220-1101 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
A technician is troubleshooting a desktop computer that occasionally freezes and displays a blue screen with a stop error. The technician suspects a hardware issue. Which of the following tools would be MOST appropriate to diagnose the problem?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is selecting a general Windows utility like Device Manager or msconfig when the symptom points to a specific hardware component that requires a dedicated diagnostic tool.
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
✓
Windows Memory Diagnostic
Windows Memory Diagnostic is the appropriate tool to test for faulty RAM, a common cause of blue screens and freezes. Running it can identify memory errors that lead to stop codes. Other tools like Disk Defragmenter, Device Manager, or System Configuration do not diagnose hardware issues. Therefore, memory diagnostic is the best choice.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Windows Memory Diagnostic
Why this is correct
Windows Memory Diagnostic is designed to test RAM for errors that can cause blue screens and freezes. Faulty memory is a common cause of stop errors. Running this tool can identify if a memory module is failing. Other tools might check different components, but memory is a frequent culprit for intermittent blue screens.
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System Configuration (msconfig)
Why it's wrong here
System Configuration is used to manage startup services and boot options, not to diagnose hardware. It can help troubleshoot software conflicts but won't test memory or other hardware. Blue screens with stop errors are more likely hardware-related, so this tool is not appropriate.
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Disk Defragmenter
Why it's wrong here
Disk Defragmenter optimizes hard drive performance by rearranging files, but it does not diagnose hardware issues like faulty RAM. Blue screens and freezes are not typically caused by fragmentation. While a failing hard drive can cause errors, defragmentation is not a diagnostic tool and could worsen a failing drive.
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Device Manager
Why it's wrong here
Device Manager shows hardware and driver status but does not perform stress tests or diagnostics. It can indicate if a device has a problem, but it won't identify intermittent memory errors. Blue screens often stem from hardware faults that Device Manager cannot detect.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
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 and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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