SK0-005 troubleshooting Practice Question
A technician is troubleshooting a server that fails to boot after a scheduled power outage. The server is connected to a UPS. Upon pressing the power button, the server powers on briefly (fans spin, lights flash) and then shuts down after 2 seconds. The POST does not complete. The server has a dual power supply with each connected to a separate PDU. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
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
✓
A short circuit in the motherboard
Option C is correct because immediate power-off after a brief spin-up is a classic symptom of a short circuit, often on the motherboard. Option A is wrong because a failed power supply would typically prevent any power-on or cause beep codes, not a brief power-on. Option B is wrong because the UPS battery condition would not cause this behavior if the server is receiving utility power; also the server is receiving power momentarily. Option D is wrong because a dead CMOS battery would cause date/time loss but not prevent boot completely.
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 UPS battery is depleted
Why it's wrong here
The UPS battery status does not affect the server's ability to power on if utility power is present; the server powers on momentarily.
- ✗
One of the power supplies has failed
Why it's wrong here
A failed power supply would not allow the server to power on even briefly; it would remain off or show error LEDs.
- ✓
A short circuit in the motherboard
Why this is correct
A short circuit causes the power supply to detect overcurrent and shut down immediately, resulting in a brief power-on and then shutdown.
- ✗
The CMOS battery is dead
Why it's wrong here
A dead CMOS battery would only reset BIOS settings and may cause a date/time error, not a failure to POST.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Key term
POST
Power-On Self-Test (POST) is a diagnostic process that a computer runs when it first powers on to check that essential hardware components are working correctly before loading the operating system.
Key term
PSU
A PSU converts AC mains power into regulated DC voltages required by computer components, ensuring stable operation.
About these practice questions
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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.