220-1202 Exam Dumps - CompTIA A+ Core 2 2025 Exam

The correct answer is B. The SATA HDD power cable is disconnected , because RAM upgrades require opening the case, which can easily result in accidentally loosening or disconnecting internal cables. If the system cannot detect the boot drive, it will display a “No boot device found” error.

According to the Quentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide , one of the first troubleshooting steps after hardware changes is to verify that all internal cables—especially SATA data and power cables—are securely connected. A disconnected drive will not be detected by the BIOS or UEFI firmware.

The Travis Everett & Andrew Hutz – All-in-One Exam Guide explains that boot order changes are less likely unless the technician explicitly modified BIOS settings. Similarly, reformatting a drive would not occur during a RAM upgrade.

The Mike Meyers / Mark Soper Lab Manual reinforces that physical connection issues are among the most common causes of boot failures following hardware maintenance. A disconnected power cable prevents the hard drive from spinning up, making it invisible to the system.

Because the issue appeared immediately after opening the case for a RAM upgrade, the most likely cause is a disconnected SATA power cable , making B the correct answer.

The correct answer is D. Smishing , which is a form of phishing attack conducted via SMS text messages . The key indicators in this scenario are the unexpected text message and the embedded link prompting the user to reset a password. These attacks rely on urgency and fear to trick users into clicking malicious links or providing credentials.

According to the Quentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide , smishing attacks often impersonate legitimate organizations such as banks, IT departments, or service providers. The attacker claims that an account action is required, such as resetting an expired password, to prompt immediate user response.

The Travis Everett & Andrew Hutz – All-in-One Exam Guide explains that smishing is distinct from other phishing variants based on delivery method . Vishing uses voice calls, spear phishing targets specific individuals via email, and whaling targets high-level executives. Since this attack is delivered via text message , it is classified as smishing.

The Mike Meyers / Mark Soper Lab Manual reinforces that modern attackers increasingly use SMS because users often trust text messages more than emails. This makes smishing a highly effective and common attack vector.

Because the attack uses SMS with a malicious link, smishing is the correct answer.

Because the employee needs graphical interface (GUI) access to Linux servers, the best option is VNC (Virtual Network Computing) . VNC is specifically designed for remote control and sharing of desktops , meaning it can present the full graphical desktop of the Linux server to the remote user and allow interaction as if they were sitting at the machine. Quentin Docter describes VNC as “a remote control tool for the sharing of desktops,” typically using TCP port 5900, and notes it is similar to RDP but is an open-source protocol; it can support encryption via plug-ins (important for secure remote use). Mike Meyers’ Lab Manual reinforces the key distinction: SSH provides command-line access , but “when you need remote access to the full graphical desktop, you need a remote desktop application,” and many of those use VNC (or RDP).

By contrast, SSH and Telnet are primarily text-console tools (Telnet is also unencrypted/insecure), and WinRM is Windows-focused remote management rather than the standard way to provide GUI access to Linux desktops.

The correct answer is C. Disconnect the power , because safety is the first priority when working inside a computer case. Before opening the system, all power sources must be removed to prevent electrical shock and hardware damage.

According to the Quentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide , technicians should always shut down the system and disconnect the power cable before opening a computer. Even powered-off systems can still carry electrical current if they remain plugged in.

The Travis Everett & Andrew Hutz – All-in-One Exam Guide explains that unexpected noises are often caused by fans, loose cables, or failing hard drives. Opening the case while the system is powered can cause injury or damage sensitive components.

The Mike Meyers / Mark Soper Lab Manual reinforces the standard safety sequence: power off the system, unplug it, discharge residual power, and then apply grounding measures before touching internal components.

Because disconnecting power eliminates electrical hazards and protects both the technician and the equipment, C is the correct answer.

The best tool is SSH (Secure Shell) because the scenario requires running command-line instructions on a remote network switch and capturing the text output. SSH provides a secure, encrypted remote terminal session (TCP port 22) that is commonly used to administer Linux/UNIX systems and networking equipment, making it ideal for switches that are typically managed through a CLI. Quentin Docter explicitly notes that ssh.exe launches the Secure Shell client and that it allows you to connect to a Linux/UNIX server or networking equipment, and he explains that SSH encrypts communications for secure text-console remote access. Mike Meyers’ Lab Manual reinforces that Telnet/SSH enable you to connect to a “server or fancy router” to run commands remotely, and that SSH is the secure modern alternative because the session is encrypted. The All-in-One guide also emphasizes SSH as the encrypted replacement for Telnet and highlights its use for remote command-line administrative tasks. By contrast, RDP and VNC are graphical remote-desktop tools, and WinRM is Windows-specific remote management rather than a standard switch-access method.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Older tablets may not support newer app versions due toincompatible or unsupported operating systems. App developers often drop support for outdated OS versions.

FromTravis Everett – CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide:

“When an app won ' t install on an older device, check the OS version. Most apps require a minimum OS level for compatibility and security.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Windows Helloallows biometric and PIN-based login, which are easier and more user-friendly than passwords.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“Windows Hello supports biometric authentication and PINs, providing easier and secure access especially for users who have trouble remembering passwords.”

Because this is a government client with confidential data and a strict requirement to follow regulatory compliance , the best practice is to use a certified third-party destruction service that can provide documented proof of destruction. The All-in-One guide explicitly notes that “professional hard drive disposal services are third-party vendors” that guarantee drives are thoroughly destroyed by issuing a certificate of destruction/recycling , which provides assurance that data will not fall into the wrong hands. Mike Meyers’ Lab Manual repeats the same exam point: third-party vendors “will guarantee they have truly, thoroughly destroyed drives by issuing a certificate of destruction/recycling.”

Low-level formatting (often used to mean overwrite/zero-fill) can sanitize drives, but it may not satisfy the requirement for provable compliance and chain-of-custody documentation, especially for regulated environments. Targeted deletion is ineffective because deleted data can remain recoverable. In-house incineration is extreme and may be restricted, unsafe, or noncompliant without proper facilities and documentation. Therefore, Certified third-party destruction (B) is the best option.