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ComptiA+ > 6. Troubleshooting > Flashcards

6. Troubleshooting Flashcards

1
Q

What are the first two steps in the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology?

A

(1) Identify the problem, (2) Establish a theory of probable cause.

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2
Q

What is the purpose of a POST (Power-On Self-Test)?

A

Checks hardware components during boot to ensure they are functioning correctly.

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3
Q

What tool is used to test electrical outlets and cables?

A

Multimeter.

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4
Q

What is a common fix for a frozen computer?

A

Restart the computer, check for software conflicts, and update drivers if needed.

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5
Q

What is the purpose of Safe Mode in Windows troubleshooting?

A

To start Windows with minimal drivers and services for diagnosing issues.

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6
Q

What is the function of Event Viewer in Windows?

A

Displays system, application, and security logs to help diagnose problems.

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7
Q

What is the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)?

A

A critical system error in Windows indicating a hardware or software failure.

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8
Q

How can you resolve a slow network connection?

A

Check cables, restart the router, or troubleshoot network settings.

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9
Q

What is a common fix for application crashes?

A

Update or reinstall the application and check system compatibility.

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10
Q

What is the difference between a hard reset and a soft reset?

A

A hard reset restores factory settings, while a soft reset restarts the device.

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11
Q

What is a loopback plug used for?

A

Tests the functionality of network ports and NICs.

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12
Q

What is the purpose of the ping command?

A

Tests connectivity to a specific IP address or domain.

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13
Q

What does a “No Boot Device Found” error mean?

A

The system cannot detect a bootable drive.

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14
Q

How can you troubleshoot a non-responsive touchscreen?

A

Clean the screen, restart the device, or calibrate the touchscreen.

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15
Q

What is the purpose of Task Manager in troubleshooting?

A

Monitors and manages running processes and resource usage.

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16
Q

How can you diagnose a failing hard drive?

A

Use disk-checking utilities, listen for unusual noises, or check SMART status.

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17
Q

What tool is used to check memory errors?

A

MemTest86 or Windows Memory Diagnostic.

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18
Q

What should you do if a printer is not printing?

A

Check for paper jams, ensure it’s connected, and verify driver installation.

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19
Q

How can you resolve overheating issues in a PC?

A

Clean dust from fans, check airflow, and replace thermal paste if necessary.

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20
Q

What is the purpose of the tracert (or traceroute) command?

A

Diagnoses the path packets take to reach a destination.

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21
Q

What is a symptom of a failing power supply?

A

System instability, unexpected shutdowns, or failure to power on.

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22
Q

How do you resolve Wi-Fi connectivity issues?

A

Restart the router, update drivers, and reconfigure Wi-Fi settings.

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23
Q

What is the purpose of Device Manager in Windows?

A

Manages hardware drivers and checks for device conflicts.

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24
Q

What does a “Disk Full” error indicate, and how do you resolve it?

A

The storage drive is out of space; delete unnecessary files or add more storage.

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25
Q

How do you troubleshoot a computer that won’t power on?

A

Check power cables, test the power supply, and ensure hardware components are seated properly.

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26
Q

What is the troubleshooting process?

A

The troubleshooting process involves identifying the problem, establishing a theory of the cause, testing the theory, implementing a solution, verifying the fix, documenting the process, and following up to ensure the issue is fully resolved.

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27
Q

What is the purpose of a POST (Power-On Self-Test)?

A

To check hardware components and ensure they are functioning correctly during startup.

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28
Q

What is the command to check system information in Windows?

A

msinfo32

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29
Q

How can you test the network connection on a computer?

A

Use the “ping” command to check connectivity to other devices.

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30
Q

What is the purpose of an event log in Windows?

A

To record system and application events, helping to identify and troubleshoot problems.

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31
Q

How do you check the health of a hard drive?

A

Use tools like CHKDSK or third-party software like CrystalDiskInfo.

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32
Q

What is the function of the Task Manager in Windows?

A

Monitors processes, performance, and manages running applications.

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33
Q

How can you troubleshoot a slow computer?

A

Check for running background processes, disk space, or insufficient RAM.

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34
Q

What is the first thing you should check if a printer isn’t printing?

A

Ensure the printer is powered on and connected to the network or computer.

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35
Q

What is a common solution when a computer screen is blank?

A

Check the cable connections and ensure the display is powered on.

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36
Q

What should you do if a user reports that their computer is freezing?

A

Try restarting the system, checking for software conflicts, and updating drivers.

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37
Q

What is a common cause of network connectivity issues?

A

Incorrect IP address settings or network cable problems.

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38
Q

How do you troubleshoot software crashes?

A

Check for error messages, review the event log, and ensure that all updates are installed.

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39
Q

What is the purpose of the System Configuration tool (msconfig) in Windows?

A

To manage startup programs and services to troubleshoot system performance issues.

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40
Q

How can you resolve a “device not found” error?

A

Check if the device is powered on and properly connected, and update device drivers.

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41
Q

What tool can you use to diagnose hardware problems?

A

Use diagnostic tools like MemTest86 for RAM and manufacturer-specific tools for hard drives.

42
Q

How do you fix a “No boot device found” error?

A

Check the boot order in BIOS, verify that the hard drive is connected, or check the boot drive for failure.

43
Q

What is the first step in troubleshooting a network outage?

A

Verify the physical connections and ensure the network adapter is working properly.

44
Q

What is the function of the Windows Event Viewer?

A

To monitor and log system events that may help in identifying issues.

45
Q

How do you resolve slow network speeds?

A

Check for network congestion, update drivers, or replace damaged cables.

46
Q

How can you troubleshoot a faulty power supply?

A

Check the power cable, ensure the power supply is receiving power, and test the system with a known good power supply.

47
Q

What could cause a computer to suddenly shut down?

A

Overheating, power supply failure, or faulty hardware components.

48
Q

How do you troubleshoot a Bluetooth connection issue?

A

Ensure Bluetooth is enabled, check device pairing, and ensure no interference.

49
Q

How do you fix issues with a Wi-Fi connection?

A

Check for signal interference, update drivers, or reset the router.

50
Q

What tool can you use to test network cables?

A

Use a cable tester to check for continuity or wiring issues.

51
Q

What is a common fix for a computer that won’t turn on?

A

Check power connections, verify the power supply, and inspect the motherboard for damage.

52
Q

What should you do if a user can’t access a shared network drive?

A

Check permissions, ensure the network drive is mapped correctly, and verify the network connection.

53
Q

How do you resolve a slow boot time?

A

Disable unnecessary startup programs, clean up the disk, and check for hardware issues.

54
Q

What does “blue screen of death” (BSOD) indicate?

A

A critical system error or crash caused by hardware or driver issues.

55
Q

What is the purpose of the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool?

A

To check for memory (RAM) errors that could cause system instability.

56
Q

How can you troubleshoot issues with external peripherals (e.g., printer, keyboard)?

A

Check cables, power sources, drivers, and device compatibility.

57
Q

What is the cause of overheating in a laptop?

A

Dust accumulation in cooling fans or malfunctioning fans can prevent proper airflow.

58
Q

How do you fix a corrupted user profile in Windows?

A

Create a new user profile and transfer files from the corrupted profile.

59
Q

What is the purpose of Safe Mode in Windows?

A

It starts Windows with minimal drivers and services to troubleshoot system issues.

60
Q

How do you troubleshoot a printer showing as “offline”?

A

Check the printer’s connection to the computer or network, and restart the printer.

61
Q

What is a common solution for a computer with no sound?

A

Ensure the audio driver is installed and check the audio settings.

62
Q

How can you check for malware on a system?

A

Run a full system scan using an antivirus or anti-malware tool.

63
Q

What is the purpose of a clean boot in Windows?

A

To start Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs to isolate software conflicts.

64
Q

How do you resolve a “disk full” error?

A

Delete unnecessary files, clear cache, or move data to another drive.

65
Q

What is the function of the Windows Device Manager?

A

To manage hardware devices and check for conflicts or driver issues.

66
Q

What can cause slow performance after a Windows update?

A

Outdated drivers, insufficient system resources, or software conflicts.

67
Q

How do you fix a network connection issue on a laptop?

A

Check the network adapter, reboot the router, and verify wireless settings.

68
Q

What is a good first step when troubleshooting a malfunctioning application?

A

Restart the application and check for software updates or patches.

69
Q

How do you troubleshoot a Mac that won’t boot?

A

Check the hardware, reset the SMC or NVRAM, and boot into recovery mode.

70
Q

What is the best way to fix file system errors in Windows?

A

Run CHKDSK to check and repair disk errors.

71
Q

How do you fix a “no signal” issue on a monitor?

A

Check the video cable, ensure the monitor is powered on, and check display settings.

72
Q

What should you check if a computer is running slowly?

A

Check CPU and memory usage in Task Manager and disable unnecessary processes.

73
Q

How can you fix issues with a mobile hotspot?

A

Check the mobile data connection, ensure correct settings, and restart the hotspot.

74
Q

What does a “hard drive not detected” error indicate?

A

It could indicate a faulty drive, damaged cables, or incorrect BIOS settings.

75
Q

How do you troubleshoot an unresponsive touchscreen?

A

Restart the device, clean the screen, or perform a factory reset.

76
Q

How can you test a faulty RAM stick?

A

Use MemTest86 or replace each RAM stick individually to isolate the faulty one.

77
Q

What should you do if a user can’t log in to their computer?

A

Check the username and password, reset the password if necessary, and ensure the user account is not locked.

78
Q

What is the cause of network dropouts?

A

Interference, faulty cables, or incorrect network configuration.

79
Q

What is the first step to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connection issues?

A

Verify the Wi-Fi adapter is enabled and check the wireless network settings.

80
Q

How can you fix an “unable to connect to the network” error?

A

Check for IP address conflicts, verify the router settings, and reboot the router.

81
Q

What should you do if the system is stuck on the BIOS screen?

A

Check for hardware issues, reseat the RAM and CPU, and clear the CMOS.

82
Q

How do you resolve a problem with a wireless mouse or keyboard?

A

Replace the batteries, check the USB connection, or pair the devices again.

83
Q

How do you fix the “Windows cannot find…” error message?

A

Verify the file path, ensure the file exists, and check for malware that might have deleted it.

84
Q

What is a common cause of the “inaccessible boot device” error?

A

Corrupted boot files, a failing hard drive, or incorrect BIOS settings.

85
Q

How do you troubleshoot an app crashing on a smartphone?

A

Clear the app’s cache, update the app, and restart the device.

86
Q

What is a solution for fixing a slow booting Mac?

A

Disable unnecessary startup items and check for software updates.

87
Q

How do you resolve a DNS error?

A

Check DNS settings, restart the router, or flush the DNS cache using the “ipconfig /flushdns” command.

88
Q

What is a common solution for a computer with a black screen?

A

Check the display, verify the power supply, and restart the system.

89
Q

How do you resolve a device manager error?

A

Update the device drivers, reinstall the device, or check for hardware conflicts.

90
Q

How do you troubleshoot problems with a Bluetooth headset?

A

Check the Bluetooth pairing, ensure the device is charged, and verify that the audio output is set to Bluetooth.

91
Q

How do you fix a “no Wi-Fi networks found” error?

A

Restart the Wi-Fi router, ensure the wireless adapter is enabled, and check for software issues.

92
Q

How do you resolve a “page file” error in Windows?

A

Increase the virtual memory (paging file) size or clear temporary files.

93
Q

How do you fix a laptop with no display?

A

Check the screen brightness, reconnect the display cable, and check for hardware issues.

94
Q

What is the purpose of a system restore point?

A

To revert a system back to a previous state in case of system errors or software problems.

95
Q

How do you troubleshoot a device not being detected by Windows?

A

Check device connections, update or reinstall drivers, and ensure the device is powered on.

96
Q

What is the first step to take when a laptop’s battery isn’t charging?

A

Check the power cable, verify the battery is properly seated, and test the charger.

97
Q

How do you fix a device that’s showing “Insufficient Storage” on Android?

A

Clear cache, uninstall unnecessary apps, or move files to external storage.

98
Q

What should you do if a computer is running out of disk space?

A

Delete unnecessary files, move data to external storage, or use disk cleanup tools.

99
Q

How do you resolve a device with intermittent Wi-Fi connection?

A

Check for interference, update network drivers, and ensure the router is functioning correctly.

100
Q

What is a common fix when a website won’t load?

A

Clear browser cache, check the internet connection, and verify the DNS settings.

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