220-1101 Question 431
Single answerBroken screenA user drops a laptop and now the built-in display shows visible cracks and black ink-like blotches across most of the screen. When you connect the laptop to an external monitor, the image is normal and stable. The user needs the laptop repaired with minimal additional risk to the device. What is the BEST next step?
- A
Replace the laptop's LCD/display assembly after powering down the device, disconnecting the battery or internal power source if possible, and following the manufacturer's service manual
- B
Reinstall the graphics driver because the external monitor confirms the GPU is only partially failing
- C
Replace the system board because cracked images usually indicate a failed motherboard video circuit
- D
Run the laptop's display calibration utility to clear the blotches and restore the panel
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This scenario points to a broken laptop screen rather than a video card, driver, or motherboard issue. The key diagnostic clue is that the built-in display has obvious physical damage while an external monitor works normally. In CompTIA A+ Core 1 troubleshooting, confirming functionality with an external display is a practical way to isolate the issue to the laptop panel, display cable, or related internal display components. However, visible cracks and black blotches specifically indicate panel damage. The recommended approach is to replace the LCD/display assembly and follow ESD precautions, vendor safety guidance, and the manufacturer's service manual for disassembly steps. Modern laptop repair best practices also include removing AC power and disconnecting the internal battery when feasible before replacing internal components.
- A. Correct.
Correct. A visibly cracked panel with black blotches is a classic sign of physical damage to the LCD/display panel, not a software issue. Because the external display works normally, the GPU and most of the video path are functioning. The best practice is to replace the damaged display assembly or panel using the manufacturer's service documentation. Power should be removed first, and on modern laptops that may include disconnecting the internal battery before servicing to reduce the risk of shorting components.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A graphics driver issue would not cause physical cracks or liquid-crystal bleed patterns that appear after a drop. The normal external display output strongly suggests the graphics subsystem is working. This option reflects a common troubleshooting mistake: attempting software fixes for clearly physical damage.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A motherboard or GPU problem could cause no video, artifacting on multiple displays, or intermittent output, but it would not create visible cracks in the panel glass or impact marks after a drop. Since the external monitor works properly, replacing the system board would be unnecessarily expensive and would not address the actual failed component.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Display calibration adjusts color, brightness, and related image settings; it cannot repair a physically cracked LCD or remove black blotches caused by panel damage. This distractor targets the misconception that any display problem can be corrected through settings or utilities.