Troubleshooting Hardware and Software

Open Ended

What would you do if your screen goes blank while using a desktop?

Multiple Choice

Which step involves creating a hypothesis about the cause of the problem?

• Establish a theory of probable cause

• Identify the problem

• Test the theory to determine cause

• Document findings, actions, and outcomes

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of testing the theory to determine cause?

• To confirm whether the theory is correct

• To document findings, actions, and outcomes

• To establish a plan of action to resolve the problem

• To verify full system functionality

Multiple Choice

What is the process of diagnosing and correcting the source of a problem?

• Designing algorithms

• Troubleshooting

• Coding

• Sorting

Multiple Choice

When a technician has finished installing a new motherboard in a client's PC, what is the most accurate way to document the procedure?

• Update the service log with the motherboard model and installation date.

• Take a photo of the new motherboard and attach it to the client's digital work order.

• Email the client confirming the motherboard brand and model number installed.

• List the upgrade in the monthly IT department report with the client's asset tag.

Multiple Choice

A user reports that their laptop's keyboard is malfunctioning, with some keys not responding. What is the most appropriate first step to implement?

• Update the keyboard drivers

• Replace the entire keyboard unit

• Check for debris under the keys

• Perform a full system restore

Multiple Choice

A user calls reporting that their system is not booting and is displaying a 'no boot device found' message, while other users are experiencing issues such as slow application response times and occasional system freezes. Which of the following should be addressed first?

• Reinstall applications for users facing occasional system freezes.

• Resolve the 'no boot device found' error.

• Increase the RAM in the systems experiencing slow application response.

• Defragment the hard drives of users experiencing system freezes.

Multiple Choice

A laptop intermittently fails to wake from sleep after the lid is opened, and Event Viewer shows no critical errors. In the CompTIA A+ troubleshooting process, which action best exemplifies establishing a theory of probable cause?

• Escalate the case and request hardware replacement before generating a testable hypothesis.

• Document findings and finalize the repair plan as if the lid sensor has failed, then verify later.

• Form a single, testable hypothesis targeting ACPI sleep/wake handling.

• Form several broad hypotheses and move to mitigation by applying all power and BIOS updates at once.

Multiple Choice

When establishing a theory of probable cause for a computer issue, what approach should a technician take to gather information?

• Rely solely on system logs and error messages

• Make assumptions based on similar past issues

• Ask open-ended questions to the user

• Perform a complete system reinstallation

Multiple Choice

A user reports their computer is slow, applications are crashing, and the system is making unusual noises. After initial investigation, you find high CPU usage, low disk space, and a clicking sound from the hard drive. Which issue should be prioritized?

• Investigate the high CPU usage and identify resource-intensive processes

• Run a comprehensive system scan for malware and viruses

• Clear disk space by removing unnecessary files and applications

• Address the clicking sound from the hard drive

Multiple Choice

A user's computer is freezing unexpectedly. What should be checked first?

• Upgrade the computer's RAM

• Reinstall the operating system

• Check event logs for errors

• Replace the motherboard

Multiple Choice

A user upgraded their PC from 4GB RAM to 16GB using DDR4 2133MHz memory. Their motherboard manual shows maximum supported memory is 64GB. However, the PC is crashing frequently. What would be the next step?

• Check if the RAM is on the motherboard's QVL

• Uninstall the current operating system

• Upgrade the RAM to DDR4 2400MHz

• Downgrade the RAM to DDR4 1600MHz

Multiple Choice

A user reports that their computer unexpectedly shuts down during use. What is the most appropriate first step to identify the problem?

• Check the system event logs for error messages

• Update all device drivers to the latest versions

• Perform a complete hardware diagnostic on all components

• Run a full system virus scan to detect potential malware

Multiple Choice

A motherboard supports UEFI and Legacy BIOS modes. What would be a good reason to choose UEFI over Legacy BIOS?

• Lower power consumption and improved CPU performance

• Faster boot times and support for larger capacity drives

• Easier overclocking and more advanced BIOS settings

• Extended support for older hardware and devices

Multiple Choice

Which cooling solution is most appropriate for a compact, low-power mini-PC used for basic office tasks?

• Passive heatsink

• Thermoelectric cooling (Peltier) system

• Multiple 140mm case fans with RGB lighting

• Liquid cooling with a 360mm radiator

Multiple Choice

An administrator discovers that several unauthorized devices have connected to the company's Wi-Fi network. What is the best practice to prevent further unauthorized access?

• Switch to a wired network

• Disable Wi-Fi completely

• Change the wireless password

• Enable MAC address filtering