CompTIA Operational Procedure — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct order of steps when troubleshooting a PC problem, according to CompTIA A+ best practices?
- Identify → Theory → Test → Plan → Implement → Verify/Document (Correct answer)
- Fix → Test → Document → Report
- Document → Fix → Test → Verify
- Test → Identify → Implement → Document
Correct answer: Identify → Theory → Test → Plan → Implement → Verify/Document
CompTIA's 6-step troubleshooting methodology is: 1) Identify the problem, 2) Establish a theory of probable cause, 3) Test the theory, 4) Establish a plan of action, 5) Implement the solution, 6) Verify functionality and document. This systematic approach prevents skipping to solutions before understanding the problem.
Question 2: Before working inside a computer, a technician should FIRST:
- Disconnect power and use an anti-static wrist strap to prevent ESD damage (Correct answer)
- Update all drivers and firmware
- Back up all data on the hard drive
- Run a full virus scan on the system
Correct answer: Disconnect power and use an anti-static wrist strap to prevent ESD damage
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can permanently damage computer components with as little as 10 volts — far below what humans can feel. Before touching internal components, always disconnect the power cable and use an anti-static wrist strap or touch a grounded metal surface to discharge static buildup.
Question 3: Which type of backup copies only the files that have changed since the last FULL backup and clears the archive bit?
- Differential backup (Correct answer)
- Incremental backup
- Full backup
- Synthetic backup
Correct answer: Differential backup
Differential backups copy all files changed since the last full backup and clear the archive bit. This means each successive differential backup grows larger as it includes all changes since the last full. Incremental backups copy changes since the last backup of any type, keeping differentials smaller but requiring more tapes to restore.
Question 4: A user reports that their computer displays a 'No Boot Device Found' error. What should the technician check FIRST?
- BIOS/UEFI boot order settings (Correct answer)
- Monitor cable connection
- RAM seating
- CPU thermal paste
Correct answer: BIOS/UEFI boot order settings
The most common cause of 'No Boot Device Found' is an incorrect boot order in BIOS/UEFI, where the system is trying to boot from a device (like a USB drive or optical disc) that doesn't contain an OS. Check BIOS boot order first before suspecting hard drive failure.
Question 5: What does MSDS/SDS documentation provide, and why is it important in IT?
- Safety information about hazardous materials for proper handling and disposal (Correct answer)
- Technical specifications for computer hardware components
- Software licensing and compliance documentation
- Network topology and infrastructure diagrams
Correct answer: Safety information about hazardous materials for proper handling and disposal
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) / Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide information about hazardous materials including proper handling, storage, disposal, and emergency procedures. In IT, this is relevant for toner cartridges, batteries, cleaning solvents, and CRT monitor components, which require proper disposal procedures.
Question 6: Which Windows tool allows a technician to view and manage all running processes and system resource usage?
- Task Manager (taskmgr.exe) (Correct answer)
- Device Manager (devmgmt.msc)
- Registry Editor (regedit.exe)
- System Configuration (msconfig.exe)
Correct answer: Task Manager (taskmgr.exe)
Task Manager (taskmgr.exe) allows viewing and managing running processes, CPU/memory/disk/network usage, startup programs, and services. It can be opened with Ctrl+Shift+Esc, Ctrl+Alt+Delete, or by right-clicking the taskbar. For more detail, Resource Monitor (resmon.exe) provides deeper analysis.
CompTIA Operational Procedure
What is the correct order of steps when troubleshooting a PC problem, according to CompTIA A+ best practices?