Final answer:
The correct answer is Option D. Upon failing to resolve a hardware malfunction through troubleshooting, the tech support representative would likely proceed to replace the faulty hardware following the company's replacement policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a tech support representative is not able to resolve a hardware malfunction, the typical next step would be D. Replacement of the faulty hardware. This case usually occurs after troubleshooting procedures have failed to fix the issue, and it can be determined that the problem is due to physical defects or irreparable damage to the hardware component in question. The representative will likely follow the company's policies for hardware replacement, which may involve returning the item for a refund, exchanging it for a new unit, or sending it to the manufacturer for repair.
When a tech support representative is unable to resolve a hardware malfunction, the next option chosen is typically Replacement. This means that the representative will recommend replacing the malfunctioning hardware with a new or functioning one. For example, if a customer's laptop screen is not working, the representative might suggest replacing the screen with a new one. Replacement is often necessary when the issue cannot be fixed through software or troubleshooting methods.