100-140 Question 171
Single answerA user reports that their external hard drive is not being detected by their computer when connected via USB. As an IT support technician, what should you check first to troubleshoot the issue?
- A
Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the external drive and the computer.
- B
Immediately replace the external hard drive with a new one.
- C
Reformat the external hard drive to a compatible file system.
- D
Check if the external hard drive is listed in the computer's Disk Management tool.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The first step in troubleshooting any hardware issue is to check the physical connection. External drives often fail to connect due to loose or faulty cables, which can be resolved without further action. Starting with basic checks prevents unnecessary actions like reformatting or replacing the drive prematurely.
- A. Correct.
This is the correct first step because a loose or faulty connection is a common cause for external drives not being detected. Verifying the physical connection is a basic and essential troubleshooting step.
- B. Incorrect.
Replacing the drive immediately is premature without performing basic troubleshooting steps first. It could be a simple issue like a loose cable or software configuration.
- C. Incorrect.
Reformatting the external drive can lead to data loss and should only be done if there is confirmation that the drive is functional and the file system is incompatible. This is not the first step in troubleshooting.
- D. Incorrect.
Checking Disk Management can help identify if the drive is recognized but not assigned a letter. However, this step should come after confirming the physical connection is secure.