- A
Replace the monitor.
Why wrong: Replacing the monitor is premature; the issue is likely environmental.
- B
Change the resolution to a lower setting.
Why wrong: Lower resolution might reduce ghosting but won't fix the underlying interference issue.
- C
Route the VGA cable away from power cables and other electronics.
VGA cables are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which causes ghosting. Moving the cable away from power sources can resolve this.
- D
Update the graphics driver.
Why wrong: Driver updates won't fix analog signal interference.
Question 40 of 1,020
VGA Ghosting and Fuzzy Image: Interference from Power Cables
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices. 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 troubleshooting a monitor that displays a 'fuzzy' image with ghosting. The monitor is connected via VGA. The technician has already tried a different VGA cable and the issue persists. What should the technician check next?
Quick Answer
The correct next step is to route the VGA cable away from power cables and other electronics. This is because VGA transmits an analog signal, which is highly susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby power sources. When a VGA cable runs parallel to a power cable, the magnetic field generated by the alternating current induces noise into the analog video signal, resulting in the classic symptoms of ghosting and a fuzzy image—even after swapping the cable itself. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of analog signal degradation versus digital signal issues; a common trap is to immediately replace the monitor or graphics card, but interference is the more likely cause when the cable is already ruled out. To remember this, think of VGA as a vulnerable “analog antenna” that picks up interference—keep it isolated from power lines to keep the image crisp.
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
✓
Route the VGA cable away from power cables and other electronics.
The correct answer is C because the symptoms described (fuzzy image with ghosting) are classic signs of electromagnetic interference (EMI) affecting an analog VGA signal. Since the technician has already ruled out a faulty VGA cable, the next logical step is to ensure the cable is not running parallel to power cables or near other electronics that can induce interference. Re-routing the VGA cable away from such sources can eliminate the ghosting without replacing hardware or changing settings.
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 monitor.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the monitor is premature; the issue is likely environmental.
- ✗
Change the resolution to a lower setting.
Why it's wrong here
Lower resolution might reduce ghosting but won't fix the underlying interference issue.
- ✓
Route the VGA cable away from power cables and other electronics.
Why this is correct
VGA cables are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which causes ghosting. Moving the cable away from power sources can resolve this.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Update the graphics driver.
Why it's wrong here
Driver updates won't fix analog signal interference.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the candidate's understanding that analog signals (VGA) are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, whereas digital signals (HDMI, DisplayPort) are not, leading candidates to incorrectly focus on driver updates or resolution changes instead of physical cable management.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VGA transmits analog RGB signals along with horizontal and vertical sync pulses over separate conductors. When a VGA cable is routed near power cables (e.g., 50/60 Hz AC lines) or unshielded electronics, the analog signal can pick up induced currents, causing the electron beam in a CRT or the ADC in an LCD to misread voltage levels, resulting in ghosting or fuzziness. Proper cable routing with separation of at least a few inches from power lines, or using ferrite chokes, is a standard troubleshooting step for analog video interference.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Display Devices — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Display Devices — This question tests Display Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Route the VGA cable away from power cables and other electronics. — The correct answer is C because the symptoms described (fuzzy image with ghosting) are classic signs of electromagnetic interference (EMI) affecting an analog VGA signal. Since the technician has already ruled out a faulty VGA cable, the next logical step is to ensure the cable is not running parallel to power cables or near other electronics that can induce interference. Re-routing the VGA cable away from such sources can eliminate the ghosting without replacing hardware or changing settings.
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
This 220-1201 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 220-1201 exam.
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