The answer is a corrupted bootloader. This is the most likely cause because when a PC displays a black screen with a blinking cursor after the BIOS screen, it means the BIOS successfully detected the SSD and passed POST, but it cannot find the operating system’s bootloader on that drive. The blinking cursor indicates the system is stuck waiting for boot instructions, which are normally stored in the Master Boot Record (MBR) or GUID Partition Table (GPT). On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the boot process sequence—specifically that a visible cursor after POST points to a bootloader issue, not a hardware failure. A common trap is assuming the SSD itself is dead, but since the BIOS detects it, the problem is software-level. To remember: if the cursor blinks but the drive is seen, think “bootloader’s been cleaned.”
220-1201 Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of core pc hardware 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 PC that boots to a black screen with a blinking cursor after the BIOS screen. The system has a single SSD with the OS installed. The BIOS detects the SSD. What is the most likely cause?
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
✓
The bootloader is corrupted
A black screen with a blinking cursor after POST indicates the BIOS found a bootable device but cannot locate the bootloader. This is often due to a corrupted Master Boot Record (MBR) or GUID Partition Table (GPT). The technician should boot from installation media and use the Startup Repair or bootrec commands to rebuild the bootloader.
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.
✗
The SSD is not properly formatted
Why it's wrong here
If the SSD were not formatted, the BIOS would not see it as a bootable device; it would likely show 'No bootable device'.
✓
The bootloader is corrupted
Why this is correct
A corrupted bootloader prevents the system from loading the OS, resulting in a blinking cursor.
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.
✗
The RAM is faulty
Why it's wrong here
Faulty RAM would cause POST failures or random crashes, not a specific blinking cursor after BIOS.
✗
The power supply is underpowered
Why it's wrong here
An underpowered PSU would cause shutdowns or instability, not a consistent boot to a blinking cursor.
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
If the SSD were not formatted, the BIOS would not see it as a bootable device; it would likely show 'No bootable device'.
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.
Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting — This question tests Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The bootloader is corrupted — A black screen with a blinking cursor after POST indicates the BIOS found a bootable device but cannot locate the bootloader. This is often due to a corrupted Master Boot Record (MBR) or GUID Partition Table (GPT). The technician should boot from installation media and use the Startup Repair or bootrec commands to rebuild the bootloader.
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 user reports that their PC boots to a black screen with a blinking cursor after installing a new SATA SSD. The old hard drive is still connected. What is the most likely issue?
easy
A.The new SSD is defective
✓ B.The boot order in BIOS is incorrect
C.The SATA cable is loose
D.The power supply is insufficient
Why B: The blinking cursor on a black screen usually indicates the system cannot find a bootable device. With two drives connected, the boot order in the BIOS may be set to the old hard drive or the new SSD may not have an OS installed.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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