What to Do When a Laptop Smells Like Burning?
A company is testing the latest model of a laptop. After turning on the laptop, there is a noticeable burning smell. Which of the following steps should a technician take to troubleshoot the laptop issue? (Choose two.)
Community Insight
The question tests safety-first hardware troubleshooting: cut all power before diagnosing a burning smell, and remember that vendor returns or adapter swaps are not initial diagnostic steps.
A burning smell from a laptop points to overheating, short-circuiting, or liquid damage, so the correct response is to remove power immediately and inspect the hardware. This page confirms the two safety-first steps expected by the 220-1201 exam.
Many learners choose F, trying an alternate AC adapter, because they suspect external power; however, a burning smell can originate inside the laptop, so swapping adapters risks further damage instead of isolating the hazard.
Community Discussion (6 comments)
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Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
A burning smell after power-on is an immediate safety hazard, so the technician must stop the flow of electricity before investigating further. Turning the laptop off and disconnecting all power sources, including the AC adapter and battery if removable, is the correct first action because it prevents fire risk and further component damage. Once the device is safe, checking for foreign objects, liquid spills, and internal damage is the right diagnostic step because those conditions commonly cause overheating or short circuits. The combination of A and C matches CompTIA's safety-first troubleshooting doctrine for power and hardware faults.Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Submitting a facilities request, option B, does not address the laptop's electrical hazard or diagnose the failed component. Contacting the vendor for a return, option D, may be appropriate later, especially for a new model under warranty, but it is not one of the two immediate troubleshooting steps. Removing the device from MDM, option E, is a management action unrelated to a burning smell or hardware inspection. Trying an alternate AC adapter, option F, could be useful only after the laptop is powered down and the original adapter is suspected, but swapping power sources while a burning smell is present risks further damage.Community Comment Notes
Most learners in the discussion converge on A and C, which aligns with the safety-first reading of the scenario. colemajo29 described the smell as "likely short-circuiting or severely overheating" and emphasized stopping the flow of electricity before inspection. 351199f similarly tied burning to overheating and mentioned clogged ventilation or a liquid spill as likely causes. Spacko's A and F rationale about high current or voltage change is understandable, but it skips the immediate internal inspection that A+ troubleshooting expects, while dddba0a's warranty point is a follow-up action rather than a diagnostic step.Exam Strategy
When a question mentions smoke, burning, or sparks, prioritize life-safety actions over diagnosis: power off and disconnect energy sources first. Then choose the option that identifies the likely cause, such as debris, liquid, or internal damage, not administrative or software actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is contacting the vendor not one of the two troubleshooting steps?
A return request is an administrative follow-up, not a diagnostic action; the technician must first eliminate the burning hazard and inspect for a cause such as liquid or internal damage.
Why not try an alternate AC adapter for a laptop burning smell?
Swapping adapters while the smell persists can continue feeding power to a shorted component; disconnect all power and inspect the laptop before testing any replacement adapter.
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