- A
Remove the screw and bracket, then gently lift the drive out of the SATA connector.
This is the correct method to safely remove the drive without damaging the connector.
- B
Pull the drive straight out with force to disconnect it.
Why wrong: Forcing the drive can break the SATA connector or the drive itself.
- C
Use a plastic spudger to pry the drive from the connector.
Why wrong: Prying can damage the connector; the drive should be lifted after removing the bracket.
- D
Remove the battery first to avoid electrical shock.
Why wrong: While removing the battery is a safety best practice, it is not the immediate next step for drive removal.
Question 461 of 1,020
How to Remove the Hard Drive Bracket for SSD Upgrade
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device hardware servicing. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
A technician is installing a new SSD into a customer's laptop. After removing the bottom cover, they see the existing hard drive is held in place by a metal bracket and a single screw. What is the correct next step?
Quick Answer
The correct next step is to remove the screw and bracket, then gently lift the drive out of the SATA connector. This is because the metal bracket secures the 2.5-inch drive in place, and removing it releases the physical lock that prevents the drive from sliding or lifting away from the connector. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of standard laptop disassembly procedures, specifically for a laptop SSD replacement where you must remove the bracket screw before attempting to disconnect the drive. A common trap is trying to yank the drive out without first removing the bracket, which can damage the SATA port or the drive itself. Remember the order: bracket first, then lift. For a quick memory tip, think “Bracket before bracket—remove the screw to break the connection.”
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
✓
Remove the screw and bracket, then gently lift the drive out of the SATA connector.
The correct next step is to remove the screw and bracket, then gently lift the drive out of the SATA connector. This is because the metal bracket secures the drive in place, and the SATA connector is a fragile, keyed interface that requires a straight, gentle pull to avoid damaging the pins or the drive's edge connector. Forcing the drive or prying it can bend pins or crack the connector.
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.
- ✓
Remove the screw and bracket, then gently lift the drive out of the SATA connector.
Why this is correct
This is the correct method to safely remove the drive without damaging the connector.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Pull the drive straight out with force to disconnect it.
Why it's wrong here
Forcing the drive can break the SATA connector or the drive itself.
- ✗
Use a plastic spudger to pry the drive from the connector.
Why it's wrong here
Prying can damage the connector; the drive should be lifted after removing the bracket.
- ✗
Remove the battery first to avoid electrical shock.
Why it's wrong here
While removing the battery is a safety best practice, it is not the immediate next step for drive removal.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think removing the battery is the mandatory first step for any hardware servicing, but the question specifically asks for the next step to physically remove the drive, which is to release the securing bracket and screw.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The SATA connector in laptops uses a zero-insertion-force (ZIF) design, meaning the drive slides into a receptacle with no clamping mechanism; the metal bracket provides the necessary retention force. In some laptops, the bracket may also serve as a ground plane or thermal pad, so removing it without damaging the drive's PCB is critical. A real-world scenario where this matters is when a technician forgets to remove the bracket and tries to pull the drive, which can snap the SATA connector off the motherboard, requiring a costly logic board replacement.
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 220-1201 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — This question tests Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Remove the screw and bracket, then gently lift the drive out of the SATA connector. — The correct next step is to remove the screw and bracket, then gently lift the drive out of the SATA connector. This is because the metal bracket secures the drive in place, and the SATA connector is a fragile, keyed interface that requires a straight, gentle pull to avoid damaging the pins or the drive's edge connector. Forcing the drive or prying it can bend pins or crack the connector.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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