Which of the following is a common symptom of hardware failure?

Unresponsive components or devices are a common symptom of hardware failure because they indicate that a physical part of the computer or device is not functioning as intended. This can occur due to various issues, such as a faulty power supply, a broken hard drive, or failed memory chips. When hardware stops working properly, it often leads to a complete lack of response from the device, which can manifest as components that do not turn on or respond to user input.

The other options, while they can be related to hardware problems, are not exclusively indicative of hardware failure. Frequent software crashes may result from software issues or conflicts, particularly if the operating system or applications are corrupted. A slow internet connection is typically tied to network issues rather than hardware failure, such as problems with routers or internet service providers. Similarly, corrupted files can stem from software malfunctions, file system errors, or malware, rather than directly pointing to hardware issues. Therefore, unresponsive components or devices distinctly highlight a hardware malfunction.