- A
Replace the LCD panel again, assuming the new one is defective.
Why wrong: While possible, it is more efficient to rule out other causes first, especially since the cable is seated correctly. A backlight issue is a common cause of a black screen.
- B
Check the backlight voltage or inverter board (if applicable).
A black screen with power on suggests the backlight is not working. Checking the inverter or backlight circuit can identify the faulty component.
- C
Update the graphics driver from the Windows Recovery Environment.
Why wrong: Driver updates cannot fix a hardware backlight failure. The screen is black from power-on, not after loading the OS.
- D
Reseat the RAM modules to ensure proper boot.
Why wrong: RAM issues usually cause beep codes or no POST, not a black screen with power on. The laptop powers on, so RAM is likely fine.
Quick Answer
The correct next step is to check the backlight voltage or inverter board, because a black screen after display replacement with power still on typically indicates a backlight failure rather than a complete display failure. When the laptop powers on but the screen remains black, the LCD panel itself may be functioning—you can confirm this by shining a bright light at the screen to see if a faint image appears, which isolates the issue to the backlight circuit. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of display assembly troubleshooting, specifically distinguishing between a failed backlight and a failed LCD panel. A common trap is assuming the new display is defective or that the cable is loose, when in fact the inverter (for CCFL backlights) or the LED backlight voltage rail is the culprit. Remember the mnemonic: “Black screen, power on? Check the light that’s gone.”
220-1201 Mobile Device Hardware Servicing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device hardware servicing. 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 replacing the display assembly on a laptop. After installing the new display, the laptop powers on but the screen remains black. The technician has verified the display cable is fully seated at both ends. What should the technician check next to diagnose the issue?
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
Check the backlight voltage or inverter board (if applicable).
The technician should check the inverter or backlight circuit if the laptop uses a CCFL backlight, or the LED backlight voltage on newer models. A black screen with power on often indicates a backlight failure, not a complete display failure. The technician can shine a bright light at the screen to see if there is a faint image, confirming the backlight is the issue.
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.
- ✗
Replace the LCD panel again, assuming the new one is defective.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, it is more efficient to rule out other causes first, especially since the cable is seated correctly. A backlight issue is a common cause of a black screen.
- ✓
Check the backlight voltage or inverter board (if applicable).
Why this is correct
A black screen with power on suggests the backlight is not working. Checking the inverter or backlight circuit can identify the faulty component.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Update the graphics driver from the Windows Recovery Environment.
Why it's wrong here
Driver updates cannot fix a hardware backlight failure. The screen is black from power-on, not after loading the OS.
- ✗
Reseat the RAM modules to ensure proper boot.
Why it's wrong here
RAM issues usually cause beep codes or no POST, not a black screen with power on. The laptop powers on, so RAM is likely fine.
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.
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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Mobile Device Hardware Servicing practice questions
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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: Check the backlight voltage or inverter board (if applicable). — The technician should check the inverter or backlight circuit if the laptop uses a CCFL backlight, or the LED backlight voltage on newer models. A black screen with power on often indicates a backlight failure, not a complete display failure. The technician can shine a bright light at the screen to see if there is a faint image, confirming the backlight is the issue.
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.
About these practice questions
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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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