Page 1 of 5
A 1 GB IDE hard drive has been installed and used on a computer for six months. However, it was installed
incorrectly without sector translation. Therefore, only 504 MB is currently available for use. What should your
first step be to fix this problem?
j Set sector translation to Large mode, if possible.
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j Set sector translation to LBA mode, if possible.
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i Back up the hard drive.
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j Install drive overlay software.
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Explanation:
Before you do anything regarding sector translation, you need to back up the data on the hard drive. Changing sector
translation results in loss of data.
Objective(s):
1.2 Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components
Reference(s):
TestOut for A+ IT Technician, Section 1.4.
[apTech_1-2 #88]
You are troubleshooting a computer that was working fine but now doesn't power on. What should you do
first?
j Reseat the memory.
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j Replace the power supply.
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j Replace the CMOS battery.
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i Check the computer's AC power cable.
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Explanation:
When troubleshooting problems, always try the simplest or most obvious task first. In this situation, the computer is not
turning on; therefore, the easiest thing to do is to check to see if the computer is getting power.
Objective(s):
1.2 Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components
Reference(s):
TestOut for A+ IT Technician, Section 1.4.
[apTech_1-2 #144]
Page 2 of 5
While you are manning the phones, a field customer calls and complains that he cannot print to the workgroup
laser printer. Which of the following should be the first question you ask?
j Have you rebooted and chosen safe mode?
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j Have you rebooted the printer?
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i Have you ever printed to that printer?
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j Have you checked the cables?
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Explanation:
When a customer reports a problem, it is important to ascertain the extent of the problem. The fact that the user cannot
print to a particular printer should first be approached from the standpoint of determining if they ever could and, if so,
what has changed since then.
Objective(s):
1.2 Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components
Reference(s):
TestOut for A+ IT Technician, Section 1.4.
[apTech_1-2 #252]
Good documentation will:
i Save you time and money in troubleshooting problems.
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j Eliminate the need to troubleshoot problems.
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j Prevent your hardware from needing maintenance.
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j All of the above.
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Explanation:
By keeping adequate documentation, you can reduce the time and money spent in troubleshooting.
Objective(s):
1.2 Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components
Reference(s):
TestOut for A+ IT Technician, Section 1.4.
[apTech_1-2 #260]
You have no idea what is causing a problem in a computer. Which of the following approaches is least
effective in identifying the cause of the problem?
Page 3 of 5
effective in identifying the cause of the problem?
j Search past problem reports.
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i Swap system components with those you know to be good.
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j Simplify the system.
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j Gather information from the user about recent system changes.
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Explanation:
If you have no idea what is causing a problem, the least effective troubleshooting approach is to swap system
components with those you know to be good. This approach is best left until you have a good idea of the problem's
source.
Objective(s):
1.2 Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components
Reference(s):
TestOut for A+ IT Technician, Section 1.4.
[apTech_1-2 #268]
You have narrowed the source of a problem down to five components. Which of the following approaches is
least effective in solving the problem?
j Search past problem reports regarding the symptom.
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i Swap all five of the components with those you know to be good.
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j Swap a single component with one that you know to be good.
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j Simplify the system further by removing some of the components.
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Explanation:
When troubleshooting, you should modify a single variable at a time. Do not modify several variables at the same time.
Objective(s):
1.2 Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components
Reference(s):
TestOut for A+ IT Technician, Section 1.4.
[apTech_1-2 #276]
You have just installed several devices on a multimedia computer, but now the computer fails to boot properly.
Page 4 of 5
You have just installed several devices on a multimedia computer, but now the computer fails to boot properly.
What should you do?
j Swap a single device with one that you know to be good.
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j Swap all of the devices with those you know to be good.
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i Remove all of the newly added devices and install them one at a time.
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j Change the configuration of a single device.
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Explanation:
When installing, you should always install one device at a time. You should install each device into a working system. In
that way, if a problem occurs after installing the new device, you know that the new device has caused the problem.
Objective(s):
1.2 Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components
Reference(s):
TestOut for A+ IT Technician, Section 1.4.
[apTech_1-2 #284]
You've recently installed an IDE RAID board in your computer and created a RAID 0 array. Unfortunately, the
operating system didn't recognize the array. You researched the problem and found out that you needed to update
the BIOS on the RAID board. You've done so and now it works correctly. What should be the next task you
complete?
j Write a letter of complaint to the board manufacturer.
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j Download the latest driver for the board from the manufacturer's Web site.
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j Format and partition the logical drive in the array.
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i Document the problem and how your resolved it.
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j Scan the logical disk in the array for errors.
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Explanation:
After resolving any issue, you should always document the problem, along with the observed symptoms, and how it was
resolved. It's very likely that you may encounter this problem again at some point. Having the solution already
documented can save tremendous amounts of time.
Objective(s):
1.2 Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components
Reference(s):
TestOut for A+ IT Technician, Section 1.4.
[apTech_1-2 #292]
Page 5 of 5
You have just finished upgrading the power supply in your desktop computer. Now the hard disk will not work.
What should you do first?
j Use the switch on the power supply to switch from 110 to 220 volts.
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i Make sure the power connectors on the hard disk are plugged in all of the way.
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j Edit the BIOS to recognize the hard disk.
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j Configure the jumpers on the hard disk.
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j Replace the power supply.
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Explanation:
Because you have just made a system change, you should check items related to the change you have made. In this
case, check to make sure that power connectors are plugged in.
Objective(s):
1.2 Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components
Reference(s):
TestOut for A+ IT Technician, Section 1.4.
[apTech_1-2 #301]