CompTIA A+ Core 2 Practice Questions: Hardware/Troubleshooting

6 free, exam-style CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) practice questions covering Hardware/Troubleshooting. Each question shows the correct answer and a clear explanation. Ready for the real thing? Take the full timed quiz below.

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Q1. A user's laptop screen appears very dim, even at the highest brightness setting. An external monitor works fine. Which of the following is the MOST likely component to have failed?

Explanation: If the image is visible but very dim, it often points to a problem with the screen's illumination. (Relevant for 1101 mobile device/hardware troubleshooting) Learn more.

Q2. A Windows user reports that their computer sometimes fails to boot, displaying a 'Boot device not found' error. If the issue is intermittent, which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

Explanation: An intermittent 'Boot device not found' error can often be caused by a loose SATA data cable or power cable. (Relevant for 1101 hardware troubleshooting) Learn more.

Q3. A technician is troubleshooting a hard drive that is suspected of failing. Which technology, built into most modern hard drives, can provide diagnostic information about the drive's health?

Explanation: S.M.A.R.T. is a monitoring system included in HDDs and SSDs that detects and reports on various indicators of drive reliability. (Relevant for 1101 hardware troubleshooting) Learn more.

Q4. A user's computer is experiencing unexpected shutdowns, especially when running graphically intensive applications. The fans are spinning loudly before shutdown. What is the MOST likely cause?

Explanation: Loud fans followed by shutdowns during intensive tasks strongly suggest overheating of critical components. (Relevant for 1101 hardware troubleshooting) Learn more.

Q5. A user's laptop screen appears very dim, almost unreadable, even when the brightness is set to maximum. An external monitor connected to the laptop displays a normal image. Which internal laptop component is MOST likely faulty?

Explanation: If an external monitor works, the GPU is likely functioning. A very dim display on the laptop's screen, where the image is faintly visible, often points to a problem with the screen's illumination system. In older CCFL-backlit laptops, this could be the inverter; in modern LED-backlit screens, it's often the backlight itself or the circuitry driving it. Learn more.

Q6. A Windows user reports that their computer sometimes fails to boot, displaying an error message like 'Boot device not found' or 'Operating System not found'. If this issue is intermittent, which of the following is the MOST likely cause to investigate first?

Explanation: Intermittent 'Boot device not found' errors can often be caused by a loose SATA data cable or power cable connected to the hard drive or SSD. Reseating these cables is a common first step in troubleshooting this type of issue. Learn more.

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