CompTIA Updated 220-1201 Exam Questions and Answers by ralphy

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted, secure tunnel across a public or untrusted network. It uses authentication credentials to ensure that only authorized users can connect, keeping data safe from interception.

Reasoning: Many docking stations provide power and functionality only when the laptop is properly powered on. If the laptop was powered off (e.g., during the vacation), docking it will not automatically turn it on. The technician should first ensure the laptop is powered on by pressing the power button.

This is a common troubleshooting step when laptops in docking stations appear non-functional.

Relevance to CompTIA A+ Core 1: This falls under Objective 5.2, which covers diagnosing and resolving common laptop and mobile device issues.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Ensure the docking station is plugged in:

While ensuring power to the docking station is important, the scenario specifies that the issue occurred after a vacation. The likelihood of the docking station losing power coincidentally during the vacation is low. Verifying the laptop's power state should be the first step.

C. Plug the laptop in and let it charge overnight:

There is no indication the laptop’s battery is drained. While charging could resolve a dead battery, the user is more likely experiencing an issue where the laptop is powered off but docked, so charging overnight is not the best first step.

D. Connect the laptop directly to the network:

A network connection will not resolve the primary issue of the keyboard and display not working. Addressing the laptop’s power state is a higher priority.

Practical Example:

If a user returns from a vacation and places a powered-off laptop into a docking station, it may not automatically power on. Pressing the power button ensures the laptop is operational and communicating with the docking station.

CompTIA A+ Exam Objective Alignment:

Objective 5.2: Troubleshooting common laptop issues, including power, display, and peripheral connectivity.

Outdated drivers: Device functionality issues after an OS upgrade are often caused by incompatible or outdated drivers.

Disabled settings: Some features may be disabled during the upgrade process, requiring re-enablement.

Why Not A (Incorrect configuration): This is unlikely given the issues arose only after the upgrade.

Why Not B (OS and device incompatibility): Upgrades check for compatibility before installation.

Why Not D (Full storage): Storage issues typically prevent installation, not device functionality.

Why Not F (Corrupted registry entries): While possible, this is less common than the selected answers.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 3.5, troubleshooting OS upgrades​.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

Random BSODs (Blue Screen of Death), intermittent freezing, and degraded performance under load are common symptoms of failing or faulty RAM (Random Access Memory). Here's the reasoning:

RAM Module (Correct Answer):

Faulty or failing RAM can cause random BSODs due to memory errors when the system attempts to read or write to corrupted memory locations.

Intermittent freezing, especially under performance-intensive operations, can occur because the CPU relies heavily on RAM for active processing tasks.

Over time, heat generated during usage can exacerbate RAM instability, leading to progressively worse performance throughout the day.

Solution: The technician should run a memory diagnostic tool, such as Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86, to confirm if the RAM is at fault.

Incorrect Options:

A. Video Card: A faulty video card can cause graphical glitches, screen artifacts, or crashes, but it is unlikely to cause system-wide performance degradation and random freezing under normal operations unless the issue is specific to GPU-intensive tasks (e.g., gaming or video rendering).

B. HDD: A failing hard drive can cause system slowdowns and freezing, but it typically produces other symptoms such as read/write errors, boot failures, or clicking sounds. HDD issues do not usually cause BSODs unless critical system files are corrupted.

D. TPM (Trusted Platform Module): A TPM is a hardware-based security module used for encryption and secure authentication. It does not affect performance or cause BSODs or freezing under normal operation.

Key Takeaway:

The symptoms described (random BSODs, intermittent freezing, and degraded performance under load) are most likely caused by faulty or failing RAM. Memory diagnostic tools should be used to confirm the issue.