220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is installing a new SSD into a…

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

• ✓

  Remove the screw and bracket, then gently lift the drive out of the SATA connector.

  Why this is correct

  To properly remove an SSD, the first critical step is to disengage any mechanical retention that secures the drive within its bay or slot. This typically involves unscrewing a small retaining screw and then carefully removing a metal bracket. Once the drive is mechanically free, it can then be gently lifted straight out of the SATA data and power connector, ensuring no undue stress is placed on the delicate pins or the connector housing, which prevents damage to both the drive and the motherboard port.

• ✗

  Pull the drive straight out with force to disconnect it.

  Why it's wrong here

  Pulling the drive straight out with force is highly detrimental and risks severe damage to multiple components. The SATA data and power connectors are designed for gentle insertion and removal, relying on friction rather than brute force for connection. Applying excessive force can bend or break the fragile pins on the drive's connector, crack the plastic housing of the motherboard's SATA port, or even delaminate traces on the drive's circuit board, potentially rendering the drive or motherboard unusable.

• ✗

  Use a plastic spudger to pry the drive from the connector.

  Why it's wrong here

  Using a plastic spudger to pry the drive from its connector is an improper technique that can cause irreparable physical damage, even with a non-conductive tool. Even a plastic tool can exert concentrated force on a small area, potentially cracking the drive's PCB, bending the delicate SATA connector pins, or deforming the connector housing on the motherboard. Proper removal involves releasing the mechanical retention first, then gently lifting the drive, rather than applying leverage to force it out while it is still secured.

• ✗

  Remove the battery first to avoid electrical shock.

  Why it's wrong here

  While removing the battery is a crucial safety best practice before performing internal hardware work on a laptop, it is not the immediate next step specifically for *removing an SSD* from its connector. The primary risk associated with SSD removal, once the system is powered down, is mechanical damage to the drive or connectors, not electrical shock from the drive itself. Disconnecting the battery prevents accidental power-on and protects against short circuits during component manipulation, but the physical act of disengaging the drive from its connector requires addressing mechanical fasteners first.

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