The correct answer is image persistence caused by static content. This occurs when a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor is left on a static image—such as a taskbar, spreadsheet, or login screen—for an extended period, causing the liquid crystals to physically retain a faint ghost of that image even after the display changes. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate image persistence from dead pixels, stuck pixels, or backlight failure; a common trap is confusing it with permanent burn-in, though image persistence is often reversible using a screen refresher or pixel-flipping utility. Remember the memory tip: “Static sticks, but it can be unstuck”—if the ghost fades after a few hours of varied content, it’s image persistence, not permanent damage.
220-1201 Display Devices Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices 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 customer complains that their LCD monitor has a persistent faint shadow of the previous image visible on the screen, even after changing applications. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
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
✓
Image persistence due to static content
This describes image persistence or burn-in, common in LCD panels left on static images for extended periods. Unlike dead pixels or backlight issues, this is a temporary or permanent ghosting of static content. The correct answer identifies the root cause as static image retention, which can sometimes be reversed with screen refreshers.
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.
✗
A failing backlight inverter
Why it's wrong here
Backlight issues cause dimness or flickering, not ghost images.
✓
Image persistence due to static content
Why this is correct
Prolonged display of static images can cause temporary or permanent ghosting on LCD panels.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A damaged video cable
Why it's wrong here
Damaged cables usually cause color distortion, flickering, or no signal, not persistent ghost images.
✗
Incorrect color calibration settings
Why it's wrong here
Calibration affects color accuracy, not the retention of previous images.
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.
Display Devices Troubleshooting — This question tests Display Devices Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Image persistence due to static content — This describes image persistence or burn-in, common in LCD panels left on static images for extended periods. Unlike dead pixels or backlight issues, this is a temporary or permanent ghosting of static content. The correct answer identifies the root cause as static image retention, which can sometimes be reversed with screen refreshers.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is troubleshooting a display that shows a 'ghost' image of a previous screen that fades slowly. The monitor is a 4-year-old IPS panel. What is the most likely cause?
hard
A.The monitor's response time setting is too low.
B.The video cable is causing signal interference.
C.The monitor's refresh rate is set incorrectly.
✓ D.The LCD panel has image retention or burn-in.
Why D: Ghosting or image retention on an IPS panel is often due to burn-in or temporary image persistence. This occurs when static images are displayed for long periods, causing the liquid crystals to not fully relax. It is a hardware defect that may be irreversible.
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This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
Question Discussion
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