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220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is deploying a new workstation in a…

A technician is deploying a new workstation in a retail store. After connecting all peripherals and power, the system powers on but the monitor shows 'No Signal'. The monitor is connected via VGA to the motherboard. What should the technician check first?

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

Connect the monitor to the discrete graphics card's video port.

When a system has a dedicated GPU, the motherboard video ports are often disabled. The most common oversight is connecting the monitor to the wrong port. This scenario tests basic hardware installation knowledge.

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 the VGA cable.

    Why it's wrong here

    Replacing the VGA cable is generally not the initial troubleshooting step for a 'No Signal' message on a newly deployed workstation. While a faulty cable can cause display issues, it is less likely than a simple connection error or incorrect port selection, especially with new equipment. Technicians should first verify that the monitor is connected to the correct video output port on the computer before assuming the cable itself is defective.

  • Reseat the RAM modules.

    Why it's wrong here

    Reseating the RAM modules is an incorrect troubleshooting step for a 'No Signal' message when the monitor is powered on. Issues with RAM typically manifest as the system failing to Power-On Self-Test (POST), emitting specific beep codes, or experiencing system crashes shortly after boot. A 'No Signal' message indicates the monitor is receiving power but not a video signal, which points to a display output or connection problem, not a fundamental memory issue preventing system initialization.

  • Connect the monitor to the discrete graphics card's video port.

    Why this is correct

    Connecting the monitor to the discrete graphics card's video port is the correct solution because most motherboards automatically disable their integrated graphics output when a discrete graphics card is detected and installed. This behavior ensures that the more powerful discrete GPU becomes the primary video output source. Therefore, connecting the monitor to the integrated graphics port on the motherboard when a discrete card is present will result in a 'No Signal' message, as that port is inactive.

  • Update the motherboard BIOS.

    Why it's wrong here

    Updating the motherboard BIOS is an advanced procedure typically reserved for resolving specific compatibility issues, enabling support for newer hardware (like CPUs), or fixing critical system bugs. It is not a standard or appropriate first step for troubleshooting a 'No Signal' message, which is far more likely to be caused by an incorrect cable connection or port selection. Furthermore, an unnecessary BIOS update carries a small risk of system instability if not performed correctly.

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JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

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.