220-1201 Practice Exam 55 — 20 Questions

Question 1

A user reports that their cloud storage files are not syncing to their laptop. The internet connection is working, and other cloud services are accessible. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Choose an answer to begin — your selection is scored in the full session.

Accepted Answer

The cloud sync client application is not running. This question tests troubleshooting cloud synchronization issues. A common cause is the client application being stopped or crashed, which prevents syncing despite a working internet connection. Account suspension would block access entirely, firewall rules would affect other services too, and server downtime would impact all users, not just one.

Answer

The cloud storage server is down for maintenance

Answer

The user's account has been suspended

Answer

A firewall is blocking the sync port

Question 2

A company is migrating its on-premises email server to a cloud service. Employees must retain all existing emails and folders. Which cloud deployment model best fits this requirement?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid cloud. A hybrid cloud deployment combines on-premises infrastructure with public cloud services, allowing data migration while maintaining local access during the transition. This ensures existing emails can be retained and synchronized. A public-only or private-only model would not support the migration seamlessly.

Answer

Public cloud

Answer

Private cloud

Answer

Community cloud

Question 3

A technician is deploying a cloud-based application that requires a specific operating system and database. The company wants to avoid managing the underlying OS and patches. Which cloud service model should be used?

Accepted Answer

Platform as a Service (PaaS). This question tests the distinction between PaaS and other service models. Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides a managed platform including OS, runtime, and database, allowing the customer to focus on deploying their application without patching the OS. IaaS gives full control but requires OS management, SaaS is a finished application, and DaaS is for virtual desktops.

Answer

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Answer

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Answer

Desktop as a Service (DaaS)

Question 4

A user receives an error when trying to access a cloud application: 'This application is not available in your region.' The user is traveling abroad. Which cloud concept is most likely causing this restriction?

Accepted Answer

Geolocation. This scenario tests understanding of geolocation restrictions in cloud services. Many cloud applications use geolocation to enforce licensing, compliance, or content restrictions based on the user's physical location. High availability, multi-tenancy, and resource pooling are unrelated to region-based access controls.

Answer

High availability

Answer

Multi-tenancy

Answer

Resource pooling

Question 5

A company uses a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) application. The vendor handles all updates, security patches, and infrastructure maintenance. Which cloud service model does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Software as a Service (SaaS). This scenario describes Software as a Service (SaaS), where the provider delivers a complete application over the internet. The user only needs a web browser and does not manage the underlying OS, servers, or updates. IaaS would give virtual machines, PaaS would provide a development platform, and DaaS would deliver virtual desktops.

Answer

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Answer

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Answer

Desktop as a Service (DaaS)

Question 6

A technician is building a new gaming PC and wants to ensure the CPU can handle heavy multitasking and overclocking. The motherboard supports both Intel and AMD CPUs, but the technician is unsure which CPU features to prioritize. Which CPU characteristic is most important for overclocking stability?

Accepted Answer

A high-quality aftermarket CPU cooler. Overclocking increases the CPU's clock speed beyond stock settings, which generates more heat. A robust cooling solution is essential to maintain stability and prevent thermal throttling or damage. Other features like core count or cache are secondary for overclocking.

Answer

A high number of cores (e.g., 12 cores)

Answer

A large L3 cache (e.g., 32 MB)

Answer

An unlocked multiplier (e.g., Intel K-series or AMD Ryzen)

Question 7

A user reports that their computer randomly restarts when playing games. The technician suspects the CPU is overheating. Which tool should the technician use to monitor the CPU temperature under load?

Accepted Answer

A third-party utility like HWMonitor. To diagnose overheating, a technician needs real-time temperature monitoring. A tool like HWMonitor or Core Temp provides accurate CPU temperature readings. BIOS/UEFI shows idle temps only, and Event Viewer logs crashes but not temperatures.

Answer

Windows Task Manager

Answer

The BIOS/UEFI hardware monitor

Answer

Windows Event Viewer

Question 8

A technician is upgrading a workstation from a dual-core CPU to a quad-core CPU. After installation, the system boots but only shows two cores in the operating system. The technician has already verified the CPU is properly seated. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The motherboard BIOS is outdated and does not fully support the new CPU. If the OS only detects half the cores, the CPU might be faulty, but a more common cause is that the motherboard's BIOS needs an update to support the new CPU's full feature set. Older BIOS versions may not recognize all cores.

Answer

The CPU is counterfeit and only has two functional cores

Answer

The operating system is limited to two cores due to licensing

Answer

The CPU cooler is too tight, causing physical damage to the CPU

Question 9

A technician is troubleshooting a workstation that fails to boot. The motherboard has a POST code display showing '00'. The CPU fan spins, but there is no display output. Which component is most likely faulty?

Accepted Answer

The CPU. POST code '00' typically indicates a CPU-related issue, such as a faulty CPU, incorrect installation, or bent pins. Since the fan spins, power is reaching the board, but the CPU is not initializing. The technician should reseat the CPU and check for damage.

Answer

The power supply unit

Answer

The RAM modules

Answer

The graphics card

Question 10

A technician is configuring a server that requires maximum memory bandwidth for virtual machines. The motherboard has four memory slots and supports dual-channel architecture. The technician installs two 16 GB DIMMs. Which configuration will provide the best performance?

Accepted Answer

Install both DIMMs in slots 1 and 3 (different channels). Dual-channel memory architecture requires matched pairs of DIMMs installed in specific slots (usually slots 1 and 3 or 2 and 4) to operate in dual-channel mode. Installing them in the same channel (e.g., slots 1 and 2) forces single-channel mode, halving memory bandwidth.

Answer

Install both DIMMs in slots 1 and 2 (same channel)

Answer

Install one DIMM in slot 1 and leave the other empty

Answer

Install both DIMMs in slots 2 and 3 (adjacent slots)

Question 11

A technician is troubleshooting a system that experiences random lockups and blue screens. The technician suspects a CPU issue but has already run a stress test without errors. Which diagnostic step should the technician perform next to isolate the problem?

Accepted Answer

Run a memory diagnostic tool like MemTest86. Random lockups and blue screens can also be caused by memory errors. Running a memory diagnostic tool like MemTest86 will test the RAM for faults, which can produce symptoms similar to a failing CPU. This helps rule out memory before replacing the CPU.

Answer

Replace the CPU with a known good one

Answer

Update the motherboard BIOS to the latest version

Answer

Check the CPU voltage in BIOS and increase it slightly

Question 12

A customer reports that their desktop computer randomly shuts down when they run video editing software. The system has a high-end GPU and 32 GB of RAM. During troubleshooting, you notice the CPU temperature quickly rises to 95°C under load. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

CPU cooler fan failure or poor thermal paste application. Overheating is a common cause of random shutdowns, especially under heavy load. The CPU thermal protection mechanism triggers to prevent damage. This scenario tests the understanding of thermal management and its impact on system stability.

Answer

Insufficient power supply wattage

Answer

Faulty RAM module

Answer

Outdated BIOS firmware

Question 13

A technician is building a new workstation for a graphic designer. The user needs fast single-threaded performance for Adobe Photoshop. Which CPU characteristic should the technician prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Higher clock speed (GHz). For applications like Photoshop that rely heavily on single-threaded performance, higher clock speed is more important than core count. This question tests the understanding of CPU performance metrics for specific workloads.

Answer

Maximum number of cores

Answer

Larger L3 cache size

Answer

Lower TDP

Question 14

A user complains that their computer is running slowly, especially when opening multiple browser tabs. Task Manager shows the CPU is at 100% usage constantly, even when idle. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Background malware or a driver issue. Constant 100% CPU usage at idle suggests a background process is consuming resources, often due to malware or a misbehaving driver. This tests the ability to distinguish between hardware and software issues.

Answer

Insufficient RAM

Answer

CPU thermal throttling

Answer

Failing hard drive

Question 15

A technician is upgrading a server CPU to improve multi-threaded performance for a virtualization host. The current CPU has 8 cores and 16 threads. Which of the following specifications is most important to consider for compatibility?

Accepted Answer

CPU socket type. CPU upgrades require careful consideration of socket type, chipset support, and BIOS compatibility. The socket is the most critical physical compatibility factor.

Answer

CPU clock speed

Answer

CPU core count

Answer

CPU TDP

Question 16

During a motherboard replacement, a technician installs a new CPU but the system fails to POST. The CPU fan spins, but the screen remains blank. Which of the following should the technician check first?

Accepted Answer

Verify the CPU is on the motherboard's supported CPU list and update BIOS if needed. When a system fails to POST with a new CPU, the most common issue is compatibility or improper installation. The technician should verify the CPU is supported by the motherboard's BIOS version.

Answer

Check if the CPU power connector is plugged in

Answer

Reseat the RAM modules

Answer

Replace the CMOS battery

Question 17

A user reports that their computer intermittently freezes for a few seconds during normal use. The technician checks Event Viewer and finds 'WHEA-Logger' errors related to the CPU. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Unstable CPU overclock or insufficient voltage. WHEA-Logger errors often indicate hardware issues, particularly with the CPU or its voltage. This can stem from an unstable overclock or insufficient power delivery.

Answer

Outdated graphics driver

Answer

CPU overheating

Answer

Faulty hard drive

Question 18

A technician is selecting a CPU for a compact home theater PC (HTPC) that will be passively cooled. Which CPU characteristic is most critical to ensure reliable operation without a fan?

Accepted Answer

Low TDP. Passive cooling relies on low heat output. TDP (Thermal Design Power) directly indicates the amount of heat a cooler must dissipate. A low TDP CPU is essential for fanless operation.

Answer

High clock speed

Answer

Integrated graphics

Answer

Large L3 cache

Question 19

A technician is called to a warehouse where a newly installed IP camera shows 'No Signal' on the NVR. The camera is connected via a 100-meter Cat6 cable to a PoE switch. The switch port LED is off. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The cable length exceeds the maximum specification for Ethernet.. This question tests knowledge of Ethernet cable length limits. Cat6 is rated for 100 meters; at exactly that distance, signal degradation can cause link failure. The PoE switch may not provide enough power over that distance, or the cable may be slightly too long.

Answer

The camera's IP address is conflicting with another device.

Answer

The PoE switch does not support the camera's power requirement.

Answer

The camera is configured for a different VLAN.

Question 20

A user's laptop cannot connect to any network after a recent OS update. The Wi-Fi adapter shows as enabled in Device Manager with no errors, and other devices on the same network work fine. What should the technician do first?

Accepted Answer

Run ipconfig to check the IP address.. This question tests systematic troubleshooting. Since the hardware appears fine and other devices work, the issue is likely software-related. Checking IP configuration with ipconfig is the logical first step to see if the adapter has a valid IP or is stuck with an APIPA address.

Answer

Replace the Wi-Fi adapter.

Answer

Reset the network switch.

Answer

Disable the Windows Firewall.