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220-1201 Practice Question: A user's laptop cannot connect to any network…
A user's laptop cannot connect to any network after a recent OS update. The Wi-Fi adapter shows as enabled in Device Manager with no errors, and other devices on the same network work fine. What should the technician do first?
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
✓
Run ipconfig to check the IP address.
This question tests systematic troubleshooting. Since the hardware appears fine and other devices work, the issue is likely software-related. Checking IP configuration with ipconfig is the logical first step to see if the adapter has a valid IP or is stuck with an APIPA address.
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 Wi-Fi adapter.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the Wi-Fi adapter is a premature troubleshooting step when a laptop cannot connect to any network. Hardware replacement should only be considered after systematically ruling out software, driver, and configuration issues through diagnostic commands and checks. Without first verifying the adapter's status, driver installation, and IP configuration, immediately replacing hardware introduces unnecessary cost and complexity.
- ✗
Reset the network switch.
Why it's wrong here
Resetting the network switch is an incorrect action because the problem description indicates the issue is specific to 'a user's laptop' and its inability to connect to 'any network.' If other devices on the network are functioning correctly and can connect, the network infrastructure, including the switch, is likely operating as intended. Troubleshooting should focus on the local device before assuming a network-wide infrastructure fault.
- ✓
Run ipconfig to check the IP address.
Why this is correct
Running `ipconfig` is the correct initial diagnostic step because it provides crucial information about the laptop's current network configuration. This command reveals whether the Wi-Fi adapter has successfully obtained an IP address, if it's a valid address from a DHCP server, or if it has an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address (169.254.x.x). This information directly guides subsequent troubleshooting, indicating whether the issue lies with DHCP, physical connectivity, or driver problems.
- ✗
Disable the Windows Firewall.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the Windows Firewall is an incorrect troubleshooting step for a laptop that cannot connect to any network because firewall issues typically do not prevent a device from obtaining an IP address. Firewalls primarily filter incoming and outgoing traffic based on rules, operating at higher layers of the OSI model. The process of acquiring an IP address via DHCP is a fundamental network layer function that usually precedes firewall-related traffic filtering.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Laptop Hardware and Components
Key term
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is a technology that lets devices like laptops and phones connect to the internet or communicate with each other wirelessly using radio waves.
Key term
Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing
A fallback method used by a device to automatically assign itself an IP address when it cannot obtain one from a DHCP server.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.