The answer is to check the RAID controller’s event log and attempt to import the array. This is correct because a power outage can cause incomplete writes that mark multiple drives as offline or failed in the metadata, even when all drives are physically detected; the array shows as “Failed” due to a logical metadata issue rather than actual drive failure. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of RAID recovery procedures and the critical distinction between a true hardware failure and a controller metadata corruption—a common trap is to immediately rebuild or initialize the array, which would destroy all data. The safest first step is always to check the logs and attempt an import or rescan before any destructive action. Memory tip: “Log before rebuild—import, don’t initialize.”
220-1201 Storage and RAID Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of storage and raid troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company's file server uses a RAID 5 array with five 2 TB HDDs. After a power outage, the server boots but the RAID array is shown as 'Failed' in the controller utility. The drives are all detected. What is the most likely cause and the best first step to recover the array with minimal data loss?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check the RAID controller's event log and attempt to import the array.
A power outage can cause multiple drives to be marked as offline or failed due to incomplete writes, even if they are healthy. The array status 'Failed' with all drives detected suggests a metadata issue. The best first step is to check the controller's event log and attempt to import or rebuild the array without initializing it, which would destroy data.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Replace all five drives and restore from backup.
Why it's wrong here
This is drastic and unnecessary; the drives are detected, so data may be recoverable without replacement.
✗
Initialize the array to clear the failed status.
Why it's wrong here
Initializing would erase all data on the array, which is not the goal.
✓
Check the RAID controller's event log and attempt to import the array.
Why this is correct
The event log can reveal which drives were affected, and importing the array (if supported) can recover the configuration without data loss.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "first", "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reseat all SATA cables and power connectors.
Why it's wrong here
While reseating is good practice, the drives are detected, so the issue is likely logical, not physical.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Storage and RAID Troubleshooting — This question tests Storage and RAID Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the RAID controller's event log and attempt to import the array. — A power outage can cause multiple drives to be marked as offline or failed due to incomplete writes, even if they are healthy. The array status 'Failed' with all drives detected suggests a metadata issue. The best first step is to check the controller's event log and attempt to import or rebuild the array without initializing it, which would destroy data.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best", "first", "most likely". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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