SK0-005 troubleshooting Practice Question
A server running a critical application fails to boot with the error: 'Boot device not found.' The server uses UEFI and a RAID 5 array for the OS. The administrator verifies that all disks are present and powered. Which of the following should the administrator check FIRST?
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
✓
The array configuration in the RAID BIOS
Option C is correct. With all disks powered and present, the RAID array may be degraded or its configuration lost, leading to the boot device error. Checking the array configuration in the RAID controller's BIOS (or UEFI setup) allows verifying that the array is intact and the boot volume is accessible. Option A (RAID battery) is important for write cache but not directly causing 'boot device not found.' Option B (boot order) might be an issue, but after checking that the RAID array is operational; if the array is offline, boot order changes won't help. Option D (OS boot files) should be checked after ensuring the RAID subsystem is functional.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The array configuration in the RAID BIOS
Why this is correct
Correct — The RAID setup utility will show if the array is degraded, offline, or missing, which is the most likely cause of the boot device error.
- ✗
The integrity of the OS boot files
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — OS boot file integrity cannot be verified until the storage subsystem is confirmed to be operational.
- ✗
The boot order in UEFI
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — While boot order could cause the error, the array's health should be checked first because all disks show present but may not be part of a functioning array.
- ✗
The RAID controller battery
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — A failed battery may cause performance issues but not a missing boot device.
Quick reference
RAID Level Comparison
| RAID Level | Min Disks | Fault Tolerance | Read | Write | Usable Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAID 0 | 2 | None | Excellent | Excellent | 100% |
| RAID 1 | 2 | 1 disk | Good | Moderate | 50% |
| RAID 5 | 3 | 1 disk | Good | Moderate | 67–94% |
| RAID 6 | 4 | 2 disks | Good | Lower | 50–88% |
| RAID 10 | 4 | 1 disk per mirror | Excellent | Good | 50% |
RAID is not a backup strategy — it protects against disk failure but not against accidental deletion, ransomware, or site-level events.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Configuration and Connectivity
Key term
BIOS
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the low-level firmware stored on a motherboard chip that initializes and tests hardware components before loading the operating system.
Key term
UEFI
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a modern firmware interface that initializes hardware and boots the operating system, replacing the older BIOS.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on SK0-005
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. After a power outage, a server fails to boot and displays a "Missing operating system" error. The server uses RAID 1 for the OS disk. The administrator verifies both drives are present in the RAID configuration utility but one drive is marked as failed. What should the administrator do FIRST?
easy- A.Boot from a Windows recovery media and run chkdsk
- ✓ B.Check the boot order in BIOS/UEFI
- C.Reseat the failed drive and attempt to boot
- D.Replace the failed drive and rebuild the array
Why B: Option C is correct because the system may be trying to boot from an incorrect device, especially after a power event may have reset BIOS settings. Option A is a later step if the array is truly broken. Option B is not the first step because the array itself may be bootable. Option D is unlikely to restore a failed drive.
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed July 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This SK0-005 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 SK0-005 exam.