220-1101 Question 426
Single answerDistorted imageA user reports that a desktop monitor shows a stretched, blurry image after the PC was moved to a different cubicle. Text appears wider than normal, and icons look fuzzy, but the monitor powers on and there are no dead pixels or color shifts. Which action should the technician take FIRST to correct the distorted image?
- A
Set the display to the monitor's native resolution in the operating system
- B
Replace the monitor because stretched images indicate panel failure
- C
Increase the screen refresh rate to the highest available setting
- D
Reseat the system RAM because bad memory commonly causes blurry displays
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
For A+ Core 1 display troubleshooting, a distorted image such as stretching, scaling issues, or fuzziness on an LCD monitor should first lead the technician to verify display settings, especially resolution. Best practice is to confirm the monitor is set to its native resolution in the operating system and, if needed, verify recommended scaling and proper video driver detection. CompTIA objectives commonly associate symptoms like distorted image with incorrect resolution, refresh, or display settings before hardware replacement. In a real-world support scenario, starting with the least invasive and most likely cause saves time and avoids unnecessary parts replacement.
- A. Correct.
Correct. A stretched or blurry image on an otherwise functioning LCD monitor is commonly caused by the system using a non-native resolution. LCD panels are designed to look sharpest at their native resolution, and using a lower or mismatched resolution causes scaling artifacts that make text and icons appear fuzzy or stretched. After a move, display settings may have changed due to reconnecting to a different monitor or port.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Panel failure is more likely to present as lines, dark areas, dead pixels, backlight issues, or no image at all. A uniformly stretched and blurry image, especially with otherwise normal operation, points more strongly to an incorrect resolution or scaling setting rather than failed hardware.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Refresh rate can affect flicker or smoothness, particularly on some displays, but it does not usually cause a stretched image or general blurriness on an LCD monitor. Choosing an unsupported refresh rate can even create display problems, but it is not the first or best fix for this symptom.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Faulty RAM can cause crashes, application instability, boot failures, or graphical corruption in some situations, but it does not typically cause a consistent stretched and blurry image on the desktop. This option reflects a common troubleshooting mistake of replacing internal components before checking basic display configuration.