220-1101 Question 209
Single answerVideo Graphics Array (VGA)A technician is setting up an older desktop PC for a training room projector. The PC has only a VGA output, and the projector has a VGA input. The image appears blurry and has a slight color tint after the cable is connected. Which action should the technician take FIRST to resolve the display issue?
- A
Inspect and reseat the VGA cable, checking for bent or damaged pins on the connector
- B
Replace the VGA connection with an HDMI cable to improve the analog signal quality
- C
Install a new video card driver because VGA color issues are usually caused by software
- D
Increase the refresh rate to the maximum supported setting on the projector
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
VGA is an analog video standard that is more susceptible than digital interfaces to image degradation from cable quality, loose connections, and damaged pins. In real-world support, a blurry VGA image or incorrect colors often results from bent pins on the DE-15 connector, poor seating, or cable damage affecting the red, green, blue, or sync signals. CompTIA A+ Core 1 emphasizes practical troubleshooting: verify the physical connection first before changing software settings or replacing hardware unnecessarily. Best practice is to inspect the connector, reseat the cable securely, and test with a known-good VGA cable if needed.
- A. Correct.
Correct. VGA uses an analog 15-pin DE-15 connection, and image problems such as blur, ghosting, or incorrect color are commonly caused by a loose connection, damaged cable, or bent pin. Missing or bent pins can disrupt color channels or sync signals, making physical inspection and reseating the cable the best first troubleshooting step.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. HDMI is a different digital interface, and the scenario states that both the PC and projector are using VGA. Simply replacing the cable with HDMI is not possible unless both devices support it or an appropriate active converter is used. This option reflects the misconception that any video cable can be swapped without regard to available ports and signal type.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A driver issue can affect resolution or display detection, but a blurry image with a color tint on a VGA connection more strongly suggests a physical-layer problem. On A+ troubleshooting questions, technicians should first check the simplest and most likely cause, such as the cable and connector condition.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Setting the refresh rate too high can create display instability or an unsupported signal condition, especially on older projectors. It is not the first step for a blurry, tinted VGA image. The symptom points more directly to signal degradation or pin damage than to an incorrect refresh setting.