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Question 161
A technician finds that a user’s workstation experiences random restarts only when the GPU is under heavy load. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Insufficient power supply wattage
B) Wrong desktop theme
C) Incorrect icon color
D) Faulty menu spacing
Answer: A
Explanation:
Insufficient power supply wattage is the most likely cause when a workstation restarts only under GPU-intensive workloads. GPUs draw significant power during gaming, rendering, or processing tasks. If the PSU cannot provide enough wattage or stable current on required rails, the system becomes unstable and restarts to protect components. This behavior appears only when the GPU demands more power than the PSU can supply. The timing—during heavy load—strongly supports insufficient wattage as the explanation.
Wrong desktop themes affect only the system’s visual appearance. Themes do not influence power draw or PSU capacity and cannot cause restarts under GPU load.
Incorrect icon colors modify appearance only and do not relate to system stability or power regulation.
Faulty menu spacing changes interface layout but cannot trigger system-wide restarts during GPU usage.
Because the restarts correlate directly with GPU power demand, inadequate PSU wattage is the correct answer.
Question 162
A laptop shuts down instantly when the user attempts to adjust the screen angle. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Pinched or damaged internal power cable
B) Wrong wallpaper layout
C) Incorrect browser color
D) Faulty icon refresh
Answer: A
Explanation:
A pinched or damaged internal power cable is the most likely cause of shutdowns triggered by adjusting the screen angle. Cables running through the hinge can become frayed or partially severed, leading to sudden power loss when the hinge moves. This results in immediate shutdown because the motherboard loses power input momentarily. The strong link between hinge movement and shutdown clearly points to a cable being stressed or damaged inside the hinge assembly.
Wrong wallpaper layouts affect visual appearance only and cannot shut down the device based on screen angle changes.
Incorrect browser colors influence only web display settings and do not relate to internal cabling or hinge movement.
Faulty icon refresh affects desktop display behavior but does not interact with power delivery components.
The physical nature of the shutdown behavior makes a damaged hinge cable the correct explanation.
Question 163
A technician finds that a workstation’s fans remain quiet until the system runs graphics software, then quickly ramp to maximum speed. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Dedicated GPU heating
B) Wrong clock format
C) Incorrect icon grouping
D) Faulty transparency setting
Answer: A
Explanation:
Dedicated GPU heating is the most likely cause when fans ramp up during graphics workloads. As the GPU processes intensive tasks, it generates significant heat. The system automatically increases fan speed to maintain safe temperatures. This behavior is normal and expected when using applications that place heavy demands on the GPU, such as rendering, gaming, or modeling tools.
Wrong clock formats affect only how time is displayed and cannot trigger hardware-level thermal responses.
Incorrect icon grouping relates only to desktop organization and has no effect on thermal management or GPU workload.
Faulty transparency settings are purely cosmetic and do not influence hardware temperature or fan curves.
Because the fans respond directly to GPU heat output during graphics tasks, dedicated GPU heating is clearly the correct cause.
Question 164
A user reports that their external SSD disconnects randomly during file transfers. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Faulty USB cable
B) Wrong font family
C) Incorrect window padding
D) Faulty text alignment
Answer: A
Explanation:
When a user reports that an external SSD disconnects randomly during file transfers, the most likely cause is a faulty USB cable. External solid-state drives rely heavily on a stable and continuous data connection, especially during large or fast file transfers. If the cable is damaged, worn, poorly manufactured, or simply beginning to fail, it can cause intermittent drops in connection. These disruptions often appear as sudden disconnects, interrupted transfers, corrupted files, or the drive repeatedly appearing and disappearing from the system. Because SSDs operate at high speeds, even a brief signal loss can trigger the operating system to unmount the device for safety, which the user experiences as a disconnect.
USB cables also carry both data and power for most external drives. If the cable is not supplying sufficient or stable power, the SSD may momentarily lose power during demanding operations. This behavior is especially noticeable with high-speed USB standards, such as USB 3.0 or USB 3.2, which are more sensitive to cable quality. A cable with internal breaks, bent connectors, or degraded shielding can struggle to maintain a stable connection, particularly when the drive is under load. Replacing the cable with a certified, high-quality one typically resolves the issue quickly and is the first recommended troubleshooting step.
The other options have no relevance to hardware connectivity or data transfer stability. Wrong font family, incorrect window padding, or faulty text alignment are purely cosmetic interface settings. These visual adjustments do not influence how the operating system communicates with external storage devices, nor can they cause physical disconnections. They affect only how text or interface elements appear on the screen and cannot interfere with hardware signals, power delivery, or USB protocols.
Therefore, the most reasonable and technically accurate explanation is that a faulty USB cable is responsible for the random disconnects during file transfers.
Question 165
A technician notices that a workstation displays graphical artifacts immediately after startup, even before Windows loads. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Failing graphics card
B) Wrong accent color
C) Incorrect wallpaper fit
D) Faulty taskbar divider
Answer: A
Explanation:
When graphical artifacts appear on a workstation immediately after startup, even before Windows begins loading, the most likely cause is a failing graphics card. Artifacts such as distorted colors, random lines, flickering shapes, or corrupted images at the BIOS or POST screen indicate a problem occurring at a hardware level, long before the operating system or any software settings become involved. Since the display output at this stage relies directly on the GPU’s hardware functionality, any issues commonly point to damaged video memory, overheating components, failing solder connections, or internal circuitry degradation within the graphics card. These problems can develop gradually due to heat stress, dust buildup, manufacturing defects, or aging components. As the workstation powers on and initializes hardware, the GPU must immediately generate output to the monitor. If it is unable to render properly at this basic stage, the visual distortions are clear evidence of a deeper hardware malfunction rather than a configuration issue.
Once graphical artifacts appear before the operating system loads, software-related settings have no influence on the symptoms. Options such as wrong accent color, incorrect wallpaper fit, or faulty taskbar divider are purely cosmetic elements controlled entirely by the operating system’s interface. They do not interact with hardware-level rendering and cannot modify what is displayed during the startup sequence. Accent color affects only interface themes once Windows is running. Wallpaper fit determines how the desktop background appears, which is irrelevant before the system reaches the desktop environment. A taskbar divider is also unrelated to any pre-boot graphics, as the taskbar itself does not exist until the operating system loads. All these choices relate strictly to visual customization, making them incapable of generating artifacts at startup.
Therefore, the most logical and technically accurate explanation is that the workstation’s graphics card is failing, causing artifacts to appear immediately during the early stages of the boot process.
Question 166
A user complains that their smartphone stops charging whenever they slightly wiggle the USB connector. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Damaged charging port
B) Wrong icon size
C) Incorrect theme brightness
D) Faulty font style
Answer: A
Explanation:
The most likely cause of a smartphone stopping its charge whenever the USB connector is slightly wiggled is a damaged charging port. When a charging port becomes worn, loose, or physically compromised, even a small movement of the cable can break the electrical connection between the charger and the phone. This interruption causes charging to stop immediately, which is exactly the symptom the user is experiencing. Charging ports can become damaged over time due to repeated plugging and unplugging, accumulation of dust or debris, or accidental force applied to the connector. In some cases, the internal pins can bend or loosen, preventing stable contact with the charging cable. A port in this condition becomes extremely sensitive to motion, and the device will only charge when the cable is held at a very particular angle, further reinforcing that the issue is mechanical rather than software-related.
This problem is common in heavily used mobile devices, and once physical wear has progressed to this point, cleaning might help if debris is present, but often the only long-term solution is to replace the charging port or have it professionally repaired. Ignoring the issue can lead to worsening connection problems or complete charging failure if the internal contacts break further.
The other options listed—wrong icon size, incorrect theme brightness, or faulty font style—are purely cosmetic interface settings and have no role in determining whether a smartphone can maintain a physical electrical connection with a charging cable. These settings affect only the appearance of the user interface and cannot interfere with hardware functions such as charging. They do not influence voltage flow, connector alignment, or port stability in any way.
Given the symptoms described, the most accurate and reasonable explanation is that the charging port is damaged, making option A the correct choice
Question 167
A technician observes that a desktop PC repeatedly loses network connectivity but only when the user downloads large files. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Overheating network card
B) Wrong UI color coding
C) Incorrect wallpaper rotation
D) Faulty cursor highlight
Answer: A
Explanation:
When a desktop PC consistently loses network connectivity only when the user downloads large files, the most likely cause is an overheating network card. This type of issue typically appears under conditions of high data throughput, such as when downloading large files, streaming high-bandwidth content, or synchronizing large volumes of information. During these operations, the network card is required to process and transmit significant amounts of data, which increases its workload and generates additional heat. If the cooling around the card is inadequate, if dust has accumulated inside the case, or if the network interface card itself is aging, the temperature may rise beyond its safe operating limits. When this occurs, the device may temporarily shut down or reset to protect itself from damage, resulting in sudden network disconnections. After cooling down, the card may resume normal operation until it again becomes stressed by heavy network usage.
Overheating is a common hardware issue in desktop environments, especially in systems with poor airflow or components that are not receiving sufficient ventilation. Many users do not realize that adding additional hardware, allowing dust to collect, or operating the system in a warm environment can significantly increase internal temperatures. A network card that works normally when browsing the web or checking email may struggle when high data rates push it to its physical limits. Identifying this issue usually involves monitoring component temperatures, inspecting airflow, ensuring that fans are functioning properly, and in some cases replacing the network card with one that has better cooling or higher performance capacity.
The other listed options, wrong UI color coding, incorrect wallpaper rotation, and faulty cursor highlight, have no connection to hardware performance or network stability. These options relate exclusively to cosmetic user interface settings, which only affect how the system visually presents information to the user. They do not influence how hardware components behave under load, nor do they have the ability to interfere with data processing, network protocols, or physical device operation. Network connectivity is controlled by hardware components, device drivers, and the network stack, none of which are impacted by aesthetic configurations.
Question 168
A user reports that their printer produces faint prints even after replacing the toner cartridge. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Dirty laser mirror or roller
B) Wrong page layout
C) Incorrect margin size
D) Faulty line spacing
Answer: A
Explanation:
When a printer continues to produce faint prints even after the toner cartridge has been replaced, the most likely cause is a dirty laser mirror or roller. In laser printers, several internal components work together to form a clear and properly toned image on the page. The toner cartridge provides the pigment, but the rollers, laser mirror, and other optical components determine how the toner is transferred and fused. If the laser mirror is covered in dust, toner residue, or smoke particles, the laser beam cannot accurately or fully reach the drum surface. This results in weak or uneven exposure, which causes pages to appear faint regardless of how full the toner supply is.
Similarly, a dirty transfer roller or drum roller can prevent toner from adhering properly to the paper. These parts can accumulate debris over time, especially in printers that operate in dusty environments or have not undergone routine maintenance. When rollers are contaminated, they fail to apply the necessary charge levels to attract toner, producing light or incomplete prints. Cleaning the rollers and internal optics is often required to restore print quality. In many cases, a technician must access the printer’s interior, gently clean the affected components, and ensure the optical path is clear.
By contrast, the remaining options—wrong page layout, incorrect margin size, and faulty line spacing—are purely formatting settings controlled by software applications or print drivers. These settings change how content appears on the page but cannot influence print darkness or toner transfer. Even if margins or layout were incorrectly configured, the text would still print at normal darkness. Print faintness is almost always a hardware or toner-application issue rather than a formatting problem.
Therefore, the most logical and technically accurate explanation is that internal printer components, such as the laser mirror or transfer roller, are dirty and preventing the proper application of toner. This fully aligns with the symptoms described, making the dirty laser mirror or roller the correct cause.
Question 169
A workstation’s audio cuts out briefly whenever the CPU is under heavy load. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) DPC latency issues
B) Wrong desktop orientation
C) Incorrect calendar theme
D) Faulty highlight color
Answer: A
Explanation:
When a workstation’s audio cuts out briefly whenever the CPU is under heavy load, the most likely cause is DPC latency issues. This situation occurs when the system becomes unable to process real-time audio tasks because the processor is too busy handling other operations. Deferred Procedure Calls, known as DPCs, are part of the operating system’s method of managing hardware communication. Audio drivers depend on timely DPC execution to maintain continuous playback. When the processor is stressed by demanding applications such as video rendering, large spreadsheet calculations, or heavy multitasking, the system may delay these calls longer than acceptable for real-time audio processing. Even short delays can lead to audio dropouts, stuttering, or brief silence.
DPC latency problems are commonly linked to outdated or unstable drivers, inefficient background services, or poorly optimized hardware components that interrupt the smooth flow of system tasks. Network drivers, storage drivers, and graphics drivers are especially known for causing high latency spikes when they behave improperly under load. Because audio streams require consistently timed processing, any disruption can lead to momentary audio failure. Monitoring tools designed to track latency can often reveal which driver or service is responsible, helping technicians isolate the root cause. Ensuring that the system uses updated drivers, disabling unnecessary startup applications, and checking system performance logs are effective steps toward resolving the issue. In more demanding environments, upgrading to faster hardware or redistributing workloads may also improve audio stability.
The other options—wrong desktop orientation, incorrect calendar theme, and faulty highlight color—are strictly cosmetic interface settings. They control how the user interface appears on screen, but they do not influence the system’s ability to process hardware interrupts or real-time drivers. Visual themes, colors, and layout choices cannot impact audio subsystems, CPU scheduling, or the handling of time-sensitive procedures. Even if these visual settings were changed repeatedly, they would never cause audio to cut out as a result of CPU load. Audio interruptions during heavy processing are always tied to workload management, hardware bottlenecks, or driver performance, which makes aesthetic settings entirely irrelevant.
Given the relationship between real-time audio requirements and system resource allocation, the explanation that best fits all symptoms is DPC latency issues. This cause accounts for the pattern of audio disruption occurring only under heavy CPU load and aligns with known behavior of systems experiencing driver or interrupt-handling delays.
Question 170
A technician finds that a laptop repeatedly overheats even though the fan is spinning normally. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Clogged heatsink fins
B) Wrong window color
C) Incorrect background tilt
D) Faulty desktop labels
Answer: A
Explanation:
When a laptop repeatedly overheats even though the fan is spinning normally, the most likely cause is clogged heatsink fins. Inside a laptop, the cooling system depends on a combination of airflow and proper heat transfer between the CPU, GPU, heat pipes, and heatsink. The fan’s job is to push air across the metal fins of the heatsink, which are designed to dissipate heat efficiently. However, over time dust, lint, pet hair, and other debris accumulate between these fins. Even if the fan is spinning at full speed, the air cannot pass through the blocked channels, meaning very little heat is actually being removed from the internal components. As a result, temperatures rise quickly, especially under moderate or heavy workloads, leading to thermal throttling, sudden shutdowns, or performance drops.
This situation is extremely common in laptops because their cooling systems are compact and prone to collecting debris more rapidly than desktop computers. Many laptops draw air from the bottom or sides, often from areas near surfaces where dust builds up. Once the heatsink becomes clogged, the fan may sound normal or even louder than usual because it is working harder, but the cooling system as a whole becomes ineffective. Cleaning out the heatsink requires opening the laptop, removing the fan assembly, and clearing the dust from between the fins. In severe cases, the debris can form a solid mat that completely blocks airflow. After cleaning, temperatures typically drop significantly, and the laptop operates more reliably and quietly.
The other options, such as wrong window color, incorrect background tilt, or faulty desktop labels, are user interface settings that have no effect on hardware temperature. These options only influence how items appear on the screen. They cannot restrict airflow, alter heat dissipation, or interfere with the cooling system in any meaningful way. Even drastic cosmetic changes within the operating system do not increase physical heat production. Overheating is always caused by hardware, ventilation, or cooling-related issues, not aesthetic or visual setting choices.
Given all the evidence, the most logical explanation is that the heatsink fins are clogged, preventing proper airflow and causing persistent overheating despite the fan spinning. This issue aligns perfectly with the symptoms described and is one of the most frequent causes of thermal problems in laptops.
Question 171
A technician discovers that a user’s desktop freezes only when attempting to open large spreadsheets. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Insufficient system RAM
B) Wrong window border color
C) Incorrect icon text spacing
D) Faulty wallpaper transition
Answer: A
Explanation:
When a desktop freezes only when attempting to open large spreadsheets, the most likely cause is insufficient system RAM. Random Access Memory is a critical component that allows a computer to temporarily store and quickly access data for active applications and processes. Large spreadsheets, particularly those containing thousands of rows, complex formulas, or embedded charts, require a significant amount of memory to load and manipulate efficiently. If the system does not have enough RAM to handle these large files, it may rely heavily on virtual memory or paging to the hard drive or SSD, which is much slower than physical memory. This increased demand can overwhelm the system, causing the operating system to become unresponsive and resulting in freezing when trying to open or work with the spreadsheet.
Insufficient RAM becomes particularly evident when multiple applications are running simultaneously, or when other background processes consume memory alongside the spreadsheet software. In such cases, even a modern processor may be underutilized because it is waiting for memory access, creating the appearance of a system freeze. Users may notice that the freeze occurs specifically with large files and not with smaller documents, which aligns directly with memory limitations rather than software corruption or other performance issues. Upgrading RAM or optimizing system usage by closing unnecessary applications often resolves this problem and allows large spreadsheets to open and function smoothly without interruption.
The other options—wrong window border color, incorrect icon text spacing, and faulty wallpaper transition—are purely cosmetic settings within the operating system. They affect only the visual appearance of the interface and do not influence the system’s ability to process data, allocate memory, or handle computationally intensive tasks. Changing these aesthetic elements cannot cause a desktop to freeze or fail when opening large files. They are completely unrelated to memory management or system performance.
Given the symptoms described, the most logical explanation is that the desktop does not have sufficient system RAM to manage the memory demands of large spreadsheets. This cause accounts for the freezing behavior observed only with large or complex files, while smaller files or less demanding tasks continue to operate normally. Addressing RAM limitations through upgrades or optimizing system resource usage directly resolves the issue and restores stable performance.
Question 172
A laptop repeatedly loses Wi-Fi signal whenever the user closes the lid halfway. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Antenna cable damage in the hinge
B) Wrong mouse click speed
C) Incorrect display color depth
D) Faulty window snap setting
Answer: A
Explanation:
When a laptop repeatedly loses Wi-Fi signal whenever the user closes the lid halfway, the most likely cause is antenna cable damage in the hinge. Most laptops have internal Wi-Fi antennas embedded within the display assembly. These antennas are connected to the wireless network card via thin, flexible coaxial cables that run through the hinge of the laptop to accommodate screen movement. Over time, repeated opening and closing of the lid can cause these cables to become frayed, pinched, or partially disconnected, particularly if the hinge experiences tight movement or if the laptop is frequently handled roughly. Damage to these cables can result in intermittent connectivity, as the signal is disrupted when the hinge moves, which is why the Wi-Fi drops specifically when the lid is partially closed.
This issue is common because Wi-Fi antennas require a stable connection to the network card to maintain a continuous signal. Even slight bending or twisting of the cables can interrupt the signal temporarily, leading to the symptoms described. The problem is not related to software settings or network configurations because the Wi-Fi works normally when the lid is fully open or in certain positions, indicating that the laptop hardware, specifically the antenna cable, is being physically stressed. Repairing this problem typically requires disassembling the display assembly to inspect and either replace or properly re-route the damaged cable. Ensuring the hinge is not putting pressure on the cable is also important to prevent recurrence.
The other options—wrong mouse click speed, incorrect display color depth, and faulty window snap setting—are entirely related to user interface or display configurations. Mouse click speed affects how the system interprets double or single clicks, display color depth determines how many colors are shown on the screen, and window snap settings influence how applications align on the desktop. None of these settings have any connection to Wi-Fi hardware or signal transmission, and they cannot cause a wireless connection to drop when the laptop lid moves. Cosmetic or interface settings cannot interfere with physical connectivity or antenna operation.
Therefore, the most logical and technically accurate explanation is that the antenna cable in the hinge is damaged. This hardware issue explains why the Wi-Fi drops specifically when the lid is partially closed and works normally when in other positions, aligning perfectly with the symptoms observed. Repairing or replacing the cable resolves the connectivity problem.
Question 173
A desktop PC fails to recognize any SATA drives after a user cleaned the interior. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) SATA cables not reconnected properly
B) Wrong desktop font
C) Incorrect accent brightness
D) Faulty hover animation
Answer: A
Explanation:
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When a desktop PC fails to recognize any SATA drives after a user cleaned the interior, the most likely cause is SATA cables not reconnected properly. During cleaning, it is common for a user to disconnect drives, power connectors, or data cables to remove dust or access components more easily. If the SATA data or power cables are not fully seated back into their respective ports on the motherboard or drives, the system will be unable to detect the drives during POST or in the operating system. Even a slightly loose connection can prevent the BIOS from initializing the drives, resulting in an error or the drives not appearing at all. Because SATA connections rely on both the data and power lines being properly connected, a failure in either can make a drive completely invisible to the system.
The SATA ports themselves are delicate, and connectors must be carefully aligned and firmly inserted to ensure reliable contact. After cleaning, dust particles, bent pins, or improperly routed cables can interfere with proper insertion. Additionally, some motherboards require specific cables to be connected to particular ports for boot drives or RAID configurations, so failing to reconnect cables correctly may prevent drives from being recognized in certain configurations. The solution typically involves opening the case again, verifying that each SATA data cable is securely plugged into the drive and motherboard, and confirming that the SATA power connectors from the power supply are firmly attached. This is a straightforward hardware troubleshooting step that directly addresses the problem caused during post-cleaning reassembly.
The other options—wrong desktop font, incorrect accent brightness, and faulty hover animation—are purely visual or interface-related settings and have no effect on hardware detection. Fonts and visual accents only influence how the operating system displays text and interface elements. Hover animations affect the behavior of the cursor over icons or buttons on the desktop. None of these settings can interfere with how the motherboard communicates with storage devices or influence the BIOS’s ability to detect connected drives. These options are cosmetic and completely unrelated to hardware functionality, so they cannot cause a system to fail to recognize SATA drives.
Question 174
A user reports extremely slow download speeds only during peak evening hours. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Network congestion
B) Wrong notification icon
C) Incorrect scroll bar height
D) Faulty text spacing
Answer: A
Explanation:
When a user reports extremely slow download speeds only during peak evening hours, the most likely cause is network congestion. Network congestion occurs when the volume of data traffic exceeds the capacity of the internet service provider’s infrastructure or the local network. During peak hours, typically in the evenings when many users are streaming videos, playing online games, or downloading large files, the network experiences high demand. This increased usage can overwhelm the available bandwidth, causing all users on that network segment to experience slower download and upload speeds. The phenomenon is similar to traffic congestion on a busy highway: when too many cars attempt to use the road simultaneously, movement slows for everyone, regardless of the quality of individual vehicles.
Internet service providers often design networks with sufficient average bandwidth to handle normal usage, but peak usage can still lead to temporary slowdowns. Additionally, local factors such as shared apartment or office networks can exacerbate the issue, as multiple devices compete for limited bandwidth at the same time. This explains why download speeds are normal during off-peak hours but decrease noticeably during periods of heavy network activity. Even a high-quality router or fast personal device cannot overcome the limitations imposed by a congested network because the bottleneck exists outside the user’s immediate control. Monitoring tools such as network speed tests or usage analytics often reveal patterns consistent with congestion, confirming that the slow speeds are related to traffic volume rather than hardware or software malfunctions.
The other options—wrong notification icon, incorrect scroll bar height, and faulty text spacing—are entirely cosmetic or interface-related settings. A notification icon influences visual alerts on the desktop, scroll bar height determines the size and movement of scrolling elements in windows, and text spacing affects the appearance of written content. None of these settings have any influence on network throughput or the ability of the system to send and receive data over the internet. They cannot slow downloads, create intermittent delays, or respond to time-of-day usage patterns. These options are entirely unrelated to bandwidth, server load, or network management.
Question 175
A technician notes that a workstation’s CPU temperature immediately spikes to high levels when the system powers on. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Missing or improperly applied thermal paste
B) Wrong keyboard theme
C) Incorrect icon layout
D) Faulty text shadow
Answer: A
Explanation:
When a workstation’s CPU temperature immediately spikes to high levels upon powering on, the most likely cause is missing or improperly applied thermal paste. Thermal paste, also known as thermal compound, is a crucial substance that fills microscopic gaps between the processor’s heat spreader and the base of the heatsink. Its purpose is to ensure efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink, which is then dissipated by the fan and other cooling components. Without thermal paste, or if it is applied incorrectly, the heat generated by the CPU cannot transfer efficiently, leading to extremely rapid temperature increases even during idle or light startup processes. This can cause thermal throttling, unexpected system shutdowns, or permanent damage to the processor if left unresolved.
Improper application of thermal paste can include using too little, too much, or uneven distribution, all of which reduce contact efficiency between the CPU and heatsink. Over time, even properly applied thermal paste can dry out or degrade, reducing its effectiveness and leading to higher temperatures. The immediate spike upon startup indicates that the problem is not related to sustained load or software activity but rather a fundamental issue with heat transfer. Technicians often check for this by removing the heatsink, inspecting the paste layer, cleaning old or uneven paste, and reapplying it in a thin, even layer. Once properly applied, the CPU temperature typically stabilizes and remains within safe operational limits.
The other options—wrong keyboard theme, incorrect icon layout, and faulty text shadow—are purely cosmetic or interface-related settings and have no impact on hardware operation or thermal performance. Keyboard themes affect only the visual appearance of keys on a virtual or on-screen keyboard, icon layout determines how files and folders are visually arranged on the desktop, and text shadows influence the display of font effects. None of these interface settings can generate heat, interfere with CPU cooling, or cause rapid temperature spikes. They are completely unrelated to the physical operation of the processor and the thermal management system.
Question 176
A laptop’s audio jack produces static whenever the charging cable is plugged in. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Grounding issue
B) Wrong pointer shadow
C) Incorrect theme outline
D) Faulty desktop region
Answer: A
Explanation:
A grounding issue is the most likely cause when audio static appears only while the laptop is charging. When grounding is poor, electrical interference from the charger enters the audio circuitry, causing hum, buzzing, or static. This interference disappears when running on battery power, confirming it is related to power grounding. Faulty chargers, damaged outlets, or internal grounding problems commonly cause this symptom.
Wrong pointer shadows affect cursor appearance and do not influence electrical noise or grounding.
Incorrect theme outlines modify interface borders only and cannot produce audio static.
Faulty desktop regions relate only to UI elements, not analog audio circuitry or grounding behavior.
Since the symptom occurs exclusively when the charger is attached, grounding issues are clearly the correct explanation.
Question 177
A workstation’s optical drive opens and closes normally but cannot read any discs. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Failed laser assembly
B) Wrong interface theme
C) Incorrect folder tilt
D) Faulty icon labels
Answer: A
Explanation:
A failed laser assembly is the most likely cause when an optical drive can open and close but fails to read discs. The mechanical components that load discs may function normally, but the laser responsible for reading data can fail due to dust, wear, or internal component breakdown. When the laser cannot focus or emit properly, the drive reports unreadable media regardless of disc type. This aligns perfectly with the described symptoms.
Wrong interface themes affect visual appearance and do not impact optical hardware.
Incorrect folder tilts adjust UI design only and cannot prevent disc reading.
Faulty icon labels affect file naming visuals but not optical drive laser operation.
The clear separation between mechanical and optical functions indicates laser failure as the correct explanation.
Question 178
A user reports that their Bluetooth keyboard frequently disconnects when a USB 3.0 device is plugged into the computer. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) USB 3.0 radio interference
B) Wrong monitor orientation
C) Incorrect screen contrast
D) Faulty icon grid
Answer: A
Explanation:
USB 3.0 radio interference is the most likely cause in cases where Bluetooth devices disconnect when USB 3.0 hardware is connected. USB 3.0 controllers generate electromagnetic noise in the 2.4 GHz range, which overlaps with Bluetooth frequencies. This interference disrupts Bluetooth communication, leading to stutters or disconnects. The problem arising only when USB 3.0 devices are active is a classic indicator of spectrum interference.
Wrong monitor orientations affect only screen rotation and do not influence radio communication.
Incorrect screen contrast modifies display brightness/ratio but cannot disrupt Bluetooth signals.
Faulty icon grids impact desktop organization only, unrelated to wireless connectivity.
Given the known interference between USB 3.0 and 2.4 GHz bands, this is the correct explanation.
Question 179
A technician observes that a workstation becomes extremely slow whenever a large number of small files are being copied. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Drive fragmentation or slow seek times
B) Wrong cursor color
C) Incorrect border radius
D) Faulty sidebar glow
Answer: A
Explanation:
Drive fragmentation or slow seek times are the most likely cause of system slowness during small-file transfers. Copying many small files involves frequent seek operations, which are slow on mechanical drives. Fragmentation worsens the problem by scattering file data across the disk. This leads to prolonged transfer times and overall system lag. The specific slowdown occurring only during small-file operations is a clear sign of inefficient disk seek performance.
Wrong cursor colors affect only pointer visuals and cannot affect file transfer speeds.
Incorrect border radii change interface rounding but do not influence disk seek times.
Faulty sidebar glows alter UI effects and do not impact disk I/O performance.
Given the seek-intensive nature of small-file operations, fragmentation or slow mechanical access is the correct explanation.
Question 180
A user reports that after a recent BIOS update, their computer no longer recognizes any USB boot devices. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) USB boot disabled in BIOS
B) Wrong clock font
C) Incorrect screen sizing
D) Faulty highlight animation
Answer: A
Explanation:
When a user reports that their computer no longer recognizes any USB boot devices after a recent BIOS update, the most likely cause is that USB boot is disabled in BIOS. The BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is firmware that initializes hardware during the boot process and provides low-level control over system settings. A BIOS update can reset settings to default values, potentially disabling certain options that were previously enabled. If USB boot support is disabled, the system will not detect any USB drives as bootable media, even if the drives themselves are perfectly functional. This explains why the computer suddenly stops recognizing USB boot devices after the update.
USB boot is controlled by a specific setting in the BIOS, often labeled as “USB Boot,” “Legacy USB Support,” or “Boot from USB.” When this setting is turned off, the BIOS ignores all USB devices during startup and only attempts to boot from devices connected to other interfaces such as SATA or NVMe drives. After a BIOS update, the default configuration may revert to disabling USB boot to improve security or compatibility, which can be confusing for users who relied on USB drives to install operating systems or run recovery tools. The solution is to enter the BIOS setup during system startup, locate the USB boot option, and enable it. In some cases, enabling legacy USB support may also be required, especially for older operating systems or non-UEFI bootable devices.
The other options—wrong clock font, incorrect screen sizing, and faulty highlight animation—are purely cosmetic or interface-related settings that have no effect on the hardware initialization process. Clock font affects only the appearance of the system time display, screen sizing controls how the display renders content visually, and highlight animation influences the behavior of interface elements when selected. None of these settings interact with the BIOS, the boot process, or USB detection. Changing them cannot prevent the system from recognizing USB boot devices or interfere with the low-level operations of the motherboard firmware.
