220-1101 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
After a RAM upgrade, a PC fails to boot and emits memory beep codes. The technician confirms the modules are the correct generation. What is the best next step?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse memory beep codes with other POST error codes (e.g., video or keyboard) and jump to unrelated fixes like replacing the power button or clearing cache, rather than focusing on the most likely hardware cause—RAM seating or module failure.
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
✓
Reseat the RAM and test one module at a time in the recommended slot
Memory beep codes indicate a RAM-related issue, and the most common cause after an upgrade is improper seating or a faulty module. Reseating the RAM and testing one module at a time in the recommended slot (usually slot A2 or DIMM2 per motherboard manual) isolates the problem, ensuring each stick is properly installed and functional before adding more.
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 power button
Why it's wrong here
The beep code indicates a memory error, not a power button failure. A faulty power button would prevent the system from powering on at all, or cause intermittent power issues, but it wouldn't generate a memory beep pattern from POST. The beep code is a diagnostic from the BIOS, indicating that the POST has reached the memory test stage and failed. Replacing the power button would not address the root cause.
- ✗
Clear all browser cache
Why it's wrong here
Browser cache is stored on the hard drive and is irrelevant to the POST process. Since the PC fails to boot before the operating system loads, the BIOS does not read browser cache. The beep code is generated during hardware initialization, and clearing any software-level data cannot affect memory detection or seating. This action would have no impact on the memory beep error.
- ✓
Reseat the RAM and test one module at a time in the recommended slot
Why this is correct
This is the correct action because memory beep codes indicate a failure in the RAM or its connection. Reseating ensures the modules are firmly seated in the slots, a common issue after an upgrade. Testing one module at a time in the recommended slot helps isolate whether the issue is a faulty module, an incompatible module, or a problem with a specific slot. This systematic approach aligns with hardware troubleshooting best practices.
- ✗
Disable DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP is a network protocol that assigns IP addresses, operating at the OS/network level. Memory beep codes occur during POST, which is before any network configuration is attempted. Disabling DHCP would only affect network settings after boot, and it cannot influence the memory detection or initialization. Thus, it is irrelevant to the beep error.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Troubleshoot: Motherboard Issues
Key term
RAM
RAM (Random-Access Memory) is volatile computer memory that temporarily stores data for quick access by the CPU.
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).
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1101 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 220-1101 exam.