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FC0-U71 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a computer that…
A technician is troubleshooting a computer that will not power on. Which of the following should be checked FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates may jump to advanced software or hardware diagnostics (like checking the OS or disk space) without first verifying the most basic physical layer—the power connection—which is the cornerstone of the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology.
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
✓
Whether the power cable is plugged in
The most fundamental requirement for a computer to power on is a stable electrical connection. Checking whether the power cable is plugged in is the first step in the troubleshooting methodology because it eliminates the simplest and most common cause of a no-power condition before moving to more complex diagnostics. Without verifying the power source, any other troubleshooting is premature.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Whether the power cable is plugged in
Why this is correct
The most basic cause is often a loose or unplugged power cable.
- ✗
The network connection
Why it's wrong here
Network connectivity is independent of power status.
- ✗
The operating system version
Why it's wrong here
OS version is not relevant to a no-power condition.
- ✗
The amount of free disk space
Why it's wrong here
Free disk space does not prevent the computer from powering on.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 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 FC0-U71 exam.