Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 29% Flashcards
A technician needs to test a new USB headset for videoconference calls. Audio playback is working as expected, but sound from the microphone is not being recorded. The Device Manager and Sound settings show the microphone is installed. Which of the following should the technician do next?
A. Examine the application and device mute controls.
B. Connect the headset to a different USB port.
C. Check the device’s driver release date.
D. Increase the speaker volume setting.
A. Examine the application and device mute controls.
Explanation: The microphone might be muted either in the videoconferencing app or on the device itself. The technician should first check the app’s settings to ensure the microphone isn’t muted or disabled. They should also check the physical controls on the USB headset to see if the microphone has been muted or turned off.
Incorrect choices:
B. Connect the headset to a different USB port: While switching USB ports is a good troubleshooting step, the headset is already detected and audio playback works, so it’s unlikely a port issue.
C. Check the device’s driver release date: Driver issues might cause problems, but since the system detects the device and audio works, it’s unlikely that the drivers are the cause.
D. Increase the speaker volume setting: Adjusting speaker volume only affects playback, not microphone functionality, so it won’t fix the microphone issue.
When a user touches or swipes across an external touch screen, the image flickers but no input is registered on the presentation laptop. A technician verifies that the external touch screen appears free from physical damage. Which of the following should the technician do next?
A. Reboot the LCD touch panel and laptop.
B. Check the cables connecting to the laptop.
C. Verify the correct input source is set on the laptop.
D. Replace the laptop with a new device that is known to work.
E. Inspect the LCD touch panel for dead pixels or burn-in
B. Check the cables connecting to the laptop.
Explanation: Loose or faulty cables connecting the external touch screen to the presentation laptop can cause flickering or intermittent functionality. Ensuring the cables are securely connected and undamaged is a key first step in troubleshooting. Checking the cables helps rule out simple connectivity issues before moving on to more complex solutions.
Incorrect choices:
A. Reboot the LCD touch panel and laptop: Rebooting may fix some issues but is not the best initial step when the problem likely involves a physical connection.
C. Verify the correct input source is set on the laptop: While important for recognizing the external touch screen, the flickering suggests a connectivity issue, not an input source problem.
D. Replace the laptop with a new device that is known to work: Replacing the laptop is an extreme measure and should only be done after basic troubleshooting steps, like checking cables, have been exhausted.
E. Inspect the LCD touch panel for dead pixels or burn-in: Dead pixels or burn-in affect display quality but are not relevant to flickering or touch screen input issues.
A user’s laptop is having performance issues when the user downloads large files over the internet. Other users with newer laptops are not experiencing any performance issues. Which of the following components should the technician replace?
A. Hard drive
B. Wi-Fi card
C. RAM
D. CPU
B. Wi-Fi card
Explanation: The performance issue is likely specific to the user’s laptop since others with newer models are unaffected. The problem, especially during large file downloads, suggests the Wi-Fi card may be outdated or malfunctioning, leading to slow speeds and connectivity issues.
Incorrect choices:
A. Hard drive: While it affects data access speeds, it doesn’t typically impact download performance unless there are broader system issues.
C. RAM: Insufficient RAM can cause general performance problems but usually doesn’t affect specific internet downloads unless memory is critically low.
D. CPU: The CPU’s performance typically doesn’t limit download speeds; network bandwidth and Wi-Fi card capabilities are more relevant. A slow CPU would only be an issue if heavily utilized by other tasks during downloads.
After a new network printer is installed and added to the print server, users are unable to install the printer. However, the technician is able to install the printer when logged in to a user’s computer as an administrator. Which of the following is the best option to allow all users to print to the new printer?
A. Install all applicable print drivers on the print server.
B. Map the users to a print share for driver installation.
C. Give all users temporary administrator rights to install the new printer.
D. Remotely log in to all users’ computers and install the printer.
A. Install all applicable print drivers on the print server.
Explanation: Installing all applicable print drivers on the print server allows users to connect to the printer and automatically download the necessary drivers when adding the printer. This method eliminates the need for administrative privileges and centralizes driver management, making updates easier.
Incorrect choices:
B. Map users to a print share for driver installation: While this could work, it’s cumbersome and doesn’t resolve the underlying issue of users’ inability to install the printer.
C. Give all users temporary administrator rights: This poses security risks, as it can lead to misuse, malware exposure, or accidental system changes.
D. Remotely log in to all users’ computers: This is inefficient and time-consuming, requiring administrative access to each computer. It also fails to address why users cannot install the printer themselves.
The owner of a restaurant reports that wireless network connections are lost intermittently throughout the day.
Which of the following steps should a technician take to troubleshoot the issue? (Choose two.)
A. Identify the location of devices that utilize 2.4GHz.
B. Check to see if the phones are UTP or STP lines.
C. Test to see if the copper electrical wires are causing interference.
D. Map all of the wireless signals in the restaurant.
E. Verify T568B is being used in the wiring closet patch panel.
F. Schedule timed router reboots throughout the day.
a. Identify the location of devices that utilize 2.4GHz.
d. Map all of the wireless signals in the restaurant.
Correct Steps:
a. Identify the location of devices that utilize 2.4GHz: In a busy environment like a restaurant, devices operating on the same 2.4GHz frequency can cause interference. Identifying these devices helps pinpoint sources of interference that may disrupt wireless connections.
d. Map all of the wireless signals in the restaurant: Mapping the wireless signals shows where coverage is weak or strong, helping the technician identify interference zones or weak signal areas. This information allows for adjustments in access point placement or channel settings to stabilize network connections.
Incorrect Options:
b. Check if the phones are UTP or STP lines: UTP/STP cabling types apply to Ethernet cabling, not wireless networks.
c. Test for copper electrical wire interference: Electrical wires could interfere, but wireless signal drops are less likely due to copper wiring alone.
e. Verify T568B in the wiring closet patch panel: T568B is a wiring standard for Ethernet cabling and does not impact wireless connectivity.
f. Schedule timed router reboots: Regular reboots can temporarily reset connections but don’t address the cause of intermittent wireless issues and may disrupt users.
A user reports that a computer has a virus on it. Which of the following is the FIRST step the technician should take?
A. Determine a plan of action to resolve the problem.
B. Run antivirus software to remove the virus from the computer.
C. Ask the user about the symptoms the computer is experiencing.
D. Make a backup of the user’s data on an external drive.
c. Ask the user about the symptoms the computer is experiencing.
Gathering information is the first troubleshooting step. Asking about symptoms helps identify the problem accurately before deciding on further actions.
Incorrect Options:
a. Determine a plan of action to resolve the problem: Creating a plan of action should follow the identification phase, once the problem is better understood.
b. Run antivirus software to remove the virus from the computer: Running antivirus software assumes a virus is the issue, which may not be accurate. First, symptoms should be verified.
d. Make a backup of the user’s data on an external drive: While data backup is generally recommended, it’s important to confirm the nature of the issue before taking preventive steps like backing up data.
A user’s Windows computer started running slowly after the installation of a CAD program. The computer has intermittent timeouts and often has to be rebooted to restore functionality. The computer seems to work correctly if the application is not running.
Which of the following should the technician do NEXT to help troubleshoot the issue? (Choose two.)
A. Replace the video card.
B. Research the requirements of the application.
C. Install a new case fan.
D. Run chkdsk on the HDD.
E. Check the Event Viewer logs.
F Reinstall the application.
B. Research the requirements of the application.
E. Check the Event Viewer logs.
Correct Answer:
B. Research the requirements of the application: Since the CAD program caused the slowdown, researching its system requirements can reveal if the computer’s hardware is insufficient, guiding any necessary upgrades.
E. Check the Event Viewer logs: Timeouts and frequent reboots suggest underlying system issues. Event Viewer logs can reveal errors or conflicts, helping identify the root cause of performance problems.
Incorrect Options:
A. Run antivirus software: Useful for malware but doesn’t address application requirements or hardware compatibility.
C. Update the CAD application: Updating might help, but understanding requirements and analyzing logs is more targeted for diagnosing system slowdowns.
D. Reboot the computer in Safe Mode: Safe Mode can help with basic troubleshooting but won’t directly reveal compatibility or system requirement issues.
A technician is troubleshooting a projector that will not display any images. The technician has verified the computer output and cable are providing a good video signal. Which of the following should the technician do NEXT?
A. Calibrate the image.
B. Replace the bulb.
C. Test the output resolution.
D. Clean the fans.
b. Replace the bulb.
Correct Answer:
Replace the projector’s bulb (lamp): If no image appears despite a good video signal, the projector bulb may have failed. Projector bulbs degrade over time, and replacing it is a logical step to restore image display.
Incorrect Options:
A. Calibrate the image: Calibration fine-tunes image quality but isn’t useful if the projector isn’t displaying an image at all.
C. Test the output resolution: Since the signal is confirmed good, the resolution isn’t the likely issue. Output testing comes after checking core projector functionality.
D. Clean the fans: Fan cleaning helps prevent overheating but won’t restore image projection if the issue is with the bulb itself.
A user has decided to build a new computer with parts purchased from a popular online vendor. The user has referenced online resources to assemble the unit. However, when the user presses the power button, the new computer does not load the operating system’s installer. Instead, the onboard speaker beeps and immediately reports an issue on the screen.
Which of the following is the MOST likely issue with the new build?
The user did not plug in the processor’s fan.
The user did not apply thermal paste to the CPU.
The user did not seat the GPU correctly.
The user did not install the power supply.
a. The user did not plug in the processor’s fan.
Correct Answer:
A. The processor’s fan is not plugged in or is not functioning correctly: If the fan isn’t working, the CPU can overheat quickly, triggering thermal protection mechanisms. The beeping from the onboard speaker and warnings on the screen are symptoms of this overheating issue.
Incorrect Options:
B. The user did not apply thermal paste to the CPU: While important for heat transfer, lack of thermal paste would lead to gradual overheating rather than an immediate shutdown or warning upon startup.
C. The user did not seat the GPU correctly: This might cause display issues, but it wouldn’t typically trigger immediate overheating warnings from the onboard speaker.
D. The user did not install the power supply: If the power supply were absent, the system wouldn’t power on at all. Since the computer powers on but fails to load, the power supply is likely installed and functioning correctly.
A service technician replaced the gateway, and a user is now unable to access the SOHO wireless network. Which of the following steps should the technician take to resolve the issue?
Assess the network cables for damage.
Disable Bluetooth connections.
Update the firmware.
Check if the password and SSID are correct.
D. Check if the password and SSID are correct.
Correct Answer:
Verify the SSID and Password: When replacing a gateway, it’s crucial to check that the correct SSID (network name) and password are set up. This ensures that users can reconnect to the wireless network without issues.
Incorrect Options:
A. Assess the Network Cables for Damage: This is not directly relevant since the issue pertains to wireless connectivity. Cable damage would only be a concern if the issue involved wired connections.
B. Disable Bluetooth Connections: Bluetooth operates on a different frequency and does not affect Wi-Fi network access, making this step irrelevant to the issue.
C. Update the Firmware: Although updating firmware is important for device security and performance, it’s not the first step to take when addressing basic connectivity issues. Verifying the SSID and password should come first.
A user reports a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and headset are no longer functioning. The user has restarted the laptop and tested an alternative headset and monitor, but the issue persists. The technician notices the user has a printer, USB-C hub, and AC adapter plugged into the laptop.
Which of the following should the technician do to MOST likely resolve the issue?
Verify the AC adapter voltage.
Repair the operating system.
Replace the user’s USB-C hub.
Reinstall the drivers for affected devices.
Make sure the printer is not drawing too much power.
C. Replace the user’s USB-C hub.
Explanation:
A USB-C hub connects multiple peripherals to a laptop. If the hub is malfunctioning, it can disrupt the connections, causing issues with devices like the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and headset. Since alternative peripherals were tested without success, the hub is likely the root cause of the problem.
Incorrect Options:
B. Repair the Operating System: The symptoms do not suggest a faulty operating system.
D. Reinstall Drivers: This might help if the problem were driver-related, but multiple affected peripherals make this unlikely.
A. Verify AC Adapter Voltage: While checking power is important, the issues point to connectivity problems with the USB-C hub, not power supply issues.
A user reports that a computer will not turn on. The technician verifies the power cord and the outlet the computer are plugged into are both working properly.
Which of the following is the hardware component that has MOST likely failed?
A. PSU
B. CPU
C. RAM
D. GPU
A. PSU (Power Supply Unit)
Explanation: If the power cord and outlet are both confirmed to be working properly, but the computer still will not turn on, the most likely culprit is a faulty Power Supply Unit (PSU). The PSU is responsible for providing power to all components within the computer. If the PSU fails, the computer will not receive the necessary power to boot up, even if other components such as the CPU, RAM, or GPU are functioning correctly.
Incorrect answer:
B. CPU: Less common cause of failure to turn on.
C. RAM: Rarely causes complete failure to power on.
D. GPU: Unlikely to prevent computer from turning on.
A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that is unable to browse the internet when connected to the company’s wireless network. The technician has verified network connectivity is functional when using an Ethernet cable.
Which of the following should the technician use to check if the laptop’s wireless NIC is functional?
A. Hotspot
B. Near-field communication
C. Ethernet tap
D. Spectrum analyzer
A. Hotspot
Explanation: Using a hotspot allows the technician to test the laptop’s wireless network adapter (NIC) by connecting to a different wireless network. If the laptop can successfully connect to and browse the internet using the hotspot, it indicates that the wireless NIC is functional. This helps isolate the issue to the company’s wireless network or its configuration.
Incorrect Answers;
B. Near-field communication: Not relevant for testing wireless NIC.
C. Ethernet tap: Used for network monitoring, not for NIC testing.
D. Spectrum analyzer: Analyzes wireless signals, not for NIC testing.
A desktop PC was recently moved to a new area and needs internet access RJ45 connections are not available, but access can be provided through 802.11n connections. Which of the following will need to be installed?
A. Wireless NIC
B. NFS system
C. SSHD
D. USB card
A. Wireless NIC (Network Interface Card)
Explanation: A Wireless NIC (Network Interface Card) is required to connect the desktop PC to a Wi-Fi network, such as an 802.11n network, to provide internet access wirelessly. A Wireless NIC allows the desktop PC to communicate with Wi-Fi routers or access points, enabling wireless connectivity.
Incorrect Answer:
B. NFS system: Not related to providing internet access.
C. SSHD: Not relevant for internet connectivity.
D. USB card: Not used for Wi-Fi connections.
A technician recently received a written warning for causing a system-wide outage. The outage was a result of an unscheduled patch being manually pushed during production hours.
Which of the following could have MOST likely prevented the technician from receiving the warning?
A. Following corporate procedures
B. Testing before deployment
C. Document the findings
d. Establishing a plan of action
A. Following corporate procedures
Explanation: Following corporate procedures typically involves adhering to established protocols and guidelines for making changes to systems, including patch deployment. By following the proper procedures, the technician would have likely avoided the unscheduled patch being manually pushed during production hours, thus preventing the system-wide outage and the resulting warning.
Incorrect Answer:
B. Testing before deployment: Important but not addressing the root cause.
C. Documenting findings: Useful but not preventing the incident.
D. Establishing a plan of action: Essential but doesn’t prevent the incident on its own.
A. user built a new PC with parts sourced from a popular online vendor. The system boots to the OS and basic browsing works, but whenever the user opens a 4K video or starts to play a game, the system immediately shuts down.
Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this issue?
A.The video card was installed in the wrong PCIe slot
B.The CPU heat sink was attached without adequate thermal paste
C. SSD drives do not have enough Pagefile
D. The system does not have enough RAM for 4K video
B. The CPU heat sink was attached without adequate thermal paste.
Explanation: When the system shuts down under load, especially when running demanding tasks like playing 4K videos or games, it often indicates overheating issues. If the CPU heat sink was attached without adequate thermal paste or if it was not properly installed, the CPU may quickly overheat under heavy workload, triggering the system to shut down as a protective measure.
Incorrect Answer:
A. Wrong PCIe slot: Unlikely cause of immediate shutdowns.
C. Insufficient Pagefile: Unlikely cause of immediate shutdowns.
D. Not enough RAM: Unlikely cause of immediate shutdowns
A user who is facilitating a videoconference reports that the participants can be heard. However, when the user attempts to speak, none of the participants can hear the user.
Which of the following is the FIRST step the technician should take?
A. Restart the videoconference.
B. Replace the laptop.
C. Check the audio inputs.
D. Try another microphone.
c. Check the audio inputs.
Checking audio input involves confirming the correct microphone is selected and configured in the software. This includes checking the input volume, selected microphone, and mute settings.
Here’s why the other options don’t fully address the issue:
a. Restart the videoconference: Restarting may temporarily help but won’t fix the main problem with audio input.
b. Replace the laptop: Replacing the laptop is excessive; the issue is more likely in the audio settings or microphone, not the laptop itself.
d. Try another microphone: Switching microphones could help if the current one is faulty, but checking settings first is more efficient.
A help desk technician plugged in a user’s new computer to a network port. After a few minutes, the computer showed an APIPA address.
Which of the following is the MOST likely reason this happened?
A. The WLAN is disabling the NIC card.
B. The network cable is not attached.
C. The PC is unable to contact a DHCP server.
D. The DHCP server is using addresses in the range of 169.254.254.1.
C. The PC is unable to contact a DHCP server.
APIPA assigns an IP in the 169.254.x.x range when a computer can’t obtain one from a DHCP server. This allows limited network access.
Incorrect choices:
A. WLAN disabling the NIC card: If WLAN disabled the NIC, the computer would have no connectivity. An APIPA address shows the NIC is working but couldn’t reach DHCP.
B. Network cable not attached: A disconnected cable would prevent network access entirely, not just a DHCP issue.
D. DHCP server using 169.254.254.1: Even if the DHCP server used this range, it would still assign IPs. An APIPA address means no response was received from DHCP.
An organization keeps receiving spam that appears to come from its own domain. No accounts have been compromised. Which of the following will BEST mitigate this issue?
A. DNS
B. S/MIME
C. SPF
D. SSID
C. SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is an email authentication method to prevent spoofing by letting domain owners specify which servers can send emails for their domain. This helps email servers detect and block unauthorized, spoofed emails.
Incorrect choices:
A. DNS: While SPF uses DNS to publish records, DNS alone doesn’t prevent spoofing. SPF specifically targets email authentication.
B. S/MIME: S/MIME provides encryption and digital signatures for email security, but it doesn’t address spoofing or prevent domain-based spam.
D. SSID: SSID identifies wireless networks and isn’t related to email or preventing spoofed emails.
A technician just finished assembling a new PC for a client. Upon POST, the device presents an unspecified beep code and turns off automatically after five seconds. The technician double-checks the bill of materials for the new build and confirms all items have been installed.
Which of the following should the technician do NEXT?
A. Ensure thermal paste is being used on the CPU.
B. Check to make sure that any video cards have auxiliary power cabling connected.
C. Verify the header panel connector is properly connected.
D. Spot-check that the I/O shield for the motherboard is properly installed.
C. Verify the header panel connector is properly connected.
The header panel connector links the case’s power/reset buttons and LEDs to the motherboard. If misconfigured, it can prevent proper booting or cause POST error codes.
Incorrect choices:
A. Ensure thermal paste on the CPU: Thermal paste affects CPU cooling, not startup issues or POST error codes.
B. Check video card power cables: Missing auxiliary power affects graphics, but it’s unlikely to trigger beep codes or shutdown at POST.
D. Check I/O shield installation: The I/O shield blocks interference but doesn’t affect POST or cause boot issues.
