The correct next step is to test the power outlet with a known-working device. This is because when the monitor power LED is off but the power cable is securely connected, the issue is most likely a loss of AC power at the wall outlet rather than a failure inside the monitor itself. By plugging a lamp or another device into the same outlet, you can quickly confirm whether the outlet is dead—often due to a tripped GFCI or circuit breaker—before replacing the monitor or cable. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to follow the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology, which prioritizes verifying the obvious and isolating the power source first. A common trap is jumping to replace the power supply or the monitor, but the LED being completely off points to no incoming power, not an internal fault. Memory tip: “LED off, cable tight? Check the socket for light.”
220-1101 Display Devices Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices. 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 user says their monitor suddenly turned off and will not power on. The power LED on the monitor is off. They have checked the power cable and it is securely connected. What should the technician do next?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Test the power outlet with a known-working device
If the power LED is off and the cable is secure, the next step is to test the power outlet with another device to rule out a dead outlet. This follows a logical troubleshooting process.
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 monitor's internal power supply
Why it's wrong here
This is premature without verifying the power source first.
✓
Test the power outlet with a known-working device
Why this is correct
This checks if the outlet is providing power, a common and simple cause.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reseat the video cable connecting the monitor to the PC
Why it's wrong here
The monitor has no power LED, so the issue is power-related, not video signal.
✗
Replace the monitor with a new one
Why it's wrong here
This is a last resort after all other checks fail.
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.
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.
Display Devices — This question tests Display Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Test the power outlet with a known-working device — If the power LED is off and the cable is secure, the next step is to test the power outlet with another device to rule out a dead outlet. This follows a logical troubleshooting process.
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.
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Question Discussion
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