- A
Replace the LCD panel again, assuming the new one is defective.
Why wrong: While possible, it is more efficient to rule out other causes first, especially since the cable is seated correctly. A backlight issue is a common cause of a black screen.
- B
Check the backlight voltage or inverter board (if applicable).
A black screen with power on suggests the backlight is not working. Checking the inverter or backlight circuit can identify the faulty component.
- C
Update the graphics driver from the Windows Recovery Environment.
Why wrong: Driver updates cannot fix a hardware backlight failure. The screen is black from power-on, not after loading the OS.
- D
Reseat the RAM modules to ensure proper boot.
Why wrong: RAM issues usually cause beep codes or no POST, not a black screen with power on. The laptop powers on, so RAM is likely fine.
Troubleshooting Black Screen After Display Replacement
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device hardware servicing. 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.
A technician is replacing the display assembly on a laptop. After installing the new display, the laptop powers on but the screen remains black. The technician has verified the display cable is fully seated at both ends. What should the technician check next to diagnose the issue?
Quick Answer
The correct next step is to check the backlight voltage or inverter board, because a black screen after display replacement with power still on typically indicates a backlight failure rather than a complete display failure. When the laptop powers on but the screen remains black, the LCD panel itself may be functioning—you can confirm this by shining a bright light at the screen to see if a faint image appears, which isolates the issue to the backlight circuit. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of display assembly troubleshooting, specifically distinguishing between a failed backlight and a failed LCD panel. A common trap is assuming the new display is defective or that the cable is loose, when in fact the inverter (for CCFL backlights) or the LED backlight voltage rail is the culprit. Remember the mnemonic: “Black screen, power on? Check the light that’s gone.”
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
Check the backlight voltage or inverter board (if applicable).
The correct answer is B because a black screen with power but no display often indicates a backlight failure, not a complete display failure. The technician should check the backlight voltage or inverter board (if the display uses CCFL backlighting) to ensure the backlight is receiving power. Since the display cable is verified as seated, the next logical step is to isolate whether the issue is with the backlight circuit or the LCD panel itself.
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.
- ✗
Replace the LCD panel again, assuming the new one is defective.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, it is more efficient to rule out other causes first, especially since the cable is seated correctly. A backlight issue is a common cause of a black screen.
- ✓
Check the backlight voltage or inverter board (if applicable).
Why this is correct
A black screen with power on suggests the backlight is not working. Checking the inverter or backlight circuit can identify the faulty component.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Update the graphics driver from the Windows Recovery Environment.
Why it's wrong here
Driver updates cannot fix a hardware backlight failure. The screen is black from power-on, not after loading the OS.
- ✗
Reseat the RAM modules to ensure proper boot.
Why it's wrong here
RAM issues usually cause beep codes or no POST, not a black screen with power on. The laptop powers on, so RAM is likely fine.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The 220-1201 exam often tests the misconception that a black screen always means a dead LCD panel, leading candidates to immediately replace the panel instead of checking the backlight power supply or inverter board.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In modern laptops, the backlight is often driven by an LED driver circuit on the display cable or a separate inverter board for CCFL panels. A common subtle behavior is that the LCD panel may still show a faint image if you shine a bright light at it, confirming the backlight is dead while the panel itself works. In real-world scenarios, a loose or damaged backlight voltage pin in the display connector can cause this exact symptom, even when the main data lines are seated properly.
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: Check the backlight voltage or inverter board (if applicable). — The correct answer is B because a black screen with power but no display often indicates a backlight failure, not a complete display failure. The technician should check the backlight voltage or inverter board (if the display uses CCFL backlighting) to ensure the backlight is receiving power. Since the display cable is verified as seated, the next logical step is to isolate whether the issue is with the backlight circuit or the LCD panel itself.
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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