The answer is to connect an external monitor. This step is correct because a laptop that powers on with a black screen and no boot activity, yet has a spinning fan and power LED, indicates the system is receiving power but may have a failed display or a memory issue. By connecting an external monitor, you can quickly isolate whether the problem lies with the internal LCD panel or the video output circuitry; if the external display works, the internal display or its cable is likely faulty. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between a no-display issue and a no-boot issue, a common trap where students mistakenly reseat RAM first. Remember the mnemonic “External First” to avoid wasting time on internal components when the screen is black but the system powers on.
220-1201 Mobile Devices Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile 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 technician is troubleshooting a laptop that powers on but displays a black screen with no boot activity. The technician hears the fan spinning and sees the power LED is on. Which of the following steps should the technician perform next to isolate the issue?
Why wrong: Reseating RAM is a valid step, but it is more invasive than connecting an external monitor and should be done after checking the display output.
B
Replace the LCD panel
Why wrong: Replacing the LCD panel without first confirming the issue is with the display is premature and could be unnecessary.
C
Connect an external monitor
Connecting an external monitor tests whether the laptop is outputting video; if it works, the internal display or cable is the problem.
D
Reinstall the operating system
Why wrong: Since the laptop does not show any boot activity, reinstalling the OS is not possible and would not address a hardware display issue.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Connect an external monitor
A black screen with power but no boot suggests a hardware issue, often with the display or memory. Connecting an external monitor can quickly determine if the problem is with the laptop's LCD panel or the video output. If the external monitor works, the internal display or its cable is likely faulty.
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.
✗
Reseat the RAM modules
Why it's wrong here
Reseating RAM is a valid step, but it is more invasive than connecting an external monitor and should be done after checking the display output.
✗
Replace the LCD panel
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the LCD panel without first confirming the issue is with the display is premature and could be unnecessary.
✓
Connect an external monitor
Why this is correct
Connecting an external monitor tests whether the laptop is outputting video; if it works, the internal display or cable is the problem.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reinstall the operating system
Why it's wrong here
Since the laptop does not show any boot activity, reinstalling the OS is not possible and would not address a hardware display issue.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Reseating RAM is a valid step, but it is more invasive than connecting an external monitor and should be done after checking the display output.
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.
Mobile Devices Troubleshooting — This question tests Mobile Devices Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Connect an external monitor — A black screen with power but no boot suggests a hardware issue, often with the display or memory. Connecting an external monitor can quickly determine if the problem is with the laptop's LCD panel or the video output. If the external monitor works, the internal display or its cable is likely faulty.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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