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Question 141
A technician finds that a workstation’s performance drops significantly whenever multiple applications are open, even though CPU usage remains low. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Insufficient RAM
B) Wrong display wallpaper
C) Incorrect sidebar theme
D) Faulty icon resolution
Answer: A
Explanation:
Insufficient RAM is the most likely cause when system performance drops with multiple applications open while CPU usage stays low. When memory is limited, the system begins offloading data to virtual memory on the storage drive. This dramatically slows overall performance because hard drives and even SSDs operate far slower than RAM. As applications demand more memory than available, switching between tasks becomes sluggish, loading times increase, and the system may stall. Low CPU usage indicates the processor is not the bottleneck, making RAM shortage the most logical explanation.
Wrong display wallpapers affect only visual appearance. A background image does not consume system resources to a degree that would cause slowdowns during multitasking. Wallpaper changes cannot force memory swapping or create performance bottlenecks.
Incorrect sidebar themes alter the design of interface components but do not affect memory allocation or overall performance. Themes operate at a cosmetic level and do not consume significant RAM or CPU resources.
Faulty icon resolution changes how sharp or detailed icons appear on the desktop. This has no meaningful impact on multitasking capabilities or memory demands. Icon scaling uses negligible memory and cannot cause the described issue.
Since multitasking performance issues appear with low CPU usage but high memory pressure, insufficient RAM is the correct explanation.
Question 142
A user complains that their laptop’s battery drains rapidly even when the system is in sleep mode. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Modern standby power consumption
B) Wrong file explorer icon
C) Incorrect typeface setting
D) Faulty accent color
Answer: A
Explanation:
Modern standby power consumption is the most likely cause of rapid battery drain during sleep on newer laptops. Modern standby is a low-power connected sleep state that allows the laptop to stay partially active, sync data, receive notifications, and maintain network connectivity. While beneficial for instant wake functionality, this mode consumes more power than traditional sleep. Background tasks and network activity continue during this state, leading to noticeable battery drain even when the lid is closed. This behavior is common in devices designed for always-connected operation.
Wrong file explorer icons only affect the appearance of windows and do not influence sleep states or power consumption. Icons do not require ongoing power during sleep and cannot drain the battery significantly.
Incorrect typeface settings control how text appears in menus and applications. These settings do not alter hardware power states or battery usage while the system is asleep.
Faulty accent colors adjust the color scheme of interface elements. Color themes do not consume power during sleep mode and have no impact on modern standby behavior.
Because modern standby maintains partial system activity, leading to higher-than-expected battery drain, it is the most accurate explanation.
Question 143
A technician observes that a desktop PC boots normally but displays no video output until Windows loads. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Disabled onboard video in BIOS
B) Wrong font scaling
C) Incorrect sidebar spacing
D) Faulty lock screen image
Answer: A
Explanation:
Disabled onboard video in BIOS is the most likely cause when no video appears until Windows loads. If the BIOS is set to use a dedicated GPU as the primary display device, but the monitor is connected to the motherboard’s video outputs, the system will not show a signal during POST or BIOS screens. Once Windows loads drivers and initializes all available video outputs, a signal may finally appear. This results in the user seeing only the Windows desktop and missing all pre-boot information.
Wrong font scaling affects only text size in the operating system and cannot block video output during system startup. The BIOS video stage is independent of OS-level display settings.
Incorrect sidebar spacing modifies layout appearance and is unrelated to BIOS-level video behavior or GPU selection.
A faulty lock screen image affects only the visual background displayed after Windows loads and cannot influence the monitor signal during pre-boot stages.
Because the absence of video is limited to pre-boot and resolved once Windows loads display drivers, BIOS video configuration is the correct cause.
Question 144
A user reports that their external webcam intermittently disconnects during video calls. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Loose USB connection
B) Wrong mouse theme
C) Incorrect desktop grid
D) Faulty text highlight color
Answer: A
Explanation:
A loose USB connection is the most meaningful and impactful issue among the choices, especially when a device connected through USB begins to behave unpredictably, disconnects intermittently, or fails to function altogether. USB ports and cables rely on a firm, stable physical connection to transfer both power and data. If the plug is not fully seated, if the cable is damaged, or if the port itself is worn, even slight movements of the cable or device can interrupt the connection. This often results in devices randomly shutting off, keyboards or mice freezing, external drives disconnecting, or peripherals repeatedly reconnecting with notification sounds. Such behavior can also lead to data loss if the device is a storage drive. Reseating the cable securely, trying a different port, or replacing a worn cable usually solves the problem quickly.
Wrong mouse theme, by contrast, is only a cosmetic preference that changes how the cursor appears. While it may affect visibility or personal comfort, it has no impact on device connectivity or hardware behavior.
Incorrect desktop grid affects how icons snap into place on the desktop. If wrongly configured, icons may not align correctly or may jump unexpectedly when arranged, but this remains purely an organizational issue and does not affect peripheral functionality.
Faulty text highlight color is a display setting issue where selected text may appear in an unintended or hard-to-see color. Although inconvenient, it does not influence hardware connections or external device reliability.
Among all the options, a loose USB connection stands out as the only one capable of causing genuine functional problems with connected devices.
Question 145
A technician finds that a system with an SSD takes much longer than usual to boot. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Failing SSD
B) Wrong default browser zoom
C) Incorrect column width
D) Faulty desktop shortcut text
Answer: A
Explanation:
A failing SSD is the most serious and technically relevant issue among the options, especially when a computer begins showing symptoms such as long pauses during tasks, sudden freezes, disappearing files, repeated system crashes, or extremely slow boot times. As an SSD deteriorates, its memory cells begin to wear out, causing read and write operations to become unreliable. This can lead to corrupted data, programs that refuse to launch, or the operating system hanging during routine operations. Modern SSDs often try to compensate by reallocating bad sectors, but once the drive reaches a critical point, performance can degrade rapidly. In some cases, the system may suddenly become completely unresponsive or fail to recognize the drive at all. Early signs often include intermittent slowdowns or blue screens, making it essential to back up important data and run diagnostic tools before the drive fails entirely. Replacing the SSD is usually the only permanent solution.
Wrong default browser zoom, on the other hand, affects only how websites appear visually. Pages may look too large or too small, but it has no effect on system speed, disk health, or data integrity.
Incorrect column width is a small interface or formatting issue that affects how data is displayed in spreadsheets or file managers. While it might cause text to appear cut off, it does not interfere with system performance.
Faulty desktop shortcut text is a cosmetic issue where shortcut labels may display incorrectly. This does not impact storage, speed, or overall system stability.
Among these options, a failing SSD clearly poses the most significant risk and is the only one capable of causing major operational problems.
Question 146
A user reports that their laptop frequently disconnects from the Wi-Fi network whenever the microwave is in use. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) 2.4 GHz interference
B) Wrong notification sound
C) Incorrect keyboard layout
D) Faulty desktop badge color
Answer: A
Explanation:
Among the options provided, 2.4 GHz interference is the most significant and technically meaningful issue, especially when a device experiences unstable wireless performance. Interference in the 2.4 GHz band can disrupt Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, wireless keyboards, mice, and smart home devices. Because many household items use this frequency—microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and neighboring Wi-Fi networks—the band can become crowded. This leads to symptoms such as lag, dropped connections, slow speeds, or intermittent device failures. The problem often becomes worse in apartments or offices where many networks overlap. Changing the router channel, moving devices farther apart, or switching to the 5 GHz band typically solves the issue.
Wrong notification sound is a minor preference setting. While an unexpected or quiet sound may be annoying or easy to miss, it does not affect wireless performance or cause functional instability.
Incorrect keyboard layout can cause typing errors or produce the wrong characters, but it is strictly a software configuration issue. It does not interfere with wireless devices, connectivity, or overall system operation.
Faulty desktop badge color is purely cosmetic. Badge colors may appear incorrect or mismatched, but this does not influence device performance, network behavior, or hardware functionality.
Given the options, 2.4 GHz interference is the only one capable of causing actual operational or connectivity problems.
Question 147
A technician finds that a user’s system occasionally experiences stuttering audio during video playback. CPU and memory usage appear normal. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Outdated audio drivers
B) Wrong UI transparency
C) Incorrect scrollbar width
D) Faulty font outline
Answer: A
Explanation:
Outdated audio drivers are the most technically significant issue among the options, especially when a system begins experiencing sound problems such as audio dropouts, crackling, complete loss of output, or devices that suddenly stop being recognized. Audio drivers act as the communication layer between the operating system and the sound hardware. When drivers become outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with the latest system updates, the audio subsystem may fail to initialize properly. This can result in missing playback devices, distorted sound, latency issues, or applications that crash when trying to access audio resources. Updating the drivers—either through the manufacturer’s website or using the system’s built-in update tools—often restores normal functionality. In some cases, a clean reinstall of the audio driver package is necessary to resolve persistent issues.
Wrong UI transparency is a purely visual setting that affects how see-through menus, windows, and interface elements appear. While it may make the interface look unusual or reduce readability, it does not affect system performance or audio hardware.
Incorrect scrollbar width is a small usability preference affecting how easy it is to interact with scrollbars. A too-thin or too-thick scrollbar may be inconvenient, but it has no connection to audio output or system stability.
Faulty font outline is a cosmetic text-rendering issue where characters may appear fuzzy or incorrectly bordered. Although visually noticeable, it does not interfere with device drivers, hardware communication, or sound performance.
Therefore, among the listed options, outdated audio drivers are clearly the most relevant and impactful cause of functional problems.
Question 148
A workstation’s Ethernet link suddenly drops whenever large downloads occur. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Faulty network cable
B) Wrong theme saturation
C) Incorrect menu padding
D) Faulty text underline style
Answer: A
Explanation:
A faulty network cable is the most serious and technically meaningful issue among the options, especially when a system begins experiencing slow internet speeds, intermittent disconnects, or complete loss of network access. Ethernet cables carry both data and signals between the device and the router or modem. If the cable is damaged, bent sharply, internally broken, or poorly crimped, it can cause packet loss, unstable connections, or reduced speeds limited to 10/100 Mbps instead of the full bandwidth. Users might notice websites loading slowly, online games lagging, large downloads failing, or the connection dropping whenever the cable is moved. Replacing the cable, ensuring proper shielding, or using a higher-quality Cat5e or Cat6 cable typically resolves the problem immediately.
Wrong theme saturation is a simple visual preference issue. If saturation is set too high or too low, colors may look overly vivid or washed out, but this has no effect on network stability or system performance.
Incorrect menu padding affects only the spacing around items in menus, which may make the interface feel cramped or overly spread out. It does not influence networking hardware or connectivity.
Faulty text underline style is purely cosmetic and affects how underlined text appears in the interface or documents. While it may look inconsistent or visually distracting, it does not cause any functional problems.
Given all options, a faulty network cable is clearly the only issue capable of causing real operational disruptions.
Question 149
A technician observes that a user’s external monitor displays a blurry image but only at certain resolutions. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Non-native display resolution
B) Wrong toolbar icon size
C) Incorrect search bar radius
D) Faulty folder emoji
Answer: A
Explanation:
A non-native display resolution is the most meaningful and technically relevant issue among the options, especially when a screen appears blurry, stretched, pixelated, or generally unclear. Every display panel is built with a fixed number of physical pixels—its native resolution. When the system is set to a different resolution, the image must be scaled up or down to fit the screen. This scaling process often results in fuzzy text, distorted proportions, uneven sharpness, and visible artifacts. Users may also notice reduced clarity in videos, inaccurate UI element sizes, or a generally less comfortable viewing experience. In some cases, running a display at the wrong resolution can even cause performance issues, as the GPU must process additional scaling.
Wrong toolbar icon size is a minor interface preference issue. Icons may feel too large or too small, but this affects only visual comfort, not display clarity or system behavior.
Incorrect search bar radius is purely cosmetic and affects the roundness or sharpness of the search bar edges. While aesthetically noticeable, it does not impact screen performance or resolution.
Faulty folder emoji is a small visual glitch involving icons or emojis used in file systems or applications. Though odd-looking, it has no effect on screen rendering or overall device performance.
Among all the options, non-native display resolution is clearly the only one capable of causing real visual degradation or functional display issues.
Question 150
A user reports that their Bluetooth speaker cuts out whenever they move more than a few feet from the computer. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Weak Bluetooth signal strength
B) Wrong color inversion
C) Incorrect accessibility spacing
D) Faulty desktop pattern
Answer: A
Explanation:
Weak Bluetooth signal strength is the most important and technically meaningful issue among the options, especially when a device experiences frequent disconnects, audio lag, stuttering, or difficulty pairing. Bluetooth relies on short-range radio communication, and when the signal is weak, the connection becomes unstable. This can happen due to physical distance, walls or objects blocking the signal, interference from other wireless devices, or a low-quality antenna in the device itself. Users may notice that headphones cut in and out, keyboards or mice respond slowly, or devices fail to maintain a stable link. Reducing distance, removing obstacles, or switching away from crowded wireless environments often improves performance. In some cases, repositioning the device or updating firmware can also strengthen the connection.
Wrong color inversion is an accessibility setting that changes display colors, often flipping light and dark tones. While this can dramatically alter appearance and make the interface confusing if enabled unintentionally, it does not affect connectivity or Bluetooth performance.
Incorrect accessibility spacing adjusts the padding or space around elements such as buttons, text, or menus. This can impact readability and ease of use, but it has no connection to wireless behavior or device responsiveness.
Faulty desktop pattern is purely a cosmetic issue related to wallpaper or visual textures appearing incorrectly. It may look odd or out of place, but it does not influence hardware communication or signal strength.
Among the listed options, weak Bluetooth signal strength is the only one capable of causing real operational problems with wireless devices.
Question 151
A technician finds that a laptop frequently switches between charging and not charging, even though the power adapter is connected. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Loose DC jack
B) Wrong theme opacity
C) Incorrect browser zoom
D) Faulty icon highlight
Answer: A
Explanation:
A loose DC jack is the most serious and technically significant issue among the options, especially when a laptop or device intermittently loses power, charges only at certain angles, or shuts off unexpectedly. The DC jack is the component that receives power from the charger and transfers it to the system’s power circuitry. When it becomes loose—due to wear, accidental pulling, or internal damage—the electrical connection becomes unstable. This can cause the battery to stop charging, the device to switch repeatedly between battery and AC power, or the system to shut down the moment the charger shifts slightly. In severe cases, the device may not power on at all unless the plug is held in a very specific position. A loose DC jack often requires internal repair or replacement, as continued use can damage the motherboard or cause electrical arcing.
Wrong theme opacity, by contrast, is a visual preference issue that affects how transparent menus and interface elements appear. While it may make the UI look odd or harder to read, it does not impact power delivery or system stability.
Incorrect browser zoom affects only webpage scaling. Although it may make sites look too large or too small, it has no connection to device power or charging behavior.
Faulty icon highlight is a cosmetic issue where selected icons may display incorrect colors or borders. This is purely visual and does not interfere with hardware function.
Given the choices, a loose DC jack is clearly the only one capable of causing significant operational issues involving power and system reliability.
Question 152
A workstation’s fans become extremely loud immediately after boot and remain at maximum speed. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Failed temperature sensor
B) Wrong screen color tone
C) Incorrect taskbar transparency
D) Faulty cursor theme
Answer: A
Explanation:
A failed temperature sensor is the most significant and technically impactful issue among the options, especially when a system begins to behave unpredictably under changing thermal conditions. Modern computers, laptops, and mobile devices rely on internal temperature sensors to monitor CPU, GPU, battery, and motherboard heat levels. These sensors feed critical information to the firmware and operating system, allowing the device to regulate fan speeds, throttle performance when necessary, and shut down safely to prevent overheating.
When a temperature sensor fails, the system may receive inaccurate readings—either extremely high, extremely low, or no reading at all. This can trigger several problems, such as sudden shutdowns, fans running at maximum speed constantly, fans never turning on, or the device throttling performance even when not under load. In some cases, the device may refuse to boot, reporting thermal errors during startup. A malfunctioning sensor can also cause the system to overheat silently since it can no longer detect dangerous temperatures, posing a serious risk to internal components. Replacing the sensor or the affected board section is often required to restore safe operation.
Wrong screen color tone is a visual preference issue that affects color warmth or tint. While it may look unpleasant or inaccurate, it does not influence hardware behavior or system safety.
Incorrect taskbar transparency only affects the appearance of the taskbar and has no connection to internal sensors or system stability.
Faulty cursor theme is a cosmetic problem where the pointer may display incorrectly. It has no impact on hardware monitoring or thermal performance.
Among these options, a failed temperature sensor is the only one capable of causing serious operational, thermal, and safety-related issues.
Question 153
A user reports that their laptop’s keyboard backlight flickers intermittently, especially when typing. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Loose keyboard ribbon cable
B) Wrong file icon shape
C) Incorrect display magnification
D) Faulty notification banner
Answer: A
Explanation:
A loose keyboard ribbon cable is the most technically significant issue among the options and the one most likely to cause real functional problems with a device. The keyboard ribbon cable is a thin, flexible connector that links the keyboard to the main logic board. If this cable becomes loose due to wear, accidental pulling, impact, or manufacturing defects, the system may experience intermittent or complete keyboard failure. Keys may stop responding, respond only when pressed very hard, or produce the wrong characters. Some users may notice that the keyboard works momentarily when the device is bent or tapped lightly, which indicates an unstable connection. In more severe cases, the keyboard may not function at all, leaving users unable to type passwords or issue commands. Because the ribbon cable is delicate, reconnecting it typically requires opening the device, carefully reseating the connector, and ensuring it is locked into place with the appropriate clip. If the cable is damaged, replacement is necessary to restore reliable input.
Wrong file icon shape is a purely visual or stylistic issue that affects only how file icons appear in the interface. While unusual or inconsistent icon shapes may be distracting, they do not affect system performance, file integrity, or keyboard functionality.
Incorrect display magnification is a setting that controls how large or small interface elements appear on the screen. If set incorrectly, text and icons may look oversized or condensed, but this issue does not interfere with keyboard input or hardware communication.
Faulty notification banner is a minor interface problem where alerts may appear improperly formatted or fail to display correctly. Although frustrating, it does not cause hardware malfunction nor prevent the user from typing.
Among these options, a loose keyboard ribbon cable is clearly the most serious, as it directly affects essential input functionality and requires hardware attention to resolve.
Question 154
A technician discovers that a desktop PC randomly shuts off when placed under physical vibration, such as when the desk is bumped. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Loose internal power connection
B) Wrong menu alignment
C) Incorrect text smoothing
D) Faulty background animation
Answer: A
Explanation:
A loose internal power connection is the most serious and technically impactful issue among the options, especially when a device begins experiencing sudden shutdowns, power flickering, inconsistent charging, or unexpected reboots. Inside a computer or electronic device, power must travel through several connectors to reach components such as the motherboard, CPU, storage drives, and graphics hardware. If any of these internal connections become loose due to vibration, aging components, improper assembly, or accidental impact, the flow of electricity becomes unstable. This instability can cause the device to lose power momentarily, freeze without warning, or fail to start unless pressure is applied to specific areas. In some situations, the system may turn off as soon as it enters a high-load state because the loose connection cannot deliver enough current. Such issues pose a risk of data loss and can potentially damage sensitive components over time. Fixing the problem usually requires opening the device, inspecting each power connector, reseating them securely, and ensuring there are no damaged pins or burnt contacts.
Wrong menu alignment is a user interface preference issue that affects only the arrangement of items within menus. Although misaligned menus can look awkward or make navigation slightly inconvenient, they do not influence system power or stability.
Incorrect text smoothing affects how fonts are rendered on the screen. Poor smoothing settings may cause jagged or blurry text, making reading less comfortable, but this remains purely a visual concern with no effect on hardware behavior or power delivery.
Faulty background animation is a cosmetic issue where animated wallpapers or interface backgrounds may stutter, display incorrectly, or fail to load. While visually distracting, it does not cause shutdowns or interfere with the internal power system.
Among all the options, a loose internal power connection is clearly the most critical, as it directly impacts device stability, power reliability, and overall operational safety.
Question 155
A user reports that their smartphone’s battery percentage jumps suddenly from 40% to 10%. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Battery calibration drift
B) Wrong home screen icon size
C) Incorrect ringtone setting
D) Faulty wallpaper filter
Answer: A
Explanation:
Battery calibration drift refers to the gradual mismatch between a device’s actual battery capacity and the percentage displayed on screen. Over time, lithium-ion batteries experience natural wear, but software misalignment can exaggerate the effect. When this occurs, users might see the battery drop rapidly from a seemingly healthy percentage or remain stuck at a certain level before shutting down suddenly. This drift often results from repeated partial charges, extreme temperatures, or system updates that alter power-management algorithms. While not necessarily a sign of hardware failure, it can reduce user confidence in the device. Periodically recalibrating the battery—by fully charging to 100%, letting it drain to 0%, and recharging again—can help the operating system regain accuracy, though it cannot restore lost capacity from aging.
Incorrect home-screen icon sizes can disrupt the visual consistency of a device’s interface. This issue may stem from display-scaling settings, launcher bugs, or compatibility problems after a software update. Icons may appear unusually large, tiny, or mismatched, affecting aesthetics and usability. Users might struggle to maintain a clean layout or find specific apps quickly. Adjusting display DPI settings, resetting the launcher, or applying a uniform icon pack can often resolve the inconsistency.
An incorrect ringtone setting occurs when a device fails to use the selected tone or unexpectedly reverts to a default sound. This may happen due to permission restrictions, a corrupted audio file, or conflicts after system changes. It can cause missed calls or confusion in shared environments. Verifying audio file locations, reapplying the tone, or clearing the phone app’s cache typically fixes the problem.
A faulty wallpaper filter can distort colors, apply unintended effects, or reduce image clarity. It often results from broken rendering modules or theme-engine glitches. Resetting the theme settings or switching to a different wallpaper format can restore normal appearance.
Question 156
A workstation cannot detect any USB devices, even though the ports receive power. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) USB controller failure
B) Wrong sidebar color
C) Incorrect display theme
D) Faulty text indicator
Answer: A
Explanation:
A USB controller failure occurs when the hardware or firmware responsible for managing USB ports stops functioning correctly. This can lead to symptoms such as devices not being recognized, intermittent connections, slow data transfers, or complete port inactivity. Causes may include power surges, outdated or corrupted drivers, damaged circuitry on the motherboard, or excessive wear from repeated use. When the controller fails, connected devices—such as keyboards, storage drives, or peripherals—may behave unpredictably or not work at all. Troubleshooting often involves updating drivers, testing ports individually, resetting power management settings, or performing a system firmware update. In severe cases, motherboard repair or replacement may be required.
A wrong sidebar color typically refers to UI elements displaying colors that do not match the theme or user preferences. This might happen after a software update, due to incorrect theme configuration, color-profile conflicts, or bugs in the interface engine. While mainly a cosmetic issue, it can affect readability and disrupt visual consistency. Users may notice the sidebar appearing overly bright, too dark, mismatched, or tinted incorrectly. Adjusting theme settings, switching between light/dark modes, or resetting UI customization options usually resolves the problem.
An incorrect display theme occurs when the system applies a theme that does not match the user’s chosen style—such as switching from dark mode to light mode on its own or applying mismatched icon and color sets. This can be caused by corrupted theme files, system updates resetting preferences, app conflicts, or cloud sync overwriting local settings. Fixing the issue often involves reselecting the preferred theme, clearing interface cache, or disabling automatic theme switching features.
A faulty text indicator refers to issues with UI elements that highlight typing positions, show selection regions, or display cursor behavior. Symptoms may include flickering cursors, misaligned text highlights, or indicators disappearing entirely. These problems can stem from rendering glitches, accessibility conflicts, font issues, or outdated software. Refreshing the UI, switching fonts, or restarting affected apps typically restores normal behavior.
Question 157
A technician observes that a user’s monitor occasionally displays a brief “No Signal” message during gaming sessions. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) GPU cable momentarily losing contact
B) Wrong desktop tile layout
C) Incorrect font shadow
D) Faulty icon rotation
Answer: A
Explanation:
A GPU cable momentarily losing contact is the most likely cause when a monitor briefly reports “No Signal.” Gaming stresses the GPU, causing heat expansion and small movements within connectors. If the cable is loose or worn, signal interruption occurs, and the monitor temporarily loses connection. The problem appears under load due to increased vibration from fans or slight thermal expansion. This aligns exactly with short signal drops during gaming sessions.
Wrong desktop tile layouts control visual arrangement only and cannot disrupt video signal flow.
Incorrect font shadows affect text appearance and are unrelated to GPU output or connection stability.
Faulty icon rotation pertains to how icons are displayed and has nothing to do with display signal passage.
Given the load-dependent nature of the issue, a momentary GPU cable disconnect is the correct explanation.
Question 158
A laptop emits a burning smell when running intensive tasks. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Overheating internal components
B) Wrong display scaling
C) Incorrect menu text spacing
D) Faulty desktop accent
Answer: A
Explanation:
Overheating internal components are the most likely cause of a burning smell under heavy workloads. Dust accumulation, failing fans, degraded thermal paste, or blocked vents can lead to extreme temperatures. As components overheat, plastics or adhesives may begin to melt slightly, producing a noticeable burning odor. If left unresolved, this can cause permanent damage. The timing—during intensive tasks—confirms that heat generation is triggering the smell, making thermal issues the primary suspect.
Wrong display scaling changes only visual magnification and cannot generate heat or burning odors.
Incorrect menu text spacing affects only user interface presentation and cannot impact temperature.
Faulty desktop accents relate to themes and do not influence internal thermal management or component temperatures.
Given the dangerous nature and clear relationship to heat, overheating internal components is the correct explanation.
Question 159
A user states that their wireless mouse cursor stutters only when transferring large files over Wi-Fi. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) 2.4 GHz spectrum saturation
B) Wrong folder view mode
C) Incorrect navigation pane
D) Faulty scroll highlight
Answer: A
Explanation:
2.4 GHz spectrum saturation is the most likely cause when a wireless mouse stutters during heavy Wi-Fi usage. Many wireless mice operate in the 2.4 GHz band, the same frequency used by older Wi-Fi networks. Large file transfers maximize Wi-Fi bandwidth, causing congestion that interferes with the mouse’s radio communication. This results in cursor lag, stuttering, or unresponsiveness. Because the issue appears only during high-bandwidth Wi-Fi activity, congestion in the shared frequency band is the best explanation.
Wrong folder view modes affect how files are displayed but cannot interfere with radio communication.
Incorrect navigation panes change only interface layout and cannot impact mouse signal transmission.
Faulty scroll highlights adjust the appearance of scrolling but do not influence wireless functionality.
Because both devices rely on the same frequency range, spectrum saturation is the correct explanation.
Question 160
A technician finds that a workstation boots directly into BIOS instead of the operating system. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) No bootable drive detected
B) Wrong window border size
C) Incorrect desktop icon sort
D) Faulty taskbar font
Answer: A
Explanation:
No bootable drive detected is the most likely cause when a system boots directly into BIOS. When the motherboard cannot locate a valid boot device, it defaults to BIOS setup. This can occur if the drive is disconnected, faulty, incorrectly configured, or missing its bootloader. The system bypasses the usual boot sequence and loads BIOS to prompt the user to correct the issue.
Wrong window border sizes affect only UI appearance after boot and cannot prevent the system from finding a boot device.
Incorrect desktop icon sorting applies only after the operating system loads and has no influence on BIOS behavior.
Faulty taskbar fonts relate to appearance and do not affect hardware detection or boot processes.
Because BIOS loads automatically when no bootable device is found, the absence of a valid boot drive is the correct conclusion.
