input versus backlight inverter without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Select an IPS-class monitor meeting the required color gamut rather than choosing TN solely for speed. 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 digitizer input versus backlight inverter instead.
B:
Choose a resolution meeting workspace needs and refresh rate supported by the GPU and cable. 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 digitizer input versus backlight inverter instead.
D:
Order a compatible SATA M.2 model or install into a supported NVMe PCIe slot. 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.
Question 87
A support request at Orchard Services presents this problem: A CAD workstation shuts down during rendering while its case exhaust fan barely spins. The desired outcome is to find the heat-removal fault causing thermal shutdown. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. Which controlled service test best evaluates the planned approach?
- Repeat a controlled combined load on a test system with a known-good supply
- Run a short controlled load test after servicing cooling on a lab desktop
- Boot a test configuration with supported onboard video after safely removing the add-in GPU
- Power the PC from a verified test outlet and known-good cord without opening the energized PSU
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Run a short controlled load test after servicing cooling on a lab desktop. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that a CAD workstation shuts down during rendering while its case exhaust fan barely spins. The support goal is to find the heat-removal fault causing thermal shutdown; this pilot action specifically addresses cpu overheat from failed fan without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Repeat a controlled combined load on a test system with a known-good supply. This action is appropriate for psu instability under peak component load, normally when a machine passes idle checks but reboots when the GPU and CPU draw peak power together. Here the observed facts require cpu overheat from failed fan instead.
C:
Boot a test configuration with supported onboard video after safely removing the add-in GPU. This action is appropriate for post beep code interpretation and expansion-card isolation, normally when a newly upgraded desktop beeps at startup and shows no BIOS screen. Here the observed facts require cpu overheat from failed fan instead.
D:
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 cpu overheat from failed fan instead.
Question 88
During Riverlight Retail's small-office network service desk, the technician encounters this condition: A networked printer must keep the same IPv4 address while the rest of the office remains DHCP-managed. The supporting record states that a reservation can bind the printer's MAC to one address, while an exclusion only keeps a range from dynamic allocation. The desired outcome is to select a stable printer address assignment without disabling office DHCP. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- Verify incoming mail resolves to the right mail exchanger and SPF evaluates approved senders
- Confirm the same address returns on renewal and is not leased to another client
- Verify guest traffic cannot reach payroll while VPN users reach their approved internal resources
- Verify independent device logs use consistent event times after synchronization
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Confirm the same address returns on renewal and is not leased to another client. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that a reservation can bind the printer's MAC to one address, while an exclusion only keeps a range from dynamic allocation. The support goal is to select a stable printer address assignment without disabling office DHCP; this validate action specifically addresses dhcp reservation versus exclusion without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify incoming mail resolves to the right mail exchanger and SPF evaluates approved senders. 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 dhcp reservation versus exclusion instead.
C:
Verify guest traffic cannot reach payroll while VPN users reach their approved internal resources. This action is appropriate for vlan segmentation versus vpn encrypted tunneling, normally when a small office needs guest Wi-Fi isolated from payroll devices but also needs secure remote employee access. Here the observed facts require dhcp reservation versus exclusion instead.
D:
Verify independent device logs use consistent event times after synchronization. This 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 dhcp reservation versus exclusion instead.
Question 89
At Falcon Transit, a technician working in computer equipment refresh identifies this issue: 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 inspection most directly confirms the likely cause before changing components?
- Inspect motherboard slot shape and part type against service requirements
- Inspect workload random I/O, storage interface, capacity and endurance
- Compare capacity and fault tolerance of two-disk stripe versus mirror
- Check usable capacity, minimum disk count and failure tolerance for RAID 5 and RAID 6
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Inspect workload random I/O, storage interface, capacity and endurance. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. 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 diagnose action specifically addresses ssd versus hdd latency and interface without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Inspect motherboard slot shape and part type against service requirements. This action is appropriate for sodimm versus dimm form factor, normally when a desktop repair requires replacement memory but the spare part comes from a notebook. Here the observed facts require ssd versus hdd latency and interface instead.
C:
Compare capacity and fault tolerance of two-disk stripe versus mirror. This 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.
D:
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 ssd versus hdd latency and interface instead.
Question 90
At Horizon College, a technician working in end-user troubleshooting identifies this issue: A storage drive goes offline when its case is moved and diagnostics show many SATA CRC counts. The desired outcome is to distinguish data cabling problems from disk surface failure. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which verification result supports the intended technical outcome?
- Verify interface CRC errors stop increasing and drive detection is consistent
- Verify retry rate and throughput improve under comparable load
- Verify the array returns to healthy state and files match known checksums
- Verify backup integrity and correct operation from the new healthy drive
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
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 a storage drive goes offline when its case is moved and diagnostics show many SATA CRC counts. 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
B:
Verify retry rate and throughput improve under comparable load. 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 intermittent sata cable data fault instead.
C:
Verify the array returns to healthy state and files match known checksums. 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 intermittent sata cable data fault instead.
D:
Verify backup integrity and correct operation from the new healthy drive. This 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.
