220-1101 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
A technician is troubleshooting a desktop PC that emits a burning smell and then shuts down during use. The technician notices dust buildup inside the case and a swollen capacitor on the motherboard. Which of the following should the technician do to address the issue? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is treating the burning smell and shutdowns as a software or power delivery problem instead of recognizing visible physical damage.
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
✓
Replace the motherboard with a compatible model.
The swollen capacitor is a clear motherboard failure that requires replacement, and the dust buildup must be cleaned to restore proper airflow and prevent overheating. Together these actions address both the immediate hardware damage and the environmental cause. Software or power supply changes do not correct physical capacitor damage or dust-related thermal stress.
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 motherboard with a compatible model.
Why this is correct
A swollen capacitor indicates motherboard damage that can cause instability, burning smells, and shutdowns. Replacing the motherboard is necessary because capacitors are not typically field-replaceable by a technician. Continuing to use the board risks further damage to other components. This directly addresses the observed hardware failure.
- ✗
Replace the power supply with a higher-wattage unit.
Why it's wrong here
A higher-wattage power supply does not fix a swollen motherboard capacitor or dust blockage. The power supply is not indicated as the source of the burning smell, and replacing it alone would leave the damaged motherboard in place. This could waste money and fail to resolve the shutdowns. The primary hardware fault must be addressed first.
- ✓
Clean the dust from the case and fans using compressed air.
Why this is correct
Dust buildup restricts airflow and causes overheating, which can contribute to component stress and burning smells. Cleaning with compressed air improves cooling and reduces the chance of recurrence after the motherboard is replaced. It is a standard maintenance step when dust is visible and thermal issues are suspected. This complements the hardware repair.
- ✗
Reinstall the operating system to clear corrupted drivers.
Why it's wrong here
Software reinstallation does not address physical damage such as a swollen capacitor or dust-related overheating. The burning smell and swollen capacitor are hardware faults that require physical repair. Reinstalling the OS would not prevent further damage and could waste time. It is not an appropriate response to this scenario.
- ✗
Update the BIOS to the latest version to improve power management.
Why it's wrong here
A BIOS update may improve compatibility or power management, but it cannot repair a physically damaged capacitor or remove dust. The burning smell indicates an immediate hardware hazard that firmware changes will not resolve. Updating BIOS on a failing board could even be risky if the system shuts down mid-update. This is not a suitable action here.
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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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