220-1101 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Practice Test 14 — 15 Questions

Question 1

A technician installs a new network interface card (NIC) into a desktop computer. After installation, the computer boots normally and the NIC is detected in Device Manager without errors. When an Ethernet cable is connected, the link light does not light up on the NIC or the switch port. The cable is known to work with another computer. The technician tries a different port on the same switch, but the link light remains off. Which of the following should the technician do NEXT?

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

Accepted Answer

Reseat the NIC in the PCIe slot. Since the NIC is detected in Device Manager without errors and the cable works on another computer, the issue is likely a physical connection problem. Reseating the NIC ensures proper contact with the PCIe slot, which can resolve intermittent connectivity or poor electrical contact that prevents the link light from activating.

Answer

Update the NIC driver from the manufacturer's website

Answer

Disable and re-enable the NIC in Device Manager

Answer

Check the NIC's configuration for a disabled port

Question 2

A user reports that their workstation can access the internet but cannot access network shares on the local file server. The technician runs ipconfig and sees IP address 192.168.1.100, subnet mask 255.255.255.0, default gateway 192.168.1.1. The technician successfully pings the gateway and a public IP address (8.8.8.8). However, pinging the file server at 192.168.1.50 fails with 'Request timed out'. Other workstations on the same subnet can access the file server. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The workstation has a duplicate IP address with another device on the network. The workstation can ping the gateway and a public IP, confirming that its IP configuration, subnet mask, and default gateway are correct and that Layer 3 routing works. However, it cannot ping the file server (192.168.1.50) while other workstations on the same subnet can. This points to a local Layer 2 or Layer 3 conflict specific to this workstation. A duplicate IP address would cause the file server's ARP table to map 192.168.1.100 to the wrong MAC address, so pings from this workstation to the file server go unanswered because the file server sends replies to the other device with the same IP.

Answer

The subnet mask on the workstation is configured incorrectly

Answer

The Windows Firewall is blocking inbound traffic to the file server

Answer

The DNS server is not resolving the file server's hostname

Question 3

A user reports that their desktop computer intermittently freezes and emits a series of beeps (one long, three short) during the boot process. The technician opens the case and notes that the CPU fan spins, but the system does not POST. The technician swaps the RAM modules with known-good modules from another identical system, but the issue persists. Which of the following components is MOST likely faulty?

Accepted Answer

Graphics card (GPU). The beep code of one long followed by three short beeps is a standard AMI BIOS POST code indicating a video card or memory error. Since the RAM has already been swapped with known-good modules and the issue persists, the most likely faulty component is the graphics card (GPU). The CPU fan spinning confirms power is reaching the motherboard, but the system failing to POST points to a critical component failure, and the GPU is the next logical suspect after eliminating RAM.

Answer

Motherboard

Answer

CPU

Answer

CMOS battery

Question 4

A technician is troubleshooting a workstation that cannot access any network resources. The technician runs ipconfig and sees that the IP address is 169.254.10.50 with subnet mask 255.255.0.0. The link lights on the NIC and the switch port are solid green. The technician connects the workstation to a different wall jack using a known-good cable, but the problem persists. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The DHCP server is unavailable. The IP address 169.254.10.50 with subnet mask 255.255.0.0 is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, assigned by Windows when a DHCP server cannot be reached. Since the link lights are solid green and the cable and wall jack have been swapped with a known-good cable, the issue is not physical layer connectivity. The most likely cause is that the DHCP server is unavailable, preventing the workstation from obtaining a valid IP address.

Answer

The switch port is administratively disabled

Answer

The default gateway is misconfigured on the router

Answer

The DNS server is not responding

Question 5

A user reports that their desktop computer will not turn on. The technician presses the power button, but no fans spin, no LEDs light up. The power supply unit (PSU) fan is not spinning. The technician verifies that the power cord is securely connected to the PSU and wall outlet, and that the outlet is functional (tested with a lamp). The PSU has a voltage selector switch set to 115V (correct for the region). Which of the following should the technician do NEXT?

Accepted Answer

Test the power supply unit using the paperclip test with a multimeter.. The correct next step is to test the PSU using the paperclip test with a multimeter. Since the system shows no signs of power (no fans, no LEDs) and the wall outlet is verified functional, the PSU is the primary suspect. The paperclip test (jumpering the green PS_ON# pin to any ground pin on the 24-pin connector) allows you to force the PSU to turn on independently of the motherboard, and a multimeter can then measure the voltage rails (e.g., +3.3V, +5V, +12V) to confirm if the PSU is dead or just failing to start under load.

Answer

Replace the power supply unit.

Answer

Reseat the 24-pin motherboard connector.

Answer

Replace the CMOS battery.

Question 6

A technician is troubleshooting a desktop computer running Windows 10 that has no network connectivity. The computer is connected via an Ethernet cable to a managed switch. The technician observes that the link light on the network interface card (NIC) is off, but the link light on the switch port is solid green. The technician tests the Ethernet cable with a cable tester and it passes. Connecting a different laptop to the same cable and switch port results in a successful connection. The technician boots the problematic computer from a Linux live USB drive and finds that the NIC link light comes on and the computer can access the network normally. After rebooting back into Windows, the NIC link light is off again and there is no connectivity. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this issue?

Accepted Answer

The Windows NIC driver is corrupted or incompatible.. The NIC works under Linux but fails under Windows, which isolates the issue to the Windows software environment. A corrupted or incompatible NIC driver can prevent the OS from initializing the hardware, causing the link light to remain off and no connectivity. Since the hardware passes a cable test and works with another OS, the driver is the most likely cause.

Answer

The NIC is physically faulty.

Answer

The switch port is configured with port security.

Answer

The Ethernet cable is not properly seated.

Question 7

After a RAM upgrade, a PC fails to boot and emits memory beep codes. The technician confirms the modules are the correct generation. What is the best next step?

Accepted Answer

Reseat the RAM and test one module at a time in the recommended slot. Memory beep codes indicate a RAM-related issue, and the most common cause after an upgrade is improper seating or a faulty module. Reseating the RAM and testing one module at a time in the recommended slot (usually slot A2 or DIMM2 per motherboard manual) isolates the problem, ensuring each stick is properly installed and functional before adding more.

Answer

Replace the power button

Answer

Clear all browser cache

Answer

Disable DHCP

Question 8

A laser printer produces pages with repeated marks at regular intervals. Replacing the toner cartridge does not resolve the issue. What component is the next likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Fuser or roller assembly. Repeated marks at regular intervals on laser printer output typically indicate a mechanical issue with a rotating component, such as a fuser roller or a transfer roller. Since replacing the toner cartridge did not resolve the problem, the next likely cause is a damaged or worn fuser roller assembly, which can leave marks corresponding to its circumference as it rotates.

Answer

Low Wi-Fi signal

Answer

Incorrect DNS server

Answer

Wrong monitor resolution

Question 9

Drag and drop the steps for troubleshooting a network connectivity issue using the OSI model into the correct order.

Accepted Answer

Check physical connectivity, then test loopback, then verify gateway connectivity, then check remote IP connectivity, then test DNS resolution.. Start at Layer 1 (physical), then work up: loopback (Layer 3), gateway, remote IP, DNS (Layer 7).

Answer

Test DNS resolution, then check remote IP connectivity, then verify gateway connectivity, then test loopback, then check physical connectivity.

Answer

Test loopback, then check physical connectivity, then verify gateway connectivity, then check remote IP connectivity, then test DNS resolution.

Answer

Check physical connectivity, then verify gateway connectivity, then test loopback, then check remote IP connectivity, then test DNS resolution.

Question 10

Drag and drop the steps for recovering data from a failed hard drive using a bootable USB into the correct order.

Accepted Answer

Prepare bootable media, then connect drives, then boot from USB, then select source and destination drives, then recover data.. Prepare bootable media, connect drives, boot from USB, select source/destination, then recover.

Answer

Connect drives first, then prepare bootable media, then boot from USB, then select source and destination drives, then recover data.

Answer

Boot from USB first, then connect drives, then prepare bootable media, then select source and destination drives, then recover data.

Answer

Prepare bootable media, then boot from USB, then connect drives, then select source and destination drives, then recover data.

Question 11

Match each connector type to its typical use.

Accepted Answer

USB-A: Used for connecting peripherals like keyboards and mice. USB-A connects peripherals like keyboards and mice; HDMI transmits video and audio. Common confusions: USB-C is often mistaken for USB-A, and DisplayPort for USB-C.

Answer

USB-C: Used for connecting peripherals like keyboards and mice

Answer

DisplayPort: Used for high-speed data and power delivery

Answer

USB-A: Used for transmitting video and audio

Question 12

Match each form factor to its typical use.

Accepted Answer

ATX: Standard desktop computer. Form factors dictate size and expansion capabilities: ATX for standard desktops, Micro-ATX for budget builds, and Mini-ITX for compact systems. Confusions often arise from mixing uses between ATX and Mini-ITX.

Answer

ATX: Compact, low-power home theater PC

Answer

Mini-ITX: Standard desktop with many expansion slots

Question 13

A technician is troubleshooting a desktop computer that emits a rhythmic beeping pattern at startup and does not display video. The pattern is three short beeps followed by a pause, then three short beeps again. The motherboard is from a major manufacturer and uses a standard BIOS. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The RAM is not properly seated or is faulty.. The rhythmic pattern of three short beeps is a standard BIOS beep code for a memory error. The system cannot complete POST because it fails to detect or initialize RAM. Reseating or replacing the memory modules is the appropriate first step. Other components like CPU, power supply, or video card would produce different beep codes or symptoms, making memory the most likely cause.

Answer

The power supply is failing.

Answer

The video card is not seated properly.

Answer

The CPU is overheating.

Question 14

A user reports that their laptop's battery no longer holds a charge for more than 20 minutes, even though it is plugged in most of the day. The laptop is 14 months old and still under a 2-year warranty. A technician runs a battery report and sees the design capacity is 52,000 mWh but the full charge capacity is now 22,000 mWh. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The battery has reached the end of its useful life due to normal wear and requires replacement.. The battery report shows a significant discrepancy between design capacity and full charge capacity, indicating the battery has degraded chemically over time. After 14 months, this level of wear is typical for lithium-ion batteries. The most likely cause is normal aging, so the battery should be replaced, possibly under warranty.

Answer

The laptop's charging port is damaged and only allows intermittent charging.

Answer

The operating system's power plan is set to Power Saver, causing the battery to drain faster.

Answer

The AC adapter is underpowered and cannot charge the battery while the laptop is in use.

Question 15

A user reports that a laptop's wireless connection drops whenever the laptop is moved from the docking station to a conference room, but wired connectivity works fine at the desk. The technician confirms the wireless adapter is enabled and the correct SSID is configured. Which of the following should the technician check FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Whether the wireless network signal strength and channel availability at the new location are adequate.. The laptop maintains wired connectivity at the desk, so the failure is tied to the wireless environment away from the dock. Weak signal, channel congestion, or coverage gaps in the conference room are the most probable causes. Confirming signal strength and channel conditions first narrows the issue before adjusting drivers, power settings, or IP configuration.

Answer

Whether the laptop's wireless radio is disabled by a physical switch or function key.

Answer

Whether the wireless adapter is configured with a static IP address from the wired network.

Answer

Whether the laptop's wired Ethernet adapter is disabled in Device Manager.