Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
Solution and Answer Guide
COMPTIA A+ G UIDE TO IT TECHNICAL SUPPORT, 12TH EDITION , ISBN: 9798214409665; M ODULE 1:
TAKING A COMPUTER APART AND PUTTING IT BACK TOGETHER
Table of Contents
Thinking Critically........................................................................................................1
Hands-On Projects........................................................................................................5
Hands-On Project 1-1: Opening a Computer Case.................................................................................... 5
Hands-On Project 1-2: Identifying Connectors Used on an Installed Motherboard..................................6
Hands-On Project 1-3: Identifying Drives and Their Connectors.............................................................7
Hands-On Project 1-4: Closing the Case...................................................................................................7
Hands-On Project 1-5: Observing Laptop Features...................................................................................7
Real Problems, Real Solutions....................................................................................8
Real Problem 1-1: Planning Your Computer Repair Toolkit....................................................................8
Real Problem 1-2: Setting Up a Service Center for Laptops.....................................................................8
Real Problem 1-3: Taking Apart a Laptop.................................................................................................9
Thinking Critically
1. You purchase a new desktop computer that does not have wireless capability, and then you decide that you
want to use a wireless connection to the Internet. What are the two least expensive ways to upgrade your
system to wireless? (Choose two.)
a. Trade in the computer for another computer that has wireless installed.
b. Purchase a second computer that has wireless capability.
c. Purchase a wireless expansion card and install it in your system.
d. Purchase a USB wireless adapter and connect it to the computer by way of a USB port.
Answer: c. Purchase a wireless expansion card and install it in your system; d. Purchase a USB wireless
adapter and connect it to the computer by way of a USB port.
Trading in a computer or purchasing a new one can be expensive, depending on what options are available.
The best and least expensive options are the ones that allow you to upgrade your current computer so that it has
wireless capability.
2. What type of computer is likely to use SODIMMs, have an internal power supply, and use a desktop
processor socket?
a. Chromebook
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 1
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
b. Laptop
c. Desktop computer
d. All-in-one computer
Answer: d. An all-in-one computer
An all-in-one computer uses compact SODIMMs and has a full-size internal power supply and desktop
processor socket.
3. You suspect the network port on a computer is not functioning. Which tool might help troubleshoot the
problem?
a. A loopback plug
b. A POST diagnostic card
c. A multimeter
d. A power supply tester
Answer: a. A loopback plug
A loopback plug tests if a network port is functioning.
4. The system fails at the beginning of the boot, and nothing appears on the screen. Which tool might help
troubleshoot the problem?
a. A loopback plug
b. A multimeter
c. A POST diagnostic card
d. A power supply tester
Answer: c. A POST diagnostic card
A POST diagnostic card offers a code to give insight into failures during the boot process.
5. A hard drive is not working, and you suspect the Molex power connector from the power supply might be
the source of the problem. Which tool might help troubleshoot the problem?
a. A power supply tester
b. A loopback plug
c. A POST diagnostic card
d. An ESD strap
Answer: a. A power supply tester
A power supply tester or multimeter can test a power supply connector to observe if it is functioning properly.
6. You disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer. When you first turn it on, you notice no lights and
hear no sounds. Nothing appears on the monitor screen. What is the most likely cause of the problem?
Explain your answer.
a. A memory module is not seated properly in a memory slot.
b. You forgot to plug in the monitor’s external power cord.
c. A wire in the case is obstructing a fan.
d. Power cords to the motherboard are not connected.
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 2
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
Answer: d. Power cords to the motherboard are not connected.
All the other answers would still allow the system to start the boot even though it might fail. If the motherboard
is not getting power, it will not start the boot.
7. You are looking to buy a laptop on a budget, which requires you to service and repair the laptop yourself,
and you want to save money by not purchasing an extended service agreement beyond the first year. To
limit your search, what should you consider when choosing manufacturers? Which manufacturers would
you choose and why?
Answer: You want to be able to maintain and repair the laptop on your own after the warranty expires. You
will need access to documentation and new parts. Consider that two manufacturers, Lenovo and Dell, provide
their service manuals online free of charge. They also provide documentation about how their laptops are
disassembled and options to purchase proprietary parts without first being an authorized service center.
8. A two-year-old laptop will not boot and presents error messages on-screen. You have verified with the
laptop technical support that these error messages indicate a memory module has failed and needs
replacing. What is the first step you should take to prepare for the repair?
a. Ask yourself if replacing the memory module will cost more than purchasing a new laptop.
b. Find a replacement memory module.
c. Find the service manual to show you how to replace the memory module.
d. Ask if the laptop is still under warranty.
Answer: d. Ask if the laptop is still under warranty.
Although all the options are good steps to take before attempting the repair, the first step should be to ask if the
laptop is still under warranty.
9. Why are laptops usually more expensive than desktop computers with comparable power and features?
a. It costs more to make similar components that take up less space and require less power.
b. Laptops last longer than desktop computers, which cost more.
c. Desktop computers are more popular, so production costs are less.
d. More manufacturers produce desktop computers than laptops, which encourages competitive
pricing.
Answer: a. It costs more to make similar components that take up less space and require less power.
Laptops use compact hard drives that can withstand movement even during operation and have small memory
modules and CPUs that require less voltage than regular components.
10. When a laptop internal device fails, what are three options you can use to deal with the problem?
Answer: Return the laptop to a service center for repair. Substitute an external component for the internal
component. Replace the internal component.
11. A friend was just promoted to a new job that requires part-time travel, and they have been promised a new
laptop after their first month with the company. They need an easy way to disconnect and reconnect all
their peripheral devices to their new laptop. Devices include two external monitors (one HDMI, one
DisplayPort), a USB wireless mouse, USB wireless keyboard, Ethernet network, USB printer, headphones,
and microphone. The budget is $100. What kind of device would best suit your friend’s needs? Why?
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 3
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
Research online to find a recommendation for a device that will work best. What is your recommendation
and why?
Answer: A port replicator is most likely to best suit your friend’s needs because most docking stations are
outside their budget and would require the purchase of a second device once the laptop is upgraded. The
recommended port replicator needs to include, at a minimum, ports for 1 × HDMI, 1 × DisplayPort, 3 × USB,
1 × RJ45, 2 × audio (audio output and mic).
12. Your laptop display panel is blank when you boot up. You can hear the laptop turn on, and the keyboard
backlight is on. You have checked the brightness using the function keys, and that is not the problem. What
is an easy next step to determine if the display panel has failed? Describe how that next step can also allow
you to continue to use your laptop if the display panel has failed, but the replacement components won’t
arrive for a week.
Answer: Connect an external monitor to a video port on the laptop. If the screen works, you can use this
temporary solution until replacement components arrive.
13. A foreign exchange student brought a desktop computer from home (Europe) to the United States. The
student brought a power adapter so that the power cord would plug into the power outlet and tried turning
on their computer, but it wouldn’t power on. What is likely the problem?
a. The power cord is not compatible with the power adapter.
b. The voltage switch needs to be moved from 220 V used in Europe to 115 V used in the United
States.
c. The power supply is broken.
d. Power outlets in the United States are too strong to power a computer from Europe.
Answer: b. The voltage switch needs to be moved from 220 V used in Europe to 115 V used in the United
States.
When the student brings the computer back home, they should move that switch before plugging in the
computer; otherwise, plugging it in will likely fry the computer because it will be receiving more voltage than
the setting allows.
14. You’re building a new desktop computer from parts you picked out and purchased. You invested a good
deal of money in this computer and want to be sure to protect your investment while you assemble it. What
precautions should you take to protect your computer from damage and electrostatic discharge?
Answer: Remove loose jewelry, wear an ESD strap, don’t touch sensitive parts on components, handle
expansion cards by the edges, and use appropriate tools.
15. Your friend asks for your help because their laptop’s Wi-Fi connection keeps dropping. Their other devices
are not having this problem. Which option is NOT likely to solve the problem?
a. Find out if their laptop is still under warranty and pursue help using the repair process offered by
the manufacturer or retailer.
b. Recommend a new Internet provider.
c. Suggest that the friend use a USB to Wi-Fi dongle.
d. Try troubleshooting the wireless card installed in their laptop, including researching the problem
on the web and possibly replacing the wireless card.
Answer: b. Recommend a new Internet provider.
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 4
website, in whole or in part.
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
Solution and Answer Guide
COMPTIA A+ G UIDE TO IT TECHNICAL SUPPORT, 12TH EDITION , ISBN: 9798214409665; M ODULE 1:
TAKING A COMPUTER APART AND PUTTING IT BACK TOGETHER
Table of Contents
Thinking Critically........................................................................................................1
Hands-On Projects........................................................................................................5
Hands-On Project 1-1: Opening a Computer Case.................................................................................... 5
Hands-On Project 1-2: Identifying Connectors Used on an Installed Motherboard..................................6
Hands-On Project 1-3: Identifying Drives and Their Connectors.............................................................7
Hands-On Project 1-4: Closing the Case...................................................................................................7
Hands-On Project 1-5: Observing Laptop Features...................................................................................7
Real Problems, Real Solutions....................................................................................8
Real Problem 1-1: Planning Your Computer Repair Toolkit....................................................................8
Real Problem 1-2: Setting Up a Service Center for Laptops.....................................................................8
Real Problem 1-3: Taking Apart a Laptop.................................................................................................9
Thinking Critically
1. You purchase a new desktop computer that does not have wireless capability, and then you decide that you
want to use a wireless connection to the Internet. What are the two least expensive ways to upgrade your
system to wireless? (Choose two.)
a. Trade in the computer for another computer that has wireless installed.
b. Purchase a second computer that has wireless capability.
c. Purchase a wireless expansion card and install it in your system.
d. Purchase a USB wireless adapter and connect it to the computer by way of a USB port.
Answer: c. Purchase a wireless expansion card and install it in your system; d. Purchase a USB wireless
adapter and connect it to the computer by way of a USB port.
Trading in a computer or purchasing a new one can be expensive, depending on what options are available.
The best and least expensive options are the ones that allow you to upgrade your current computer so that it has
wireless capability.
2. What type of computer is likely to use SODIMMs, have an internal power supply, and use a desktop
processor socket?
a. Chromebook
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 1
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
b. Laptop
c. Desktop computer
d. All-in-one computer
Answer: d. An all-in-one computer
An all-in-one computer uses compact SODIMMs and has a full-size internal power supply and desktop
processor socket.
3. You suspect the network port on a computer is not functioning. Which tool might help troubleshoot the
problem?
a. A loopback plug
b. A POST diagnostic card
c. A multimeter
d. A power supply tester
Answer: a. A loopback plug
A loopback plug tests if a network port is functioning.
4. The system fails at the beginning of the boot, and nothing appears on the screen. Which tool might help
troubleshoot the problem?
a. A loopback plug
b. A multimeter
c. A POST diagnostic card
d. A power supply tester
Answer: c. A POST diagnostic card
A POST diagnostic card offers a code to give insight into failures during the boot process.
5. A hard drive is not working, and you suspect the Molex power connector from the power supply might be
the source of the problem. Which tool might help troubleshoot the problem?
a. A power supply tester
b. A loopback plug
c. A POST diagnostic card
d. An ESD strap
Answer: a. A power supply tester
A power supply tester or multimeter can test a power supply connector to observe if it is functioning properly.
6. You disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer. When you first turn it on, you notice no lights and
hear no sounds. Nothing appears on the monitor screen. What is the most likely cause of the problem?
Explain your answer.
a. A memory module is not seated properly in a memory slot.
b. You forgot to plug in the monitor’s external power cord.
c. A wire in the case is obstructing a fan.
d. Power cords to the motherboard are not connected.
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 2
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
Answer: d. Power cords to the motherboard are not connected.
All the other answers would still allow the system to start the boot even though it might fail. If the motherboard
is not getting power, it will not start the boot.
7. You are looking to buy a laptop on a budget, which requires you to service and repair the laptop yourself,
and you want to save money by not purchasing an extended service agreement beyond the first year. To
limit your search, what should you consider when choosing manufacturers? Which manufacturers would
you choose and why?
Answer: You want to be able to maintain and repair the laptop on your own after the warranty expires. You
will need access to documentation and new parts. Consider that two manufacturers, Lenovo and Dell, provide
their service manuals online free of charge. They also provide documentation about how their laptops are
disassembled and options to purchase proprietary parts without first being an authorized service center.
8. A two-year-old laptop will not boot and presents error messages on-screen. You have verified with the
laptop technical support that these error messages indicate a memory module has failed and needs
replacing. What is the first step you should take to prepare for the repair?
a. Ask yourself if replacing the memory module will cost more than purchasing a new laptop.
b. Find a replacement memory module.
c. Find the service manual to show you how to replace the memory module.
d. Ask if the laptop is still under warranty.
Answer: d. Ask if the laptop is still under warranty.
Although all the options are good steps to take before attempting the repair, the first step should be to ask if the
laptop is still under warranty.
9. Why are laptops usually more expensive than desktop computers with comparable power and features?
a. It costs more to make similar components that take up less space and require less power.
b. Laptops last longer than desktop computers, which cost more.
c. Desktop computers are more popular, so production costs are less.
d. More manufacturers produce desktop computers than laptops, which encourages competitive
pricing.
Answer: a. It costs more to make similar components that take up less space and require less power.
Laptops use compact hard drives that can withstand movement even during operation and have small memory
modules and CPUs that require less voltage than regular components.
10. When a laptop internal device fails, what are three options you can use to deal with the problem?
Answer: Return the laptop to a service center for repair. Substitute an external component for the internal
component. Replace the internal component.
11. A friend was just promoted to a new job that requires part-time travel, and they have been promised a new
laptop after their first month with the company. They need an easy way to disconnect and reconnect all
their peripheral devices to their new laptop. Devices include two external monitors (one HDMI, one
DisplayPort), a USB wireless mouse, USB wireless keyboard, Ethernet network, USB printer, headphones,
and microphone. The budget is $100. What kind of device would best suit your friend’s needs? Why?
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 3
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 12th Edition, ISBN: 9798214409665;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
Research online to find a recommendation for a device that will work best. What is your recommendation
and why?
Answer: A port replicator is most likely to best suit your friend’s needs because most docking stations are
outside their budget and would require the purchase of a second device once the laptop is upgraded. The
recommended port replicator needs to include, at a minimum, ports for 1 × HDMI, 1 × DisplayPort, 3 × USB,
1 × RJ45, 2 × audio (audio output and mic).
12. Your laptop display panel is blank when you boot up. You can hear the laptop turn on, and the keyboard
backlight is on. You have checked the brightness using the function keys, and that is not the problem. What
is an easy next step to determine if the display panel has failed? Describe how that next step can also allow
you to continue to use your laptop if the display panel has failed, but the replacement components won’t
arrive for a week.
Answer: Connect an external monitor to a video port on the laptop. If the screen works, you can use this
temporary solution until replacement components arrive.
13. A foreign exchange student brought a desktop computer from home (Europe) to the United States. The
student brought a power adapter so that the power cord would plug into the power outlet and tried turning
on their computer, but it wouldn’t power on. What is likely the problem?
a. The power cord is not compatible with the power adapter.
b. The voltage switch needs to be moved from 220 V used in Europe to 115 V used in the United
States.
c. The power supply is broken.
d. Power outlets in the United States are too strong to power a computer from Europe.
Answer: b. The voltage switch needs to be moved from 220 V used in Europe to 115 V used in the United
States.
When the student brings the computer back home, they should move that switch before plugging in the
computer; otherwise, plugging it in will likely fry the computer because it will be receiving more voltage than
the setting allows.
14. You’re building a new desktop computer from parts you picked out and purchased. You invested a good
deal of money in this computer and want to be sure to protect your investment while you assemble it. What
precautions should you take to protect your computer from damage and electrostatic discharge?
Answer: Remove loose jewelry, wear an ESD strap, don’t touch sensitive parts on components, handle
expansion cards by the edges, and use appropriate tools.
15. Your friend asks for your help because their laptop’s Wi-Fi connection keeps dropping. Their other devices
are not having this problem. Which option is NOT likely to solve the problem?
a. Find out if their laptop is still under warranty and pursue help using the repair process offered by
the manufacturer or retailer.
b. Recommend a new Internet provider.
c. Suggest that the friend use a USB to Wi-Fi dongle.
d. Try troubleshooting the wireless card installed in their laptop, including researching the problem
on the web and possibly replacing the wireless card.
Answer: b. Recommend a new Internet provider.
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 4
website, in whole or in part.
