220-1101 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
A technician is troubleshooting a desktop computer that randomly powers off. The event log shows a critical error: Kernel-Power 41. The power supply unit (PSU) fan is spinning, and the CPU cooler fan is also spinning. All cables appear connected. Which of the following should the technician do NEXT?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently assume a spinning fan means the PSU is fully functional, but the CompTIA 220-1101 exam tests the understanding that a PSU can fail intermittently or under load while still powering low-draw components like fans.
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
✓
Check for a faulty power supply using a multimeter
The Kernel-Power 41 error indicates an unexpected shutdown, often caused by a failing power supply. Even though the PSU fan spins, it may not deliver stable voltages under load. Using a multimeter to check the PSU's output voltages (e.g., +3.3V, +5V, +12V) is the correct next step to isolate the issue before replacing components.
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 CPU
Why it's wrong here
A failing CPU rarely causes a Kernel-Power 41 error without additional symptoms like system instability or POST failures. Replacing the CPU is a drastic step that should not be taken before checking the power supply.
- ✓
Check for a faulty power supply using a multimeter
Why this is correct
Testing the power supply with a multimeter is the correct first step because a failing PSU is the most common cause of a Kernel-Power 41 error, which is logged when the system loses power unexpectedly without a clean shutdown. You should measure the +3.3V, +5V, and +12V rails on the 24-pin ATX connector while the system is under load, since a borderline rail may only sag during peak power draw. If voltages deviate by more than ±5% (e.g., +12V below 11.4V), the PSU is failing and should be replaced; a known-good PSU swap is an equally valid diagnostic.
- ✗
Reinstall the operating system
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the operating system cannot resolve a random power-off because Kernel-Power 41 is a hardware-level event triggered when the machine loses electrical power, not a software crash. No amount of OS or driver repair can compensate for a PSU that intermittently fails to deliver stable voltage, and a clean install would not even complete if the system powers off mid-process. Only after all power delivery components—PSU, motherboard, and connections—have been proven good should you consider software-level causes.
- ✗
Update the BIOS firmware
Why it's wrong here
Updating the BIOS firmware is not an appropriate fix for an intermittent power-off because the BIOS does not regulate or condition the motherboard's incoming power from the PSU. A BIOS update could address motherboard-level stability bugs, but it cannot restore sagging voltage rails or a failing DC-to-DC converter, which are the actual culprits behind a Kernel-Power 41 event. Moreover, flashing BIOS during a random power-off is risky, as a power loss mid-update could permanently brick the motherboard.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1101 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 220-1101 exam.