Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Computers & Technology > Computers & IT

CompTIA A+ Troubleshooting Model Quiz: Test Your PC Skills

Test your PC troubleshooting skills with our CompTIA A+ troubleshooting quiz - dive in now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art of PC parts tools and quiz icons on sky blue backdrop for CompTIA A plus troubleshooting model quiz

Attention IT enthusiasts and aspiring technicians! Ready to put your PC repair skills to the ultimate test with our computer hardware troubleshooting quiz? Dive into the compTIA A+ troubleshooting model to assess how you identify, analyze, and resolve real-world system issues. This compTIA A+ troubleshooting quiz combines CompTIA A+ practice troubleshooting techniques with practical scenarios, so you can master PC troubleshooting with CompTIA A+. Experience real-world challenges through a hands-on practice sessionhands-on practice session and tackle a hardware troubleshooting challengehardware troubleshooting challenge . Embrace the challenge and start acing your skills now!

What is the first step in the CompTIA A+ troubleshooting model?
Identify the problem
Establish a theory of probable cause
Implement the solution
Document the findings
The first step in the CompTIA A+ troubleshooting model is to identify the problem by gathering information and noting system symptoms. This step lays the foundation for efficient troubleshooting by collecting user input and error messages. Without a clear problem statement, subsequent steps may be misdirected. https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/troubleshooting-model
Which component POST tests first during the PC boot process?
CPU
RAM
Hard drive
Graphics card
During the Power-On Self-Test (POST), the CPU is initialized first because it must execute the firmware code. If the CPU fails, the system cannot proceed to test other components. Subsequent tests include memory and peripheral checks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-on_self-test
Which tool is best for verifying whether a network cable is functioning correctly?
Cable tester
Loopback plug
Multimeter
Tone generator
A cable tester is designed to verify wiring continuity, pairing, and possible faults in network cables. While a loopback plug tests ports, a multimeter measures voltage rather than network signals, and a tone generator helps trace cables. Cable testers provide quick pass/fail results for twisted-pair cables. https://www.cnet.com/products/klein-tools-vdv526-055-network-cable-tester/
When a PC boots into Safe Mode, which of these is disabled?
Third-party drivers
BIOS initialization
Power supply boot test
CPU clock speed boost
Safe Mode in Windows loads only the essential Microsoft drivers and services, disabling third-party drivers to isolate software conflicts. BIOS initialization and power-on self-test still occur before Safe Mode is loaded. CPU clock speeds remain at defaults unless manually altered in firmware. https://support.microsoft.com/windows/start-your-pc-in-safe-mode-in-windows-10-f2c50132-5e2f-77b7-451f-32fddc8b5a26
Which step comes immediately after implementing the solution according to the troubleshooting model?
Verify full system functionality
Document findings
Establish a theory
Identify the problem
After implementing a solution, you must verify full system functionality to ensure the problem is resolved and no new issues have arisen. Only after this verification step should you document the findings and the resolution steps taken. This ensures completeness in the troubleshooting process. https://www.professormesser.com/comptia-a-plus/troubleshooting-model/
What is the primary purpose of documenting findings in troubleshooting?
Provide a record for future reference
Increase system uptime
Improve BIOS settings
Enhance network speed
Documenting findings creates a record of the problem, the steps taken to resolve it, and the final outcome. This helps in future incidents by providing a knowledge base and reducing resolution time. It also supports compliance and accountability. https://www.comptia.org/content/articles/how-to-document-it-support-troubleshooting
Which symptom most likely indicates a thermal shutdown?
System powers off unexpectedly under load
Continuous beeping on boot
Blue screen with memory error
Random file corruption
A thermal shutdown occurs when CPU or GPU temperatures exceed safe thresholds, causing the system to power off to prevent hardware damage. Continuous beeps usually indicate POST errors, not thermal issues. Blue screens and file corruption have different root causes. https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005744/processors.html
What is a loopback plug used for troubleshooting?
Test network interface ports
Measure cable length
Check AC voltage output
Detect magnetized disks
A loopback plug is inserted into a network or serial port to send signals back to the device, verifying port functionality. It does not measure cable length or voltage, nor is it used for disks. Loopback testing isolates NIC and port issues. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loopback
Which log file contains hardware errors in Windows?
System log
Application log
Security log
Setup log
The Windows Event Viewer System log records hardware-related errors such as device failures, driver issues, and system component malfunctions. The Application log focuses on software events, the Security log logs audit events, and the Setup log tracks installation processes. https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/win32/eventlog/event-logging
When you cannot ping the gateway but can ping localhost, what is the likely issue?
Incorrect default gateway setting
DNS server down
Faulty NIC driver
Router DHCP disabled
If you can ping localhost (127.0.0.1) but not the default gateway, the network adapter and IP stack are working but the gateway address is misconfigured or unreachable. DNS issues affect name resolution; NIC drivers would prevent localhost pinging. DHCP being disabled prevents IP assignment but not gateway reachability if static. https://www.practicalnetworking.net/series/tcp-ip/icmp-ping/
Which command displays current TCP/IP configuration on Windows?
ipconfig /all
netstat -an
ping -t
tracert
The ipconfig /all command in Windows lists all current TCP/IP network configurations, including IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers. Netstat shows active connections, ping tests reachability, and tracert traces routes. https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/ipconfig
What should you try before replacing a CMOS battery?
Reset BIOS to default settings
Update operating system
Clean the CPU socket
Defragment the hard drive
Resetting BIOS settings to defaults can correct configuration errors that mimic a failing CMOS battery. Replacing the OS or cleaning CPU sockets does not affect BIOS settings, and disk defragmentation is unrelated. Only a battery change addresses actual power loss to CMOS. https://www.howtogeek.com/192242/how-and-when-to-clear-your-computers-cmos-bios/
Which Device Manager icon indicates a disabled device?
Down arrow on the device icon
Yellow exclamation mark
Red X on the icon
Green checkmark
In Windows Device Manager, a small down arrow on the device icon signifies the device is disabled. A yellow exclamation mark indicates a driver issue, and a red X means the device is not present or malfunctioning. Windows does not use green checkmarks for devices. https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/drivers/install/device-manager-setup
A user reports slow system performance. Which action applies divide-and-conquer troubleshooting?
Disable startup services one at a time
Reinstall the OS entirely
Run disk defragment daily
Upgrade to SSD immediately
Divide-and-conquer troubleshooting involves disabling or enabling components step by step, such as turning off startup services one at a time to isolate the performance bottleneck. Reinstalling the OS or replacing hardware without isolation is overkill and not systematic. https://www.howtogeek.com/196881/what-is-the-divide-and-conquer-method-in-troubleshooting/
Which Windows utility can repair corrupted system files?
sfc /scannow
chkdsk /f
format C:
diskpart
The System File Checker (sfc /scannow) scans for and restores corrupted Windows system files. CHKDSK fixes file system errors on disks, format erases the drive, and diskpart manages partitions. SFC is the specific utility for system file integrity. https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/sfc
Which term describes isolating a failing module in memory troubleshooting?
Binary elimination
Thermal testing
Loopback testing
Surface scanning
Binary elimination narrows down a fault by testing half of the components (e.g., memory sticks) to isolate the failing module quickly. Thermal testing involves heat analysis, loopback is for ports, and surface scanning applies to disks. https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Memory-Testing-Basics-FAQ-786/
What is the proper ESD precaution when handling RAM modules?
Use a grounded wrist strap
Work on carpet without a mat
Handle chips by contacts
Use oil-based gloves
Using a grounded wrist strap safely dissipates static charges and protects sensitive components like RAM. Working on carpet or handling chips by contacts increases static risk, and oil-based gloves can contaminate contacts. Proper ESD mats and straps are industry standard. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESD_protection
A motherboard POST code shows 0x2A. This typically indicates a:
Memory initialization failure
CPU microcode error
GPU handshake failure
Hard drive not detected
POST code 0x2A on many BIOS versions corresponds to a memory initialization failure, often due to bad or incompatible DIMMs. CPU microcode or GPU failures have different codes and messages. Hard drive detection errors occur later in POST. https://www.bioscentral.com/beepcodes/ami_beepcodes.htm
During UEFI Secure Boot troubleshooting, which file type must be signed?
.efi boot loaders
.sys device drivers
.dll libraries
.exe applications
UEFI Secure Boot requires that the .efi boot loader and UEFI drivers be signed with a recognized certificate. While system drivers and applications can also be signed, Secure Boot specifically protects the pre-OS boot code (.efi). https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/secure-boot
Which RAID level provides both striping and mirroring?
RAID 10
RAID 5
RAID 1
RAID 0
RAID 10 (1+0) combines mirroring and striping by creating mirrored pairs and then striping data across those pairs. RAID 5 uses striping with parity, RAID 1 is pure mirroring, and RAID 0 is pure striping with no redundancy. https://www.adaptec.com/en-us/support/techdocs/raidlevels.shtml
What is the primary use of the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)?
Repair boot issues and recover system
Increase CPU clock speed
Overclock GPU settings
Reset BIOS passwords
WinRE is a recovery platform that can automatically fix startup failures, restore system images, and access command prompt for advanced repairs. It is not used for hardware performance tuning or BIOS password resets. https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-recovery-environment
Which tool allows capturing USB traffic during device troubleshooting?
USB protocol analyzer
Loopback plug
Tone generator
Power supply tester
A USB protocol analyzer intercepts and decodes USB traffic between host and device, allowing detailed troubleshooting of communications. Loopback plugs and tone generators serve different diagnostic purposes, and power testers measure voltages. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protocol_analyzer
If a NIC fails to negotiate a link at 1 Gbps, what is a potential cause?
Bad CAT5 cable instead of CAT5e/CAT6
Switch set to full duplex
CPU utilization too high
DNS server misconfiguration
Standard CAT5 cable does not reliably support Gigabit Ethernet. CAT5e or CAT6 cabling is required for 1 Gbps. Duplex settings and CPU load are unrelated to physical link speed negotiation, and DNS settings don't affect link negotiation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet_overtwisted_pair#1000BASE-T
Which method helps confirm a suspected failing RAM module when multiple sticks are installed?
Test each stick individually in the same slot
Run surface scan on HDD
Swap power supply
Update video drivers
Testing each RAM stick individually in the same slot ensures that you isolate the faulty module by process of elimination. Surface scans apply to storage, and power supplies or video drivers are unrelated to memory errors. https://www.memtest86.com/
What is the recommended next step if you suspect a failing laptop headphone jack?
Use external USB sound adapter
Reinstall network driver
Replace CMOS battery
Run SFC /scannow
Using an external USB sound adapter bypasses the internal headphone jack and confirms whether the issue is jack-related. Network drivers, CMOS battery, and SFC do not impact audio jack hardware. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-buy-the-best-usb-audio-adapter/
Which advanced tool captures low-level digital signals on motherboard buses?
Logic analyzer
Oscilloscope
Loopback plug
Cable tester
A logic analyzer captures and analyzes digital signals across multiple channels on motherboard buses, making it ideal for firmware and hardware debugging. Oscilloscopes focus on analog signals, while loopback plugs and cable testers serve different diagnostics. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logic_analyzer
In NIC teaming troubleshooting, which setting must match on both adapters?
Speed and duplex
Hostname
MAC address
DHCP lease time
For NIC teaming, all member adapters must share identical speed and duplex settings to form a stable team. Hostnames, MAC addresses, and DHCP lease times are managed differently and do not affect team formation. https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/technologies/nic-teaming/nic-teaming
Which memory type can correct single-bit errors automatically?
ECC RAM
DDR3
SDRAM
LPDDR4
Error-Correcting Code (ECC) RAM detects and corrects single-bit memory errors on the fly, crucial in servers and workstations. Standard DDR3, SDRAM, and LPDDR4 do not include error correction capabilities. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Error-correcting_code_memory
0
{"name":"What is the first step in the CompTIA A+ troubleshooting model?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What is the first step in the CompTIA A+ troubleshooting model?, Which component POST tests first during the PC boot process?, Which tool is best for verifying whether a network cable is functioning correctly?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze symptom-based issues -

    Learn to examine and interpret PC error messages and symptom data using the CompTIA A+ troubleshooting model to pinpoint probable causes.

  2. Apply the six-step troubleshooting model -

    Practice each phase - from identifying problems to verifying full resolution - ensuring a structured approach to PC troubleshooting with CompTIA A+.

  3. Identify hardware failure indicators -

    Recognize common signs of component failures, including BIOS beep codes and device malfunctions, during the computer hardware troubleshooting quiz.

  4. Differentiate logical vs. physical faults -

    Distinguish software-level errors from hardware defects to streamline your diagnostic process in CompTIA A+ practice troubleshooting.

  5. Evaluate real-world scenarios -

    Test your skills with simulated PC repair challenges that mirror actual technician tasks, boosting confidence before the certification exam.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Identify the Problem -

    Begin by gathering user input and error codes to pinpoint symptoms, such as "Blue Screen 0x0000007B." Use tools like Windows Event Viewer or journalctl on Linux to capture logs and document findings. This step forms the foundation of the compTIA A+ troubleshooting model and ensures you don't skip critical details.

  2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause -

    Brainstorm possible causes based on observed symptoms, from hardware failures to driver conflicts. Use the mnemonic "I Eat Tasty Pie" (Identify, Establish, Test, Plan) to remember the troubleshooting flow. Industry guidelines from CompTIA official objectives encourage ranking theories by likelihood before testing.

  3. Test the Theory to Determine Cause -

    Verify your top theory by running simple tests, such as swapping memory modules or booting into Safe Mode. If the issue persists, move to the next theory until the root cause is confirmed - this avoids unnecessary hardware replacements. Following PC troubleshooting with CompTIA A+ ensures consistency and efficiency.

  4. Establish a Plan of Action and Implement the Solution -

    Create a step-by-step repair plan, like updating a corrupted driver via Device Manager or reseating a loose GPU. Always back up critical data before making major changes to minimize risk. This practice aligns with CompTIA A+ practice troubleshooting guidelines and promotes safe, repeatable fixes.

  5. Verify Full System Functionality and Implement Preventive Measures -

    After applying a fix, run full system diagnostics and simulate typical workloads to confirm stability. Document the solution in a knowledge base and educate the user on preventive steps, such as regular firmware updates. This final step in the compTIA A+ troubleshooting model helps reduce future incidents and builds user trust.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Computers & IT Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker