The answer is that the most likely cause is the new third-party SSD is either not properly connected or is incompatible with the Mac’s storage controller. This is because the prohibitory symbol boot error indicates macOS was found on the drive but cannot load, often due to a missing or incompatible partition map, file system, or firmware—common issues when a non-Apple SSD lacks the proper formatting or controller support, especially on Macs with a T2 chip or Apple Silicon. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between a missing OS (folder with question mark) and a found but unloadable OS (prohibitory symbol), a classic trap where technicians might incorrectly suspect a dead drive. A useful memory tip: the prohibitory symbol means “stop—OS found, but can’t run,” so always check connection and compatibility before blaming the drive itself.
220-1102 macOS Features and Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of macos features and tools. 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 Mac that fails to boot and displays a prohibitory symbol (a circle with a slash). The user had recently installed a new third-party SSD. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The SSD is not properly connected or is incompatible with the Mac’s storage controller
The prohibitory symbol means macOS is found but cannot load due to incompatibility or corruption. A third-party SSD without proper firmware or formatting is a common cause, especially on newer Macs with T2 or Apple Silicon.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 SSD is formatted as NTFS
Why it's wrong here
While macOS cannot boot from NTFS, the installer would not show the prohibitory symbol; it would show a folder with a question mark.
✓
The SSD is not properly connected or is incompatible with the Mac’s storage controller
Why this is correct
Incompatible or improperly connected drives prevent macOS from loading, shown by the prohibitory symbol.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The user’s home folder is corrupted
Why it's wrong here
Home folder corruption affects user login, not the kernel boot process.
✗
The Mac’s NVRAM needs resetting
Why it's wrong here
NVRAM reset can fix some boot issues, but the prohibitory symbol usually indicates a deeper hardware or driver problem.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
While macOS cannot boot from NTFS, the installer would not show the prohibitory symbol; it would show a folder with a question mark.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
macOS Features and Tools — This question tests macOS Features and Tools — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The SSD is not properly connected or is incompatible with the Mac’s storage controller — The prohibitory symbol means macOS is found but cannot load due to incompatibility or corruption. A third-party SSD without proper firmware or formatting is a common cause, especially on newer Macs with T2 or Apple Silicon.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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