Pass the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Questions and answers with ValidTests

When an application fails to install on a smartphone despite being supported by the OS and device type, CompTIA A+ stresses that the most common cause is insufficient storage. Mobile devices require not only space for the app itself but also additional temporary space for the installation process, cached data, and updates. If internal storage is nearly full, the app store will display installation errors—even if the OS and hardware meet requirements.

Battery health has no impact on app installation. A SIM card is unrelated to installing local applications—it only affects cellular connectivity. Processor architecture issues would have been caught during compatibility checking, but the technician already verified the device supports the application.

Therefore, after confirming compatibility, the next logical step is to check available storage space. If storage is low, deleting unused apps, clearing cached data, or transferring media to cloud storage or an SD card typically resolves the installation issue.

Thus, Option A: Storage is the correct answer.

SSH (Secure Shell) encrypts data communications for secure remote login and management of network devices, ensuring all console connections are encrypted.

Why Not B (LDAP): LDAP is used for directory services and does not encrypt by default.

Why Not C (FTPS): FTPS encrypts file transfers, not console communications.

Why Not D (SMTP): SMTP is used for email transmission, not for securing login sessions.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 2.7, network security protocols​.

Reasoning: Many docking stations provide power and functionality only when the laptop is properly powered on. If the laptop was powered off (e.g., during the vacation), docking it will not automatically turn it on. The technician should first ensure the laptop is powered on by pressing the power button.

This is a common troubleshooting step when laptops in docking stations appear non-functional.

Relevance to CompTIA A+ Core 1: This falls under Objective 5.2, which covers diagnosing and resolving common laptop and mobile device issues.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Ensure the docking station is plugged in:

While ensuring power to the docking station is important, the scenario specifies that the issue occurred after a vacation. The likelihood of the docking station losing power coincidentally during the vacation is low. Verifying the laptop's power state should be the first step.

C. Plug the laptop in and let it charge overnight:

There is no indication the laptop’s battery is drained. While charging could resolve a dead battery, the user is more likely experiencing an issue where the laptop is powered off but docked, so charging overnight is not the best first step.

D. Connect the laptop directly to the network:

A network connection will not resolve the primary issue of the keyboard and display not working. Addressing the laptop’s power state is a higher priority.

Practical Example:

If a user returns from a vacation and places a powered-off laptop into a docking station, it may not automatically power on. Pressing the power button ensures the laptop is operational and communicating with the docking station.

CompTIA A+ Exam Objective Alignment:

Objective 5.2: Troubleshooting common laptop issues, including power, display, and peripheral connectivity.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract (Aligned With CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Study Guide)

When installing an operating system from external media (USB flash drive), the motherboard firmware must be instructed to check that device before checking the internal storage.

The CompTIA A+ official objectives describe that technicians must know how to access UEFI/BIOS settings and configure boot priority. Installing an OS from USB requires:

Entering UEFI/BIOS setup

Navigating to the Boot or Startup menu

Setting the USB drive as the first boot device

Saving and exiting to allow the computer to boot from the USB installer

This process is specifically referenced in CompTIA A+ material under “BIOS/UEFI settings,” where boot sequence / boot order is a fundamental configuration needed for OS installation.

Thus, the next step after assembling the PC is to modify the boot order to allow the system to boot from the USB installation media.

Why the other options are incorrect

A. BIOS password

Used for system access security; has no relevance to installing an OS from USB.

B. PXE boot

Used for network-based installations, not USB installations.

C. Secure Boot

Controls OS signature validation; not required to be changed for USB installation and is not the next required step.

Final Answer: D

A punchdown tool is specifically used to insert wires into a punchdown block in patch panels, which is typical for Cat 6 and similar cabling. It ensures a secure and correct connection by pushing the wire into a metal groove that slices the insulation.

Older motherboards use 20-pin connectors, while newer power supplies use 24-pin connectors. An adapter resolves the compatibility issue cost-effectively.

Why Not A (Adjust the input voltage): Input voltage adjustment is unrelated to connector compatibility.

Why Not B (Install a modular power supply): While modular supplies are versatile, this doesn’t address the connector issue directly.

Why Not C (Rebuild the failed power supply): Rebuilding is costly and complex compared to using an adapter.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 3.4, power supply compatibility​.

Paper jams and smudging in high-volume printers are often caused bydirty or worn rollers. Rollers are responsible for feeding the paper through the printer. Over time, they accumulate dust, toner residue, or wear out, resulting in misfeeds or jams. Cleaning or replacing them typically resolves this issue.

Option A (Factory reset):A full reset does not directly address mechanical issues like dirty rollers or smudging. It’s a last resort and more relevant to configuration or software-related issues.

Option C (Change toner cartridges):While toner quality can affect print quality, it won’t usually cause jams or widespread smudging unless the cartridge is leaking which is less likely across multiple users.

Option D (Replace the fuser):A damaged fuser could cause smudging, but this is typically after extensive use and is not the first thing to check. Fuser issues also usually present more persistent, uniform smudges.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 3.7: Given a scenario, troubleshoot common printer problems.

If the user is on a guest network and cannot access internal resources like printers, connecting to the corporate Wi-Fi will place the device on the correct subnet to access the printer.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 2.2 – Network segmentation:

“Guest networks are isolated from internal resources for security. Connect to the main corporate Wi-Fi to access shared devices.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 2: Wireless Networking

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 2.2

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Wireless coverage issues at the physical edges of a building are typically caused by weak RF signal strength. The CompTIA A+ study material says the best solution is to add additional wireless access points (APs) or implement a mesh system to extend coverage and eliminate dead zones.

Enabling 5GHz often worsens the issue because 5GHz has shorter range. Wi-Fi 6 NIC upgrades improve performance but do not increase signal reach. Flushing DNS does not affect wireless coverage.

Installing more APs ensures stronger coverage, better signal-to-noise ratio, and stable connectivity aligning with CompTIA’s wireless troubleshooting best practices.

A. Run the maintenance application:

Most modern printers include a built-in maintenance application that can calibrate the print heads and correct alignment issues. Running this tool is the first step to address misalignment.

Incorrect Options:

B. Clean the rollers: Cleaning rollers is typically done to resolve paper feed or jamming issues, not alignment problems.

C. Upgrade the firmware: While updating firmware is beneficial for performance improvements, it is not the first step for fixing alignment.

D. Reinstall the drivers: Misaligned printing is usually hardware-related, not a driver issue.

Key Takeaway: The maintenance application should be run first to resolve alignment issues in a newly installed printer.

SMB (Server Message Block)is a protocol used to access files and printers over a network, including across shared network folders. It enables the user to access and print files stored remotely on a shared directory.

Option A (ADF):Automatic Document Feeder hardware, not a network protocol.

Option B (USB):Used for direct physical connections, not for printing over networks.

Option C (PCL):Printer Command Language relates to printer drivers, not file sharing or access.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 3.4: Given a scenario, install and configure printers.

Firewalls are specifically designed to monitor, filter, and control network traffic using Access Control Lists (ACLs). ACLs define which traffic is allowed or denied based on parameters like IP address, protocol, or port.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 2.2 – Networking hardware and security:

“Firewalls use access control lists (ACLs) to allow or deny traffic based on rules. Unmanaged switches and PoE injectors do not support ACLs.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 2: Networking Security Devices

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 2.2

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To add additional wired network devices in a simple and cost-effective manner, the best solution is an unmanaged switch. CompTIA A+ explains that unmanaged switches require no configuration, provide instant port expansion, and operate using plug-and-play functionality. This makes them ideal for home offices where the user wants more Ethernet ports without dealing with administrative overhead or complex setup.

An unmanaged switch automatically forwards traffic using MAC addresses, expanding the network without altering IP configuration or security settings. It is inexpensive compared to other networking equipment and requires no firmware updates, VLAN management, or routing knowledge.

A DSL modem or cable modem provides internet service but does not increase the number of available network ports beyond the single LAN port commonly offered. A firewall controls traffic but does not expand physical connectivity. Therefore, neither modem nor firewall options meet the requirement of adding more wired devices.

Thus, the unmanaged switch is the simplest, cheapest, and most practical choice for expanding connectivity in a home office environment.

Mesh networks rely on multiple access points (or mesh nodes) to create a seamless, self-healing network. Each access point communicates with others to extend coverage and improve reliability without requiring a wired backbone for each AP.

The digitizer is the component responsible for detecting touch input on a screen. If touch is not registering and there's no physical damage, the digitizer may be faulty.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.1 – Mobile device hardware:

“If a touchscreen device does not respond to input and the screen is intact, the digitizer (touch sensor) may be defective.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Mobile Hardware

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.1

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