easyMultiple Choice
FC0-U71 A user cannot connect to the internet Practice Question
A user cannot connect to the internet. Which step is most appropriate to start troubleshooting?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the troubleshooting methodology by presenting a flashy, high-level solution (like reinstalling the OS) to distract from the fundamental step of verifying the physical connection, which candidates may overlook due to overthinking the problem.
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 the network cable connection
The most appropriate first step in troubleshooting a network connectivity issue is to check the physical layer (Layer 1 of the OSI model). A loose or unplugged network cable is a common cause of connectivity loss, and verifying the cable connection is quick, non-invasive, and follows the principle of starting with the simplest possible cause before escalating to more complex solutions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Update the graphics driver
Why it's wrong here
Graphics drivers govern display rendering and have no bearing on network interface configuration, IP addressing or link state, so the fault remains. It tempts when a recent driver update coincides with the symptom, but driver rollback is the correct step only for display artefacts, not connectivity loss.
- ✗
Replace the router
Why it's wrong here
Swapping the router replaces functioning hardware before any diagnostic evidence identifies it as faulty, and the real cause, such as a disabled NIC or wrong gateway, persists. It tempts when the whole network appears down, but router replacement is justified only after confirming the device itself fails its own tests.
- ✗
Reinstall the operating system
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the operating system destroys the user's configuration and data while leaving the actual connectivity fault, such as a failed DHCP lease or bad cable, undiagnosed. It tempts when the OS appears corrupted, but that is warranted only after hardware, link and IP-layer checks have been exhausted.
- ✓
Check the network cable connection
Why this is correct
Checking the physical link first satisfies the stem's need for a logical starting point in the OSI model's bottom-up troubleshooting sequence. A disconnected or damaged Ethernet cable prevents any Layer 1 connectivity, so verifying the cable and link-status LEDs quickly confirms or eliminates the most common cause before investigating IP configuration or DNS.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every FC0-U71 question from scratch — 988 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.