CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Certification Core 2 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 6 Q76-90
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Question 76
A user reports that their Windows 10 workstation cannot connect to a VPN, while other network services work normally. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) VPN client configuration and credentials
B) Desktop wallpaper settings
C) Screen resolution
D) Taskbar color scheme
Answer: A) VPN client configuration and credentials
Explanation:
When a user cannot connect to a VPN while other network services function normally, the issue is most likely related to the VPN client configuration, authentication credentials, or connection settings. VPNs require correct configuration to establish a secure tunnel to the remote network, including specifying the correct server address, protocol, authentication method, and account credentials. Checking the VPN client first allows the technician to verify that the server address is accurate, the authentication method matches the requirements of the remote network, and that the user credentials are entered correctly. Misconfigured clients or incorrect credentials are common causes of failed VPN connections, even if the local network is functioning properly.
Additionally, checking the VPN client allows the technician to ensure that required certificates are installed and valid. Many VPN solutions use certificates to authenticate the client, and missing, expired, or improperly installed certificates can prevent connections. By verifying the client configuration, including server settings, credentials, and certificate status, the technician can determine whether the failure is a client-side issue or if additional troubleshooting is needed, such as verifying firewall or routing configurations. This approach is direct and targets the component responsible for the reported failure, providing a logical and efficient first step.
Desktop wallpaper settings control the visual appearance of the desktop background and have no impact on network connectivity, VPN authentication, or client configuration. Changing the wallpaper cannot resolve issues with VPN connections and provides no diagnostic insight into the failure.
Screen resolution determines the display output size and clarity. Adjusting resolution affects only how content appears on the monitor and does not influence VPN functionality, authentication, or network routing. Modifying screen resolution cannot restore VPN connectivity.
Taskbar color scheme affects the visual appearance of the taskbar and window accents. It does not impact network communication, VPN settings, or client credentials. Changing taskbar colors will not correct the issue.
Checking the VPN client configuration and credentials first is the correct approach because it directly addresses the reported problem. VPN connection failures are most commonly caused by misconfiguration or invalid credentials. By verifying the client, the technician ensures that the user can connect securely and correctly. If the client is properly configured and the credentials are valid, further troubleshooting can then focus on firewall rules, VPN server availability, or network routing. Starting with the client and credentials avoids unnecessary changes to unrelated system settings and ensures an efficient, evidence-based troubleshooting process.
Question 77
A user reports that their Windows system frequently crashes with a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) after installing a new application. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Recently installed software and system compatibility
B) Desktop wallpaper settings
C) Screen saver activation
D) Taskbar auto-hide
Answer: A) Recently installed software and system compatibility
Explanation:
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors typically occur when the operating system encounters a critical error it cannot recover from, often due to incompatible drivers, faulty hardware, or conflicts with recently installed software. When a user reports BSODs occurring after installing a new application, the first step is to evaluate the recently installed software and determine whether it is compatible with the system. Checking the application’s system requirements, version compatibility, and known issues helps the technician identify potential conflicts. The technician can also review the installation process, including whether the software made changes to system drivers, services, or registry settings. In many cases, uninstalling the application or rolling back changes resolves the BSODs.
Evaluating software compatibility is crucial because some applications install kernel-mode drivers or low-level system components that interact directly with the operating system. If these components are not compatible with the current Windows version, system crashes can occur during execution or startup. By confirming compatibility and reviewing recent installations, the technician can identify whether the BSOD is caused by the new application, a conflict with existing software, or a misconfigured system.
Desktop wallpaper settings control the visual appearance of the desktop and have no effect on system stability or driver compatibility. Adjusting wallpaper will not prevent BSODs or resolve conflicts with newly installed software.
Screen saver activation determines when an animated or blank screen appears after inactivity. Screen savers operate only when the system is idle and do not influence system processes, drivers, or kernel-level operations. Changing screen saver settings cannot prevent BSODs caused by incompatible applications.
Taskbar auto-hide affects only the visibility of the taskbar. This cosmetic setting has no impact on application execution, driver behavior, or system stability, and modifying it does not prevent BSODs.
Checking recently installed software and system compatibility first is the correct troubleshooting step because the timing of the BSOD correlates directly with the new application installation. Identifying software that may be incompatible or improperly installed allows the technician to isolate the root cause, either by uninstalling the application, updating it to a compatible version, or applying system patches. This targeted approach is efficient and addresses the underlying problem without making unrelated changes to display or cosmetic settings. By focusing on the software that triggered the BSOD, the technician minimizes diagnostic time, avoids unnecessary interventions, and provides a clear, effective path to restoring system stability.
Question 78
A user reports that their Windows computer cannot play audio through external speakers, although the internal speakers work fine. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Default playback device and audio driver status
B) Desktop wallpaper settings
C) Screen resolution
D) Taskbar color scheme
Answer: A) Default playback device and audio driver status
Explanation:
Audio problems where internal speakers function but external speakers do not are typically related to either the default playback device or the status of the audio drivers. Checking the default playback device first is essential because Windows allows multiple audio output devices, and the system may be directing sound to the wrong device. By accessing the Sound settings in the Control Panel or Settings app, a technician can determine whether the external speakers are recognized and selected as the default playback device. If the external speakers are not set as default, audio output will continue through the internal speakers, giving the impression that the external device is not functioning.
Additionally, reviewing the audio driver status is critical because outdated, missing, or corrupted drivers can prevent Windows from recognizing or properly interacting with external audio devices. In Device Manager, a technician can verify whether the audio driver is installed correctly, check for conflicts, and update or reinstall drivers as necessary. Many audio issues are resolved by ensuring the proper driver is installed and the system is correctly configured to route sound to the desired device.
Desktop wallpaper settings control only the visual background and do not affect system hardware recognition or audio output. Changing the wallpaper will not influence whether external speakers are detected or if sound is routed correctly. This setting is purely aesthetic and unrelated to troubleshooting audio problems.
Screen resolution affects the display and visual clarity but has no effect on audio functionality. Adjusting the resolution will not enable external speakers or alter driver behavior. The two systems operate independently, and display settings cannot correct output issues.
Taskbar color scheme changes the visual appearance of the taskbar and related interface elements. While it may enhance aesthetics, it does not interact with the sound subsystem or affect hardware recognition, and adjusting it does not influence speaker output.
Checking the default playback device and audio driver status first is the correct approach because these two factors directly govern whether audio is routed to the correct output. Ensuring that the external speakers are recognized, selected as the default device, and supported by up-to-date drivers addresses the core issue efficiently. This step is non-invasive, provides clear diagnostic information, and offers a high likelihood of resolving the problem without unnecessary changes to unrelated system settings. By starting with these elements, the technician focuses on the component directly responsible for the user’s complaint, making troubleshooting efficient and evidence-based.
Question 79
A user reports that their Windows system is unable to access websites using HTTPS, but HTTP sites work normally. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Date and time settings and SSL certificate configuration
B) Desktop icon spacing
C) Taskbar auto-hide
D) Mouse pointer trails
Answer: A) Date and time settings and SSL certificate configuration
Explanation:
HTTPS connections rely on SSL/TLS certificates to encrypt communication between the client and web server. If a computer cannot access HTTPS sites but HTTP connections work, it usually indicates a problem with certificate validation or system time synchronization. Checking date and time settings is critical because SSL/TLS certificates have defined validity periods. If the system clock is incorrect, the certificates may appear invalid, causing browsers to block HTTPS connections. Ensuring that the date and time are correct often resolves these access issues immediately.
Additionally, reviewing SSL certificate configuration is important. If certificates are missing, corrupted, or untrusted, the browser will reject HTTPS connections, while HTTP connections continue to function because they do not require encryption. A technician can check the certificate store in Windows, verify trusted root certificates, and ensure that browser settings are not blocking SSL traffic. Updating root certificates or importing the correct certificates may restore HTTPS access.
Desktop icon spacing affects only the arrangement of desktop icons and has no impact on SSL/TLS communication or network security. Adjusting icon spacing does not influence HTTPS access or browser validation of certificates.
Taskbar auto-hide controls the visibility of the taskbar and does not affect network protocols or encrypted connections. Changes to this setting are purely cosmetic and do not influence SSL/TLS functionality.
Mouse pointer trails create a visual trail following cursor movement. This feature consumes negligible system resources and does not affect networking, certificate validation, or HTTPS access.
Checking date and time settings and SSL certificate configuration first is the correct approach because the issue is clearly linked to secure network communication. Misconfigured system time or missing certificates are common causes of HTTPS connectivity problems. By addressing these factors initially, the technician can restore secure browsing without altering unrelated settings. This method is efficient, directly targets the problem, and ensures compliance with security protocols while providing a straightforward solution for the user’s issue.
Question 80
A user reports that their Windows system is showing extremely slow performance when running multiple browser tabs and office applications simultaneously. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) RAM usage and virtual memory configuration
B) Desktop wallpaper settings
C) Taskbar color scheme
D) Mouse pointer speed
Answer: A) RAM usage and virtual memory configuration
Explanation:
Random Access Memory (RAM) is critical for system performance, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously. Modern web browsers and office applications consume significant amounts of memory, with each browser tab often operating as a separate process. When multiple tabs and applications are open concurrently, the system may exhaust available RAM, forcing it to use virtual memory, which is stored on the hard drive or SSD and is significantly slower. Checking RAM usage first allows a technician to identify whether memory exhaustion is causing slow performance. Task Manager or Resource Monitor can show real-time memory consumption, allowing the technician to pinpoint which processes are consuming excessive resources.
Virtual memory settings, such as page file size and location, are also important. If the virtual memory is set too low or located on a slow drive, the system cannot efficiently compensate for RAM shortages, leading to system-wide slowdowns. By examining both RAM and virtual memory, the technician can determine whether adding physical memory, adjusting page file settings, or limiting concurrently running applications will improve performance. This targeted approach addresses the root cause of performance issues without making arbitrary changes to unrelated system settings.
Desktop wallpaper settings control the visual appearance of the desktop and have no effect on memory consumption or application performance. Changing wallpaper may affect aesthetics but will not impact RAM usage or virtual memory performance.
Taskbar color scheme affects only the visual style of the taskbar and windows and does not interact with memory allocation or system responsiveness. Adjusting color schemes cannot resolve slow performance caused by resource exhaustion.
Mouse pointer speed is an input preference that adjusts how quickly the cursor moves across the screen. It has no impact on memory usage or system performance and is irrelevant to diagnosing slowdowns when multiple applications are running.
Checking RAM usage and virtual memory first is appropriate because the symptoms clearly point to a resource bottleneck. Modern applications, especially web browsers with numerous tabs, can consume a large portion of available memory, causing significant slowdowns when physical RAM is exceeded. By monitoring memory usage and reviewing virtual memory settings, the technician can quickly determine whether hardware upgrades, configuration changes, or application management strategies are necessary. This approach directly addresses the user’s complaint, ensures an evidence-based troubleshooting process, and provides actionable recommendations for improving system responsiveness.
Question 81
A user reports that their Windows system is intermittently losing connection to a network printer, while other network services continue to function normally. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Printer IP address and network connectivity
B) Desktop icon spacing
C) Screen saver activation
D) Taskbar auto-hide
Answer: A) Printer IP address and network connectivity
Explanation:
Intermittent loss of connection to a network printer often indicates issues with IP addressing or network connectivity. Network printers rely on a stable IP address and consistent connectivity to communicate with client computers. If the printer’s IP address changes due to DHCP or there are network interruptions, the client computer may lose connection intermittently. Checking the printer’s IP address and verifying network connectivity is the most logical first step because it allows the technician to confirm that the printer is reachable and that the client computer is using the correct IP address. Using tools such as ping, nslookup, or the printer’s network configuration page can help determine whether connectivity is stable and identify potential network issues, such as IP conflicts or misconfigured network segments.
Ensuring the printer is accessible via its assigned IP address also helps identify whether the issue is specific to the client machine or affects multiple devices. If the printer is unreachable, the problem may lie with the printer itself, the switch or router it is connected to, or the network segment. By addressing IP and connectivity issues first, the technician can efficiently isolate the source of intermittent failures and implement appropriate fixes, such as assigning a static IP or adjusting network configuration.
Desktop icon spacing controls the visual layout of icons and does not affect network connectivity or printer communication. Adjusting icon spacing will not resolve intermittent connection issues and has no diagnostic value.
Screen saver activation affects the display after periods of inactivity but does not impact network printing or connectivity. Modifying screen saver settings cannot restore printer communication and is irrelevant to the reported problem.
Taskbar auto-hide determines the visibility of the taskbar and does not interact with networking, IP addressing, or printer communication. Changing this setting will not affect connectivity to a network printer.
Checking the printer IP address and network connectivity first is the correct approach because intermittent connection issues are most commonly caused by network-related factors. By verifying the printer’s IP and ensuring consistent connectivity, the technician can isolate whether the problem is hardware-related, network-related, or configuration-related. This method provides clear, actionable diagnostic information and allows for efficient resolution without unnecessary changes to unrelated system settings, ensuring a logical and effective troubleshooting process.
Question 82
A user reports that their Windows system frequently displays “Corrupt Profile” errors when logging in. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) User profile integrity and permissions
B) Desktop wallpaper settings
C) Screen resolution
D) Taskbar color scheme
Answer: A) User profile integrity and permissions
Explanation:
A corrupt user profile typically results in errors during login because Windows cannot properly load the user’s settings, registry keys, and personal data. The first step is to verify the integrity of the profile and its associated permissions. Checking the profile folder on the system drive and ensuring the correct NTFS permissions exist allows the technician to determine whether the profile is damaged or inaccessible. Often, issues arise when profile files become corrupted due to improper shutdowns, malware, disk errors, or conflicting software. By reviewing the profile, the technician can identify if the corruption is limited to specific configuration files, if there are permission issues preventing proper access, or if the profile needs to be recreated entirely.
Windows stores user profiles in the Users directory and manages them through the registry. If profile keys in the registry are missing, corrupted, or misconfigured, the operating system may create a temporary profile at login, resulting in loss of settings and personalized configurations. Verifying registry entries for the affected user account ensures that the profile path and associated settings point to the correct location. If the registry is correct but the profile folder has damaged files, the technician can either repair critical configuration files or migrate the user data to a new profile, restoring normal functionality.
Desktop wallpaper settings affect only visual appearance and cannot influence whether the profile is recognized by the system. Changing wallpaper will not repair or prevent corruption.
Screen resolution controls how content is displayed on the monitor. Adjusting it has no effect on profile integrity or registry-based errors.
Taskbar color scheme changes the visual styling of the taskbar but does not interact with user profiles or permissions. Modifying the color scheme will not resolve corrupt profile issues.
Checking user profile integrity and permissions first is appropriate because the reported errors directly relate to the system’s ability to load the user’s configuration and data. By focusing on profile files and registry keys, the technician can quickly determine whether corruption is the cause and take corrective actions such as restoring files from backup, resetting permissions, or recreating the profile. This method directly addresses the underlying problem, avoids unnecessary changes to unrelated settings, and provides a clear, effective path to restoring normal login functionality.
Question 83
A user reports that their Windows system frequently loses Wi-Fi connectivity while on battery power, but connections remain stable when plugged in. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Power management settings for the wireless network adapter
B) Desktop icon spacing
C) Screen saver activation
D) Taskbar auto-hide
Answer: A) Power management settings for the wireless network adapter
Explanation:
Wireless adapters in Windows are often configured to reduce power consumption when the system is running on battery. Power management settings allow the system to turn off or reduce power to the adapter during low-power states, which can result in intermittent Wi-Fi disconnections. Checking these settings first enables a technician to determine whether the adapter is set to allow the computer to control power, and whether this configuration is causing connectivity issues. By accessing the device properties in Device Manager, the technician can ensure that the wireless adapter remains fully powered while on battery or adjust settings to optimize between battery life and network stability.
Adjusting power management settings is critical because Wi-Fi disconnections on battery power are frequently linked to aggressive power-saving features. If the adapter is disabled or partially powered down, the system will drop connections even though the access point is available. Verifying these settings allows the technician to address the issue efficiently, ensuring that the system maintains stable connectivity regardless of power source.
Desktop icon spacing affects only the layout of icons on the desktop and has no influence on networking or power management. Changing icon spacing cannot prevent Wi-Fi drops.
Screen saver activation determines when an animated or blank screen appears after inactivity. While it uses minor system resources, it does not impact network adapter behavior or battery power settings. Modifying the screen saver will not resolve connectivity issues.
Taskbar auto-hide affects the visibility of the taskbar and does not interact with network adapters or wireless connectivity. Changing this setting is purely cosmetic and irrelevant to the reported problem.
Checking power management settings for the wireless network adapter first is correct because the symptoms—disconnection only on battery power—indicate that power-saving behavior is likely the cause. By ensuring that the adapter is not powered down or limited excessively, the technician can maintain stable Wi-Fi connections without sacrificing usability. This targeted approach addresses the underlying cause efficiently, avoids unnecessary modifications to unrelated settings, and provides a clear solution that restores normal functionality while the system is on battery power.
Question 84
A user reports that their Windows computer frequently displays a “Low Disk Space” warning on the system drive, despite having deleted unnecessary files. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Disk Cleanup and system file storage usage
B) Desktop wallpaper settings
C) Screen resolution
D) Taskbar auto-hide
Answer: A) Disk Cleanup and system file storage usage
Explanation:
Low disk space warnings often indicate that the system drive is nearing its storage capacity, even if users have deleted files from visible directories or emptied the Recycle Bin. This occurs because Windows maintains hidden system files, temporary files, log files, previous Windows update backups, and cached data that occupy significant space but are not automatically cleared by simple file deletion. Checking Disk Cleanup and reviewing system file storage usage is the first logical step because it allows the technician to identify which categories of files consume disk space and to remove them safely. Disk Cleanup provides options to clear temporary files, system restore points, Windows Update caches, and other non-essential data. By examining the system drive in detail, the technician can determine whether storage issues are caused by bloated temporary files, update leftovers, or unusually large system logs.
Windows accumulates data over time, including cached web files, error logs, and shadow copies used for system restore. These files can consume gigabytes of storage, leading to low disk space warnings even when user files appear minimal. Using built-in tools to analyze storage usage provides an accurate view of disk allocation and allows targeted cleanup. Additionally, examining which folders and files occupy the most space helps the technician decide whether additional actions, such as relocating large personal files or uninstalling unnecessary applications, are needed to free space efficiently.
Desktop wallpaper settings affect only the visual appearance of the desktop. Changing the wallpaper does not delete files or affect storage utilization and cannot resolve low disk space warnings.
Screen resolution controls how content is displayed on monitors. While it may slightly affect memory usage for graphics rendering, it does not impact disk storage or address system file accumulation. Adjusting resolution is irrelevant to solving disk space issues.
Taskbar auto-hide changes the visibility of the taskbar and does not affect storage, file deletion, or disk usage. Modifying this setting is cosmetic and provides no solution for freeing disk space or preventing warnings.
Checking Disk Cleanup and system file storage usage first is appropriate because it directly addresses the cause of low disk space warnings. By targeting hidden system files, temporary files, and update backups, the technician can reclaim storage effectively without impacting user data or system functionality. This approach is evidence-based and efficient, focusing on areas most likely to contribute to warnings while avoiding unnecessary changes to unrelated system settings. Properly managing storage through cleanup and analysis ensures the system maintains optimal performance and prevents recurring low disk space alerts.
Question 85
A user reports that their Windows system cannot print to a shared network printer, while printing to local printers works normally. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Network configuration and printer share permissions
B) Desktop icon layout
C) Screen saver activation
D) Taskbar color scheme
Answer: A) Network configuration and printer share permissions
Explanation:
When a user cannot print to a shared network printer but local printing functions normally, the problem is often related to network configuration or printer share permissions. Network printers require proper connectivity, IP addressing, and sharing settings to communicate with client systems. Checking the network configuration first ensures that the computer can reach the printer via the correct IP address and that network routing is functional. If the printer resides on a different subnet or the client is unable to resolve the printer’s hostname, printing will fail.
Verifying printer share permissions is equally important. Windows allows printers to be shared across a network with specific access rights. If the user does not have sufficient permissions or the printer is restricted to certain groups or accounts, the client will be unable to send print jobs. By reviewing the printer’s sharing configuration, the technician can confirm that the user has the necessary access and adjust permissions if required. Proper network configuration combined with correct sharing settings ensures reliable access to shared printers.
Desktop icon layout affects only the visual arrangement of icons and has no impact on network connectivity or printer access. Adjusting icons will not resolve printing issues.
Screen saver activation controls what appears on the display after inactivity and does not interact with network printing or permissions. Modifying screen saver settings has no effect on printing functionality.
Taskbar color scheme changes the visual style of the taskbar but does not influence network configuration, printer connectivity, or access rights. Adjusting the color scheme is unrelated to solving network printing issues.
Checking network configuration and printer share permissions first is the correct approach because the symptoms indicate that printing works locally but fails over the network. By verifying connectivity, IP addressing, and permissions, the technician can identify whether the issue is related to misconfigured network settings, restricted access, or connectivity problems. This method targets the most probable cause efficiently, avoids unnecessary changes to unrelated system settings, and provides a clear path to restoring shared printer functionality. Properly addressing these elements ensures reliable printing for all authorized users and prevents future access issues.
Question 86
A user reports that their Windows computer is unable to connect to a Bluetooth device, although other wireless connections are working normally. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Bluetooth adapter status and driver installation
B) Desktop wallpaper settings
C) Screen resolution
D) Taskbar auto-hide
Answer: A) Bluetooth adapter status and driver installation
Explanation:
Bluetooth connectivity depends on a functional Bluetooth adapter and properly installed drivers. If a Windows computer cannot connect to a Bluetooth device while other wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi, are functioning normally, the first step is to verify that the Bluetooth adapter is present, enabled, and correctly installed. By opening Device Manager, the technician can determine whether the Bluetooth adapter is detected, check for conflicts, and confirm that the driver is current. If the driver is outdated, missing, or corrupted, the system may fail to recognize or communicate with Bluetooth peripherals. Ensuring that the adapter is active and the driver is properly installed is the most logical starting point for troubleshooting because it directly addresses the hardware and software layer responsible for Bluetooth communication.
In addition to driver verification, the technician can check whether the Bluetooth service is running. Windows relies on background services to manage Bluetooth connections. If the service is stopped, disabled, or encountering errors, devices may fail to pair or maintain connectivity. By checking the service and adapter, the technician can determine whether the problem is hardware-related, driver-related, or service-related, allowing for targeted resolution, such as reinstalling drivers, restarting the service, or updating the adapter firmware.
Desktop wallpaper settings affect only the visual appearance of the desktop and have no influence on Bluetooth functionality. Changing wallpaper will not resolve connectivity issues with wireless devices.
Screen resolution determines how content is displayed on the monitor and does not interact with Bluetooth communication. Adjusting resolution will not enable or improve connectivity with Bluetooth peripherals.
Taskbar auto-hide affects the visibility of the taskbar and does not interact with wireless adapters or drivers. Modifying this setting will not restore Bluetooth functionality.
Checking Bluetooth adapter status and driver installation first is appropriate because the issue lies specifically with the Bluetooth subsystem. By focusing on the adapter and its drivers, the technician can quickly isolate the source of the problem and take corrective action. This targeted approach avoids unnecessary changes to unrelated system settings and provides a high likelihood of resolving the connectivity problem efficiently, ensuring that the user can pair and use Bluetooth devices reliably.
Question 87
A user reports that their Windows system frequently displays “Application Not Responding” messages when running multiple productivity applications. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) CPU usage and system resource allocation
B) Desktop icon layout
C) Screen saver activation
D) Taskbar color scheme
Answer: A) CPU usage and system resource allocation
Explanation:
“Application Not Responding” messages occur when the operating system cannot allocate sufficient resources for an application to function properly. Running multiple productivity applications simultaneously can place a high demand on CPU, memory, and storage resources. Checking CPU usage and system resource allocation is the first step because it allows the technician to determine whether the system is overwhelmed by active processes. Using Task Manager or Resource Monitor, the technician can review real-time CPU, memory, and disk usage, identifying applications or processes consuming excessive resources that may be causing other programs to hang or become unresponsive.
High CPU usage can occur if background processes, antivirus scans, or multiple applications compete for processing time. Similarly, insufficient RAM or poorly configured virtual memory can force the system to swap data frequently to disk, slowing application performance and triggering unresponsiveness. By analyzing system resources, the technician can identify bottlenecks and determine whether upgrading hardware, adjusting virtual memory settings, closing unnecessary applications, or optimizing processes will improve performance. This first step addresses the root cause directly, allowing for targeted remediation.
Desktop icon layout affects only the visual arrangement of icons and does not influence CPU usage or application responsiveness. Changing icon placement will not resolve unresponsive applications.
Screen saver activation affects the display after inactivity but has no impact on CPU utilization or application execution. Adjusting the screen saver will not improve performance or prevent “Not Responding” messages.
Taskbar color scheme changes the visual appearance of the taskbar and does not interact with system resources. Modifying the taskbar colors will not influence CPU allocation or application behavior.
Checking CPU usage and system resource allocation first is the correct approach because the symptoms indicate that system performance limitations are causing applications to hang. By identifying resource-heavy processes or insufficient system resources, the technician can implement solutions that directly improve responsiveness, such as terminating unnecessary applications, increasing RAM, or optimizing virtual memory. This targeted troubleshooting step is efficient, evidence-based, and avoids unnecessary adjustments to unrelated cosmetic or visual settings, providing a clear path to resolving the user’s complaints and maintaining stable, responsive application performance.
Question 88
A user reports that their Windows system cannot update to the latest version of Windows 10, while other systems on the same network update normally. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Windows Update settings and update service status
B) Desktop wallpaper settings
C) Screen resolution
D) Taskbar auto-hide
Answer: A) Windows Update settings and update service status
Explanation:
When a Windows system fails to update while other systems on the same network update without issues, the most probable cause is a local configuration or service problem. Checking Windows Update settings and the status of the update service is the most logical first step because it allows the technician to verify that the system is properly configured to receive updates. The technician can access the Settings app to confirm that the update service is enabled, that automatic updates are allowed, and that no policies are blocking updates. Additionally, reviewing the Windows Update service status in Services.msc ensures that the service responsible for downloading and installing updates is running correctly. If the service is stopped, disabled, or encountering errors, updates will fail even if the network and other systems are functioning normally.
Windows Update relies on multiple components, including background services, update agents, and system policies. Misconfigurations, disabled services, or corrupted update components can prevent new updates from downloading or installing. By reviewing the settings and service status, the technician can determine whether the failure is due to incorrect configurations, temporary service failures, or system-specific restrictions. This approach provides clear insight into the problem and allows targeted actions such as restarting the service, resetting the Windows Update components, or adjusting group policy settings related to updates.
Desktop wallpaper settings affect only the visual appearance of the desktop. Changing the wallpaper has no impact on system updates, service status, or the ability to download and install Windows updates. It is purely cosmetic and unrelated to the reported problem.
Screen resolution controls how content is displayed on the monitor. Adjusting resolution has no influence on update processes or service functionality and will not resolve issues with Windows Update.
Taskbar auto-hide affects the visibility of the taskbar and does not interact with update services or system configurations. Modifying this setting will not affect the ability to download or install updates.
Checking Windows Update settings and the update service status first is the correct approach because it directly targets the component responsible for applying updates. By verifying that the service is running and the system is configured to accept updates, the technician can quickly identify whether the issue is configuration-based or requires additional troubleshooting, such as resetting the update agent or checking for corrupted system files. This targeted approach avoids unnecessary changes to unrelated settings and ensures a structured, evidence-based method for resolving update failures.
Question 89
A user reports that their Windows system shows slow performance when opening large spreadsheets, while smaller files open normally. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) System memory (RAM) and application resource requirements
B) Desktop icon layout
C) Screen saver activation
D) Taskbar color scheme
Answer: A) System memory (RAM) and application resource requirements
Explanation:
Large spreadsheets require substantial system memory and CPU resources to load and process efficiently. When a Windows system exhibits slow performance with large files but handles smaller files without issue, the problem is often related to insufficient RAM or resource-intensive processes running concurrently. Checking system memory usage and application resource requirements first allows the technician to identify whether the system is being overwhelmed by memory demands. Using Task Manager or Resource Monitor, the technician can monitor real-time memory and CPU usage, determine whether paging to virtual memory is occurring excessively, and assess which processes consume significant resources. This information provides a clear indication of whether the system hardware is adequate for handling large spreadsheets or if configuration adjustments are needed.
Virtual memory settings are also important in this scenario. If the page file is too small or located on a slow storage drive, the system may experience delays when accessing memory pages, further slowing performance when opening large files. By verifying memory allocation and application requirements, the technician can decide whether increasing RAM, optimizing virtual memory, or limiting background processes will improve performance. This method directly addresses the underlying cause of slow performance, providing a targeted and efficient approach to resolution.
Desktop icon layout affects only the arrangement of icons on the desktop and has no impact on memory usage, CPU load, or application performance. Changing the layout will not resolve slow spreadsheet performance.
Screen saver activation determines when an animated or blank screen appears after periods of inactivity. While it consumes minor resources when active, it does not affect the performance of memory-intensive applications during active use. Adjusting the screen saver will not improve spreadsheet loading times.
Taskbar color scheme changes the visual style of the taskbar and window accents. This setting is cosmetic and does not interact with system memory, CPU utilization, or application performance, and modifying it will not resolve slow performance issues.
Checking system memory and application resource requirements first is the correct approach because the symptoms clearly point to resource limitations. Large spreadsheets can strain CPU and memory resources, especially if multiple applications are running concurrently. By focusing on memory usage and virtual memory configuration, the technician can identify the bottleneck, recommend hardware upgrades if necessary, or optimize system configuration to improve performance. This targeted approach efficiently addresses the root cause, avoids unnecessary changes to unrelated settings, and provides a clear path to restoring normal spreadsheet performance.
Question 90
A user reports that their Windows system frequently displays error messages when attempting to install new software, even though they are logged in as an administrator. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) User account control (UAC) settings and group policy restrictions
B) Desktop wallpaper settings
C) Screen resolution
D) Taskbar auto-hide
Answer: A) User account control (UAC) settings and group policy restrictions
Explanation:
When a Windows system prevents the installation of new software despite the user having administrative privileges, the most likely causes are User Account Control (UAC) settings or group policy restrictions. UAC is a security feature in Windows that limits the ability of applications to make changes to the system without explicit approval. Even administrative accounts may be restricted from performing certain actions if UAC prompts are ignored or blocked. Checking UAC settings first allows the technician to determine whether the system is configured to require confirmation for all installations or whether prompts are being suppressed, which can prevent software installation. Adjusting UAC settings or responding to the prompts correctly can often resolve installation issues without affecting overall system security.
Group policy restrictions are another common cause of installation failures in managed environments. Group policies can prevent the installation of software by restricting access to certain directories, blocking executable files from running, or limiting administrative privileges on specific types of installations. By reviewing relevant group policies in the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) or consulting domain-level policies, the technician can identify whether policies are blocking the installation. If policies are too restrictive, the technician can temporarily modify them, create exceptions, or coordinate with IT administrators to allow the installation, ensuring compliance with organizational security rules while enabling software deployment.
UAC and group policy often work together, and issues with either can prevent software installations even for administrators. For example, a policy may enforce UAC prompts to require elevated approval, and failure to recognize this can result in repeated error messages. Checking both ensures that the technician addresses the root cause, differentiates between security configurations and administrative missteps, and applies a targeted solution without unnecessary modifications to unrelated system settings.
Desktop wallpaper settings only control the appearance of the desktop background and do not affect system security, administrative privileges, or software installation capabilities. Changing wallpaper does not influence the ability to install applications.
Screen resolution affects how content is displayed on monitors but does not interact with administrative rights, UAC prompts, or policy restrictions. Adjusting resolution will not resolve software installation errors and is unrelated to the root cause.
Taskbar auto-hide affects the visibility of the taskbar and does not interact with UAC or group policies. Modifying this setting is cosmetic and does not influence the system’s ability to install software.
Checking UAC settings and group policy restrictions first is the correct approach because these two factors directly govern the system’s security behavior regarding software installations. By confirming the configuration, the technician can determine whether the problem stems from elevated permission requirements, restrictive policies, or a combination of both. This method provides a structured, evidence-based approach to troubleshooting, allowing the technician to safely enable software installation without compromising system security. It ensures that the user can perform necessary tasks while maintaining compliance with organizational policies. Addressing these security and policy settings first also avoids unnecessary interventions on unrelated system configurations, making troubleshooting efficient, targeted, and effective.