TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

The message "Keyboard not present. Press F1 to continue" typically occurs during the Power-On Self-Test (POST), indicating that the system is unable to detect the keyboard connected to the computer. The correct answer highlights two very plausible causes for this issue.

Firstly, a poor keyboard connection is indeed a common reason for this message. If the keyboard is not securely connected to the computer, whether it’s a result of a loose USB connector or a keyboard cable that is not properly seated, the system will fail to recognize the keyboard upon startup. This can lead to the system prompting the user to address the issue.

Secondly, a stuck key on the keyboard can also lead to similar detectability issues. When a key is physically pressed down and remains stuck, it sends a constant input signal to the computer, which can confuse the POST process. In this scenario, the POST might assume that there is no keyboard available due to the activation of error-checking routines triggered by the stuck key, resulting in the alert message.

In contrast, the other options presented would not typically lead to this specific error message. A faulty power supply or damaged motherboard would cause broader hardware issues and might prevent the system from booting altogether, rather than specifically indicating a keyboard issue. An