The correct answer is to check the power supply and its connections. This is because the Kernel-Power event ID 41 in the system log indicates that the computer shut down unexpectedly without a clean shutdown sequence, which is almost always caused by a sudden loss of stable power. When a power supply is failing or a connection is loose, it cannot deliver consistent voltage under load, leading to random restarts that leave no error code before the event. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this scenario tests your ability to interpret system logs and link hardware symptoms to root causes—a common trap is to blame software or overheating first, but the absence of a preceding error points directly to power instability. A helpful memory tip is to think of Kernel-Power 41 as the system’s way of saying “I lost power without warning,” so always start your troubleshooting at the power source.
FC0-U61 IT Concepts and Terminology Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of it concepts and terminology. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Event Viewer System Log:
Event ID 41: The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first. This error could be caused if the system stopped responding, crashed, or lost power unexpectedly.
Event ID 6008: The previous system shutdown at 3:15:12 PM on 3/12/2021 was unexpected.
Refer to the exhibit. A technician is investigating a computer that randomly restarts. Based on the log, what should the technician check?
Refer to the exhibit.
Event Viewer System Log:
Event ID 41: The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first. This error could be caused if the system stopped responding, crashed, or lost power unexpectedly.
Event ID 6008: The previous system shutdown at 3:15:12 PM on 3/12/2021 was unexpected.
A
Power supply and connections
Unexpected shutdowns often indicate power issues.
B
CPU cooling fan for proper operation
Why wrong: Overheating might cause shutdowns but event IDs 41 and 6008 are generic.
C
Recently installed device drivers
Why wrong: Driver issues may cause blue screens, not necessarily these events.
D
Memory modules for errors
Why wrong: Memory errors typically cause blue screens or application crashes.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Power supply and connections
The log shows a 'Kernel-Power' event (ID 41) with no clear error before the restart, which typically indicates an unexpected loss of power. This points directly to a failing power supply or loose connections, as the system cannot maintain stable voltage under load. Checking the power supply and its connections is the first step in diagnosing random restarts caused by power instability.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Power supply and connections
Why this is correct
Unexpected shutdowns often indicate power issues.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
CPU cooling fan for proper operation
Why it's wrong here
Overheating might cause shutdowns but event IDs 41 and 6008 are generic.
✗
Recently installed device drivers
Why it's wrong here
Driver issues may cause blue screens, not necessarily these events.
✗
Memory modules for errors
Why it's wrong here
Memory errors typically cause blue screens or application crashes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates see 'random restarts' and immediately suspect overheating or drivers, but the Kernel-Power event 41 with no preceding error is the classic signature of a power supply issue, not a thermal or software problem.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Kernel-Power event 41 is logged when the system shuts down unexpectedly without a clean shutdown process, often due to insufficient power delivery from the PSU. A failing power supply can cause voltage ripple or dropouts that trigger the motherboard's overcurrent or undervoltage protection, instantly cutting power. In real-world scenarios, a technician would use a PSU tester or swap the unit to confirm, as intermittent power issues are notoriously hard to catch with software diagnostics alone.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
IT Concepts and Terminology — This question tests IT Concepts and Terminology — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Power supply and connections — The log shows a 'Kernel-Power' event (ID 41) with no clear error before the restart, which typically indicates an unexpected loss of power. This points directly to a failing power supply or loose connections, as the system cannot maintain stable voltage under load. Checking the power supply and its connections is the first step in diagnosing random restarts caused by power instability.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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