mediumMultiple Choice
220-1201 Practice Question: That their PC sometimes fails to boot, and when…
A user reports that their PC sometimes fails to boot, and when it does, they see a message saying 'Memory Management Error.' They have two 4 GB sticks of DDR3 RAM installed. A technician runs Windows Memory Diagnostic and finds errors on one stick. What should the technician do next?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1201 often tests whether candidates jump to software fixes (system restore, BIOS update) for hardware-confirmed failures; the trap is ignoring that Windows Memory Diagnostic already isolated the faulty module, making replacement the only logical next step.
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
✓
Replace the faulty RAM stick with a new one of the same specifications.
Windows Memory Diagnostic has already identified errors on one specific RAM stick, so the correct next step is to replace that faulty stick with a new one of matching specifications (DDR3, same speed, ideally same capacity). RAM errors are physical hardware failures and cannot be resolved by software restores or BIOS updates. Cleaning contacts might help with intermittent detection issues, but the diagnostic has already confirmed the module is faulty.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Run a full system restore to fix the memory management error.
Why it's wrong here
Running a full system restore is designed to revert system files, registry settings, and installed programs to a previous state, primarily addressing software-related issues, driver conflicts, or operating system corruption. It does not possess the capability to diagnose, repair, or replace physical hardware components. Since the diagnostic has confirmed a specific hardware fault with the RAM, a system restore would be ineffective and inappropriate for this type of problem.
- ✗
Update the motherboard BIOS to improve memory compatibility.
Why it's wrong here
Updating the motherboard BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) can sometimes resolve memory compatibility issues, improve system stability, or add support for newer hardware. However, a BIOS update cannot repair a physically defective RAM module that has been diagnosed with errors. The diagnostic indicates a hardware failure within the RAM stick itself, which is beyond the scope of a firmware update to correct.
- ✓
Replace the faulty RAM stick with a new one of the same specifications.
Why this is correct
When diagnostic tools confirm a specific RAM module is faulty, the most direct and effective solution is to replace the defective hardware. Installing a new RAM stick with identical specifications (e.g., DDR generation, speed, capacity, and voltage) ensures system stability and optimal performance, as it directly addresses the identified hardware failure rather than attempting to mitigate symptoms.
- ✗
Remove both sticks and clean the contacts with a pencil eraser.
Why it's wrong here
Cleaning RAM contacts with a pencil eraser or isopropyl alcohol is a valid troubleshooting step for intermittent connectivity issues caused by dust, oxidation, or poor seating. However, since a diagnostic tool has already confirmed specific errors on one particular RAM stick, this indicates an internal hardware failure within the module itself. Cleaning the external contacts will not resolve an internal component defect.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Networking Hardware: Routers, Switches, APs
Key term
Dual In-line Memory Module
A Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) is a small circuit board that holds memory chips and plugs into a computer's motherboard to provide Random Access Memory (RAM).
Key term
BIOS
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the low-level firmware stored on a motherboard chip that initializes and tests hardware components before loading the operating system.
About these practice questions
One of 871 original 220-1201 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.