- A
Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the cover off forcefully.
Why wrong: A metal screwdriver can scratch or crack the casing. A plastic spudger is safer and less likely to cause cosmetic damage.
- B
Check if there are hidden screws under rubber feet or stickers.
Why wrong: While possible, the scenario states the technician already removed all visible screws. The immediate next step is to release clips, not search for more screws.
- C
Use a plastic spudger to gently pry the cover along the seam to release clips.
Plastic spudgers are designed for safe prying and releasing clips without damaging the case. This is the standard technique for AIO covers.
- D
Apply heat to the back cover to soften any adhesive.
Why wrong: AIO covers are typically held by clips, not adhesive. Heat is unnecessary and could damage internal components.
Quick Answer
The correct next step is to use a plastic spudger to gently pry the cover along the seam to release the clips. This is necessary because many all-in-one designs secure the back cover with hidden plastic clips in addition to visible screws; once the screws are removed, the clips still hold the cover in place, and prying with a metal tool could crack the casing. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of AIO disassembly procedures and the importance of using appropriate tools to avoid damaging components—a common trap is assuming screws alone secure the cover, leading to forced removal and broken plastic. A useful memory tip is “screws first, then clips—spudger, not pry bar,” reminding you that after removing all screws, you must release the clips with a non-conductive, non-marring tool like a plastic spudger to safely access internal upgrades such as RAM.
220-1201 Mobile Device Hardware Servicing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device hardware servicing. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 tasked with upgrading the RAM in an all-in-one (AIO) desktop. The AIO has a sealed back cover with several screws. After removing the screws, the cover still does not come off. What should the technician do next?
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
Use a plastic spudger to gently pry the cover along the seam to release clips.
Many AIO designs use plastic clips in addition to screws to secure the back cover. The technician should carefully pry along the seam with a plastic spudger to release the clips without damaging the casing. Forcing the cover can crack the plastic.
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.
- ✗
Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the cover off forcefully.
Why it's wrong here
A metal screwdriver can scratch or crack the casing. A plastic spudger is safer and less likely to cause cosmetic damage.
- ✗
Check if there are hidden screws under rubber feet or stickers.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the scenario states the technician already removed all visible screws. The immediate next step is to release clips, not search for more screws.
- ✓
Use a plastic spudger to gently pry the cover along the seam to release clips.
Why this is correct
Plastic spudgers are designed for safe prying and releasing clips without damaging the case. This is the standard technique for AIO covers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Apply heat to the back cover to soften any adhesive.
Why it's wrong here
AIO covers are typically held by clips, not adhesive. Heat is unnecessary and could damage internal components.
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
Scenario analysis trap
While possible, the scenario states the technician already removed all visible screws. The immediate next step is to release clips, not search for more screws.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — This question tests Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a plastic spudger to gently pry the cover along the seam to release clips. — Many AIO designs use plastic clips in addition to screws to secure the back cover. The technician should carefully pry along the seam with a plastic spudger to release the clips without damaging the casing. Forcing the cover can crack the plastic.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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