mediumMultiple Choice
220-1102 Practice Question: A graphic designer reports that their MacBook Pro…
A graphic designer reports that their MacBook Pro running macOS Monterey suddenly shows a gray screen with a folder icon containing a question mark at startup. They have important client files on the internal SSD. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
The A+ exam often tests the distinction between boot-level failures (folder icon) and post-boot authentication issues (keychain), so candidates mistakenly choose a corrupted login keychain because they associate question marks with 'missing' items without understanding the boot sequence.
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
✓
macOS cannot locate a valid boot volume or system folder
The gray screen with a folder icon containing a question mark indicates that the Mac's startup process cannot locate a valid boot volume or system folder. This is a classic symptom of a missing or corrupted boot loader, damaged system files, or a disconnected internal SSD, which prevents macOS from finding the required bootable system.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The user’s Time Machine backup has failed
Why it's wrong here
A failed Time Machine backup affects only the external backup copy, leaving the internal SSD's bootability untouched; the question-mark folder means macOS cannot find a valid system on that SSD. Time Machine troubleshooting applies when restores or backup schedules fail, not when the Mac itself will not boot.
- ✗
The firmware password is enabled
Why it's wrong here
A firmware password blocks startup and demands a password before boot, whereas the folder-with-question-mark icon appears when no bootable system volume is found. Firmware passwords are the correct control when restricting which startup disks or recovery modes a Mac may use.
- ✓
macOS cannot locate a valid boot volume or system folder
Why this is correct
The flashing folder with a question mark indicates the firmware cannot find a bootable system folder on any attached volume. This typically follows corruption of the startup disk's directory or loss of the macOS system installation.
- ✗
The user’s login keychain is corrupted
Why it's wrong here
A corrupted login keychain produces password prompts and authentication failures after login, not a pre-boot folder-with-question-mark icon, which signals macOS cannot locate a bootable system. Keychain repair becomes the right fix when a user can reach the desktop but saved credentials and Wi-Fi passwords stop working.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
VPN Client Configuration
Key term
Folder
A folder is a logical container used to organize and group digital files, resources, or cloud-based assets within a system or platform.
Key term
macOS
macOS is the operating system that powers Apple's Mac computers, providing a graphical interface, system management, and security features for users and IT professionals.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.