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FC0-U71 Practice Question: A user receives an 'Insufficient memory' error…
A user receives an 'Insufficient memory' error when opening a large spreadsheet. Which hardware component is most likely insufficient?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse 'memory' with 'storage' and select the hard drive, not realizing that 'memory' in this context specifically refers to RAM, which is the workspace for active data.
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
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RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the primary volatile memory used to hold active data and program instructions for the CPU. When opening a large spreadsheet, the entire file must be loaded into RAM for processing. An 'Insufficient memory' error indicates that the system's RAM is too small to accommodate the spreadsheet's data, causing the operating system to fail the allocation request.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Hard drive
Why it's wrong here
Hard drive space is non-volatile storage; exhausting it produces disk-full errors, not an insufficient memory message. RAM holds the open spreadsheet. Storage is tempting because large files consume capacity, but the operating system reports memory when RAM allocation fails.
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RAM
Why this is correct
RAM holds active program data, so opening a large spreadsheet exhausts available memory and triggers the error. Storage capacity affects file saving, not working memory, and CPU or GPU handle processing and graphics. Insufficient RAM directly matches the stem's constraint.
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CPU
Why it's wrong here
The error concerns volatile memory, not processing throughput; a CPU bottleneck would show slowness or high utilisation, not an allocation failure. RAM is the component that must hold the spreadsheet. CPU is tempting because large files also strain processing, but the message names memory explicitly.
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GPU
Why it's wrong here
The GPU renders graphics and accelerates parallel workloads; it does not hold spreadsheet data, so its absence or weakness cannot trigger a memory allocation error. System RAM is the relevant component. GPU is tempting because large spreadsheets may redraw slowly, but the error names memory.
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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.