- A
Replace the LCD panel
Why wrong: Replacing the panel is premature. The display worked before closing the lid, so the panel itself is likely fine. The issue is more likely a wake-from-sleep problem.
- B
Perform a hard reset by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds
A hard reset can resolve a system that is stuck in a sleep state or has a hung graphics controller. This is a standard first step for blank screen after lid closure.
- C
Reseat the RAM modules
Why wrong: Reseating RAM is a troubleshooting step for no POST or beep codes, but the laptop is already on (fan spinning, power LED). This is not the first step for a blank screen after lid closure.
- D
Check the laptop's lid sensor for damage
Why wrong: A faulty lid sensor could cause the display to stay off, but checking it requires disassembly. A hard reset is a quicker, non-invasive first step.
Quick Answer
The answer is to perform a hard reset by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. This is the correct first step because the laptop is clearly powered on—evidenced by the LED and spinning fan—but the display remains blank after closing and reopening the lid, indicating a hung state in the lid sensor or power management logic. A hard reset forces the system to fully discharge residual power and clear volatile memory, which often resolves such wake-from-sleep failures without needing to disassemble the hardware. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the troubleshooting methodology: always start with the simplest, least invasive fix before checking lid sensors, display cables, or drivers. A common trap is to immediately suspect a failed backlight or LCD, but the power LED and fan confirm the system is alive, so a hard reset is the logical first step. Memory tip: “LED on, fan spins, screen is black? Hold the power—don’t look back.”
220-1101 Mobile Devices Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile 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 laptop that has a blank screen after the user closed the lid and then reopened it. The laptop's power LED is on, and the fan is spinning. Pressing keys does not wake the display. What should the technician do first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
Perform a hard reset by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds
This scenario describes a classic 'lid sensor' or 'display not waking' issue. The laptop is on (power LED, fan), but the display is blank. The first step should be to perform a hard reset by holding the power button to force a shutdown, then power on again. This can clear a hung state.
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 LCD panel
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the panel is premature. The display worked before closing the lid, so the panel itself is likely fine. The issue is more likely a wake-from-sleep problem.
- ✓
Perform a hard reset by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds
Why this is correct
A hard reset can resolve a system that is stuck in a sleep state or has a hung graphics controller. This is a standard first step for blank screen after lid closure.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Reseat the RAM modules
Why it's wrong here
Reseating RAM is a troubleshooting step for no POST or beep codes, but the laptop is already on (fan spinning, power LED). This is not the first step for a blank screen after lid closure.
- ✗
Check the laptop's lid sensor for damage
Why it's wrong here
A faulty lid sensor could cause the display to stay off, but checking it requires disassembly. A hard reset is a quicker, non-invasive first step.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Mobile Devices Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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Mobile Devices Troubleshooting practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Mobile Devices Troubleshooting — This question tests Mobile Devices Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Perform a hard reset by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds — This scenario describes a classic 'lid sensor' or 'display not waking' issue. The laptop is on (power LED, fan), but the display is blank. The first step should be to perform a hard reset by holding the power button to force a shutdown, then power on again. This can clear a hung state.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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