CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)Hardware and Network TroubleshootingHard
A technician replaces a failing hard drive, reinstalls the operating system, and confirms the user can log in and access all required applications. According to the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology, what should the technician do NEXT before closing the ticket?
- AEscalate the ticket to a senior technician
- BPerform a full backup of the new drive
- CEstablish a new theory of probable cause
- DVerify full system functionality and implement preventive measures if applicable
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Verify full system functionality and implement preventive measures if applicable
After implementing the solution and confirming basic functionality, the methodology calls for verifying full system functionality (testing all affected features) and applying preventive measures, before finally documenting the outcome and closing the ticket.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Escalation is unnecessary since the issue has been resolved successfully.
- B. While backups are good practice, they are not the defined next methodology step at this stage.
- C. A new theory is unnecessary since the solution has already been implemented and confirmed working.
Verify Full System Functionality
The fifth step of the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology, performed after implementing a solution, in which the technician confirms the entire system works correctly and applies preventive measures if needed.
- Comes after 'implement the solution'
- Involves testing beyond the immediate reported symptom
- Precedes the final documentation step
Memory trick: 'Fix it, then Flex it' — test the whole system after implementing.