The correct next step is to check the SATA cable and power connection to the missing drive. This is because when a RAID 5 drive is missing in BIOS, the problem is almost always at the physical hardware layer—the system cannot see the drive at all, so the issue cannot be a RAID configuration or software setting. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to follow a systematic troubleshooting methodology: always verify the simplest hardware connections before assuming drive failure or replacing components. A common trap is jumping to rebuild the array or replace the drive, but the exam expects you to rule out loose cables first. Remember the memory tip: “No BIOS, no software—check the wires and the power.”
220-1101 Storage and RAID Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of storage and raid 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 user reports that their RAID 5 array with three 2 TB drives is missing one drive in the RAID configuration utility. The technician finds that the missing drive is not detected by the system BIOS. 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
✓
Check the SATA cable and power connection to the missing drive.
If a drive is not detected in BIOS, the issue is at the hardware level—cable, power, or drive failure. The next step is to check connections. This tests systematic troubleshooting of RAID hardware.
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.
✗
Initialize the missing drive in Disk Management.
Why it's wrong here
Disk Management cannot see a drive not detected by BIOS.
✗
Replace the RAID controller.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the controller is premature; the issue may be a simple connection problem.
✓
Check the SATA cable and power connection to the missing drive.
Why this is correct
Correct. A loose or faulty cable is a common cause of a drive not being detected.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Rebuild the array using the remaining two drives.
Why it's wrong here
Rebuilding without the missing drive would cause data loss if the drive is recoverable.
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.
Storage and RAID Troubleshooting — This question tests Storage and RAID Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the SATA cable and power connection to the missing drive. — If a drive is not detected in BIOS, the issue is at the hardware level—cable, power, or drive failure. The next step is to check connections. This tests systematic troubleshooting of RAID hardware.
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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