The answer is to replace the monitor under warranty. A single vertical line of dead pixels running from top to bottom is caused by a failure in the LCD panel’s column driver or the bonding between the driver and the glass, which is a permanent hardware defect that cannot be repaired by software resets, pixel-unsticking videos, or gentle pressure. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between a few stuck pixels—which may be acceptable under some policies—and a full column failure, which always qualifies as a manufacturing defect warranting replacement. A common trap is to attempt driver updates or cable reseating, but since the line is vertical and spans the entire screen, the issue is internal to the panel itself. Remember the memory tip: “A vertical line is a hardware crime; swap the screen, don’t waste your time.”
220-1101 Display Devices Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display 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 display that shows a single vertical line of dead pixels from top to bottom. The monitor is under warranty. Which of the following is the most appropriate resolution?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Replace the monitor under warranty
A vertical line of dead pixels indicates a defect in the LCD panel's column driver or bonding, which is a hardware failure. Unlike a few stuck pixels, this cannot be fixed by software or gentle pressure. The correct answer is to replace the monitor under warranty, as this is a manufacturing defect.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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 pixel-fixing software to cycle colors rapidly
Why it's wrong here
Pixel-fixing tools work for stuck pixels, not for a full column of dead pixels caused by hardware failure.
✗
Gently massage the affected area with a soft cloth
Why it's wrong here
Physical pressure may temporarily affect stuck pixels but will not repair a broken column driver.
✓
Replace the monitor under warranty
Why this is correct
A vertical line of dead pixels is a panel defect; warranty replacement is the standard solution.
Driver updates cannot fix physical pixel defects on the panel.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. 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.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Display Devices Troubleshooting — This question tests Display Devices Troubleshooting — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Replace the monitor under warranty — A vertical line of dead pixels indicates a defect in the LCD panel's column driver or bonding, which is a hardware failure. Unlike a few stuck pixels, this cannot be fixed by software or gentle pressure. The correct answer is to replace the monitor under warranty, as this is a manufacturing defect.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.