Solution and Answer Guide: Jean Andrews, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 11th Edition, ISBN: 9780357674161;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
Solution and Answer Guide
JEAN ANDREWS, COMPTIA A+ G UIDE TO IT TECHNICAL SUPPORT , 11 TH EDITION , ISBN:
9780357674161; M ODULE 1: TAKING A COMPUTER APART AND PUTTING I T 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............................................................6
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.
© 2022 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: Jean Andrews, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 11th Edition, ISBN: 9780357674161;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
2. What type of computer is likely to use SO-DIMMs, have an internal power supply, and use a desktop
processor socket?
Answer: An all-in-one computer uses the compact SO-DIMMs and has a full-size internal power
supply and desktop processor socket.
3. When troubleshooting a computer hardware problem, which tool might help with each of the following
problems?
a. You suspect the network port on a computer is not functioning.
b. The system fails at the beginning of the boot, and nothing appears on the screen.
c. A hard drive is not working, and you suspect the Molex power connector from the power supply
might be the source of the problem.
Answer:
a. A loopback plug tests if a network is functioning.
b. A POST diagnostic card offers a code to give insight of failures during the boot process.
c. A multimeter can test a power supply connector to see if it is functioning properly.
4. You disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer. When you first turn it on, you see 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.
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.
5. You are looking to buy a laptop on a budget that 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.
© 2022 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: Jean Andrews, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 11th Edition, ISBN: 9780357674161;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
6. A four-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 the wireless card has failed and needs
replacing. What is the first step you should take to prepare for the repair?
a. Ask yourself if replacing the wireless card will cost more than purchasing a new laptop.
b. Find a replacement wireless card.
c. Find the service manual to show you how to replace the wireless card.
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 is if the laptop is still under warranty.
7. Why are laptops usually more expensive than desktop computers with comparable power and features?
Answer: 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. In general, it
costs more to make similar components that take up less space and require less power.
8. When a laptop internal device fails, what three options can you 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.
9. 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 DVI),
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?
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 × DVI, 3 ×
USB, 1 × RJ45, 2 × audio (audio output and mic).
© 2022 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: Jean Andrews, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 11th Edition, ISBN: 9780357674161;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
10. Your laptop LCD 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 LCD panel has failed? Describe how that next step can also
allow you to continue to use your laptop if the LCD 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.
11. 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? What warning should you give
when the student returns home at the end of the year?
Answer: The voltage switch needs to be moved from 220 V used in Europe to 115 V used in the
United States. Recommend that 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.
12. 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, and
handle expansion cards by the edges, and use appropriate tools.
13. Your friend asks for your help because their laptop’s Wi-Fi connection keeps dropping. What are some
options you could offer your friend to fix the problem?
Answer: A few options are to find out if their laptop is still under warranty and pursue help using the
process offered by the manufacturer or retailer. You could recommend a USB Wi-Fi dongle to use. Or
you could try troubleshooting the wireless card installed in their laptop, including researching the
problem on the web and possibly replacing the wireless card.
14. Your boss asks you to upgrade a desktop computer to add an extra DVI port for a second monitor. How
would you recommend completing this request?
Answer: Research and recommend a new graphics card that has the extra DVI port desired. Confirm
the compatibility with available ports on the motherboard, power from the power supply, and room in
the case.
15. After troubleshooting a problem, you decide that the wireless card has failed in a laptop. What do you do
first before you disassemble the laptop?
Answer: Research for teardown instructions specific to this laptop. Resources might include the user
manual, the manufacturer’s website, or online videos.
© 2022 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
JEAN ANDREWS, COMPTIA A+ G UIDE TO IT TECHNICAL SUPPORT , 11 TH EDITION , ISBN:
9780357674161; M ODULE 1: TAKING A COMPUTER APART AND PUTTING I T 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............................................................6
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.
© 2022 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: Jean Andrews, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 11th Edition, ISBN: 9780357674161;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
2. What type of computer is likely to use SO-DIMMs, have an internal power supply, and use a desktop
processor socket?
Answer: An all-in-one computer uses the compact SO-DIMMs and has a full-size internal power
supply and desktop processor socket.
3. When troubleshooting a computer hardware problem, which tool might help with each of the following
problems?
a. You suspect the network port on a computer is not functioning.
b. The system fails at the beginning of the boot, and nothing appears on the screen.
c. A hard drive is not working, and you suspect the Molex power connector from the power supply
might be the source of the problem.
Answer:
a. A loopback plug tests if a network is functioning.
b. A POST diagnostic card offers a code to give insight of failures during the boot process.
c. A multimeter can test a power supply connector to see if it is functioning properly.
4. You disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer. When you first turn it on, you see 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.
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.
5. You are looking to buy a laptop on a budget that 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.
© 2022 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: Jean Andrews, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 11th Edition, ISBN: 9780357674161;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
6. A four-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 the wireless card has failed and needs
replacing. What is the first step you should take to prepare for the repair?
a. Ask yourself if replacing the wireless card will cost more than purchasing a new laptop.
b. Find a replacement wireless card.
c. Find the service manual to show you how to replace the wireless card.
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 is if the laptop is still under warranty.
7. Why are laptops usually more expensive than desktop computers with comparable power and features?
Answer: 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. In general, it
costs more to make similar components that take up less space and require less power.
8. When a laptop internal device fails, what three options can you 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.
9. 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 DVI),
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?
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 × DVI, 3 ×
USB, 1 × RJ45, 2 × audio (audio output and mic).
© 2022 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: Jean Andrews, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 11th Edition, ISBN: 9780357674161;
Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
10. Your laptop LCD 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 LCD panel has failed? Describe how that next step can also
allow you to continue to use your laptop if the LCD 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.
11. 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? What warning should you give
when the student returns home at the end of the year?
Answer: The voltage switch needs to be moved from 220 V used in Europe to 115 V used in the
United States. Recommend that 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.
12. 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, and
handle expansion cards by the edges, and use appropriate tools.
13. Your friend asks for your help because their laptop’s Wi-Fi connection keeps dropping. What are some
options you could offer your friend to fix the problem?
Answer: A few options are to find out if their laptop is still under warranty and pursue help using the
process offered by the manufacturer or retailer. You could recommend a USB Wi-Fi dongle to use. Or
you could try troubleshooting the wireless card installed in their laptop, including researching the
problem on the web and possibly replacing the wireless card.
14. Your boss asks you to upgrade a desktop computer to add an extra DVI port for a second monitor. How
would you recommend completing this request?
Answer: Research and recommend a new graphics card that has the extra DVI port desired. Confirm
the compatibility with available ports on the motherboard, power from the power supply, and room in
the case.
15. After troubleshooting a problem, you decide that the wireless card has failed in a laptop. What do you do
first before you disassemble the laptop?
Answer: Research for teardown instructions specific to this laptop. Resources might include the user
manual, the manufacturer’s website, or online videos.
© 2022 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 4
website, in whole or in part.
