CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) — Question 36

An end user reports that the time and date on a desktop resets after shutdown, and subsequently, the device reboots. The next day, the desktop does not load the
OS and is stuck at a black screen with the following message:

Date/Time Not Set -

Press F1 to Run Setup -
Which of the following would be the BEST action to take next?

Answer options

• A. Change the motherboard.
• B. Reseat the motherboard power connections.
• C. Replace the CMOS battery.
• D. Restore the BIOS to factory default settings.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The best action is to replace the CMOS battery, as a dead or failing battery can cause the system to lose track of date and time settings. Changing the motherboard may not be necessary if the issue is battery-related, reseating power connections typically addresses power issues rather than BIOS settings, and restoring BIOS settings to factory defaults won't resolve the date/time issue caused by a failing CMOS battery.