- A
Use tweezers to gently push the ribbon cable into any nearby empty connector.
Why wrong: The cable must be inserted into its specific connector; using an arbitrary connector will not work and may cause a short circuit.
- B
Reboot the laptop to see if the touchpad driver reloads.
Why wrong: The issue is physical disconnection, not a driver problem. Rebooting will not fix a loose cable.
- C
Consult the service manual to identify the correct connector and reseat the cable.
The service manual provides the exact location and orientation for the touchpad ribbon cable, ensuring proper reconnection.
- D
Replace the entire keyboard assembly since the touchpad cable is likely broken.
Why wrong: The cable is merely dislodged, not broken. Replacing the entire assembly is unnecessary and costly.
220-1201 Mobile Device Hardware Servicing Practice Question
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.
During a laptop keyboard replacement, a technician accidentally dislodges a small ribbon cable from the touchpad connector. The touchpad is now unresponsive. The technician has never worked on this model before. What is the best course of action to resolve the issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"never"Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. True only if the statement has zero exceptions — be cautious of options that seem obvious but break down in edge cases.
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
Consult the service manual to identify the correct connector and reseat the cable.
Option C is correct because the most logical and safe first step when dealing with an unfamiliar laptop model is to consult the service manual. This ensures the technician identifies the exact connector for the touchpad ribbon cable, preventing damage from forcing the cable into the wrong port. Reseating the cable correctly is the standard fix for a dislodged connection.
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.
- ✗
Use tweezers to gently push the ribbon cable into any nearby empty connector.
Why it's wrong here
The cable must be inserted into its specific connector; using an arbitrary connector will not work and may cause a short circuit.
- ✗
Reboot the laptop to see if the touchpad driver reloads.
Why it's wrong here
The issue is physical disconnection, not a driver problem. Rebooting will not fix a loose cable.
- ✓
Consult the service manual to identify the correct connector and reseat the cable.
Why this is correct
The service manual provides the exact location and orientation for the touchpad ribbon cable, ensuring proper reconnection.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "never" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Replace the entire keyboard assembly since the touchpad cable is likely broken.
Why it's wrong here
The cable is merely dislodged, not broken. Replacing the entire assembly is unnecessary and costly.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume a reboot (Option B) will fix any unresponsive device, overlooking the fundamental hardware disconnection, or they may panic and try to force the cable into any available slot (Option A) without verifying the correct port.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Laptop touchpad cables are typically zero insertion force (ZIF) connectors with a locking flip-up bar or sliding latch. The service manual provides the exact connector location, orientation, and locking mechanism, which is critical because forcing a cable into a non-ZIF connector or the wrong ZIF connector can bend pins or tear the flex circuit. In real-world scenarios, technicians often waste time by assuming a cable is broken when it is merely unseated, leading to unnecessary part 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.
Visual reference
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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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: Consult the service manual to identify the correct connector and reseat the cable. — Option C is correct because the most logical and safe first step when dealing with an unfamiliar laptop model is to consult the service manual. This ensures the technician identifies the exact connector for the touchpad ribbon cable, preventing damage from forcing the cable into the wrong port. Reseating the cable correctly is the standard fix for a dislodged connection.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "never". Absolute qualifier. True only if the statement has zero exceptions — be cautious of options that seem obvious but break down in edge cases.
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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