CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Certification Core 2 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 5 Q61-75
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Question 61
A user reports that their Windows 10 workstation frequently shows “Insufficient privileges” errors when trying to install approved company applications. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) User account type
B) Screen saver settings
C) Taskbar auto-hide
D) Background image rotation
Answer: A) User account type
Explanation:
The type of user account determines the level of control a person has within the Windows environment, including the right to install software, modify system settings, and access administrative areas. When a user encounters frequent messages indicating insufficient privileges during software installation, reviewing the account type becomes the most logical first step. Standard accounts are intentionally limited to prevent unauthorized modifications, meaning software installation attempts will often be blocked until administrative credentials are provided. By confirming whether the user is operating under a standard account or an administrator account, a technician can immediately identify the root cause behind privilege-related messages. If the user requires installation rights but has been incorrectly configured with lesser privileges, adjusting the account type or providing appropriate administrative credentials becomes a straightforward and effective fix. This step directly addresses the permission-related nature of the problem without altering unrelated settings or system components, making it a priority in troubleshooting.
Screen saver settings determine what appears on the display after a period of inactivity. They influence only user experience and power-saving aesthetics. These settings have no relationship to permissions or restrictions related to installing software. Adjusting a screen saver cannot grant rights or remove system limitations, nor can it change the underlying rules imposed by group policy or local user configurations. Because screen saver settings operate entirely within the realm of visual display functions, checking them would provide no insights or corrective potential regarding privilege errors.
Taskbar auto-hide affects how the taskbar behaves visually, determining whether it remains visible at all times or hides until the user moves their pointer to the edge of the screen. This feature impacts convenience and screen space rather than user rights. It does not affect software installation or system permissions. Changes to this behavior cannot influence the administrative model within Windows, nor do they alter the role-based access controls applied to user accounts. Taskbar preferences are therefore unrelated to privilege issues and offer no diagnostic advantages in resolving such errors.
Background image rotation controls the cycling of wallpapers at selected intervals. This feature pertains solely to personalizing aesthetics and has no relation to security, permissions, or application installation processes. Whether a background changes every hour or remains static has no impact on what users are allowed to install or modify in the system. Reviewing or adjusting this setting would not uncover any helpful information about privilege restrictions. It would fail to contribute meaningful diagnostic knowledge, making it an irrelevant step.
Reviewing the user account type first is the most appropriate and efficient troubleshooting step because privilege errors are directly tied to permission levels. Administrative restrictions are implemented both for operational safety and to maintain compliance with organizational policies. When a user attempts to install approved company software and is blocked, it often means that the machine is adhering to a role-based ruleset where only accounts with appropriate privileges are permitted to perform such actions. By verifying the role assigned to the user, a technician can immediately determine whether the system’s behavior is intentional or the result of incorrect configuration. Many organizations use standard accounts for daily activities and grant elevated permissions only when necessary. Understanding this structure helps technicians apply the correct steps, such as elevating privileges temporarily, requesting administrator credentials, or correcting an incorrectly assigned account. This direct relationship between the reported error and the account type makes checking the account type the ideal first troubleshooting action.
Question 62
A user reports that their Windows computer intermittently disconnects from a mapped network drive when returning from sleep mode. Which of the following should be checked first?
A) Power management settings for the network adapter
B) Desktop theme
C) Display icon size
D) Mouse acceleration settings
Answer: A) Power management settings for the network adapter
Explanation:
Power management settings for the network adapter influence how the system handles the network connection during low-power states. When a computer enters sleep mode, Windows may reduce or disable power to certain hardware components to conserve energy. If the network adapter is configured to allow the system to turn it off during these low-power states, the adapter may not reconnect properly upon waking. This often results in mapped drives disconnecting because the system loses its link to the network where the drive resides. Checking the adapter’s power management configuration allows a technician to determine whether it has been set to permit the computer to turn off the device to save power. If this setting is enabled, the technician can disable it so the adapter remains available or reconnects properly after waking. This step directly addresses the user’s issue because mapped drives rely on stable network connectivity, and sleep-related power reductions are common causes of intermittent disconnections.
A desktop theme relates to visual presentation, such as colors, borders, and window appearance. These settings do not control network communication, reconnection behavior, or hardware power states. Themes have no role in determining whether a mapped drive disconnects after sleep, nor do they influence hardware functioning. Visual preferences cannot correct network interruptions or restore drive mappings.
Display icon size affects only how icons appear on the desktop and within File Explorer. It is purely aesthetic and has no bearing on network stability or power management. Adjusting icon size does not influence how or whether the system maintains connections to mapped drives. Therefore, reviewing icon size would not contribute to resolving the reconnection problem.
Mouse acceleration settings determine how quickly the pointer moves in response to physical mouse movement. This impacts user interaction but has no relevance to how the network adapter behaves or how mapped drives are reconnected. Changing this setting cannot address disconnections or improve wake-from-sleep network integrity.
Checking the network adapter’s power management settings first is appropriate because the disconnection occurs specifically after sleep mode, indicating a power-state issue rather than a configuration, permissions, or server-availability problem. By adjusting these settings, the technician ensures that the network adapter continues functioning correctly or reconnects properly after waking. This targeted approach directly aligns with the behavior described, making it the most effective first troubleshooting step.
Question 63
A user reports that their Windows computer frequently shows “Windows Update failed” messages and cannot install pending updates. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Windows Update service status
B) Desktop background image
C) Mouse pointer trails
D) Screen resolution
Answer: A) Windows Update service status
Explanation:
Windows Update is a core service responsible for downloading and installing updates for the operating system, security patches, and sometimes driver updates. When a user experiences repeated “Windows Update failed” errors, the first step is to verify whether the Windows Update service itself is running properly. The service must be active and correctly configured for updates to download and install successfully. By checking the service status in the Services console, a technician can confirm if the service is set to start automatically, manually, or is disabled. If the service is stopped or misconfigured, update attempts will fail, generating the error messages the user reports. Ensuring the service is running and has proper permissions is essential for troubleshooting update failures. This step is a standard and effective starting point because it addresses the underlying mechanism that controls updates rather than attempting superficial fixes.
The desktop background image is purely visual and has no impact on update mechanisms or the Windows Update service. Changing the wallpaper does not influence whether updates are downloaded or installed. While users may notice aesthetic improvements, desktop background adjustments are irrelevant to diagnosing or correcting failed update errors. This step offers no technical benefit and cannot influence system services or permissions.
Mouse pointer trails determine whether the cursor leaves a visual trail while moving across the screen. This setting is an accessibility and visual preference option and does not affect system services, network connectivity, or update functionality. Adjusting pointer trails has zero impact on Windows Update, failed installations, or service behavior. It provides no diagnostic insight or corrective capability in this scenario.
Screen resolution affects how content is displayed on monitors. While resolution may influence visual clarity and user comfort, it does not interact with Windows Update or system services responsible for updates. Adjusting resolution cannot resolve failed update messages, nor can it improve installation performance. This setting is strictly visual and therefore irrelevant to troubleshooting update failures.
Checking the Windows Update service status first is the correct approach because it targets the root cause of update failure. Many failed update issues occur because the service has been disabled, stopped, or corrupted, or because necessary dependencies are not running. By confirming service status, a technician ensures that the system is able to download, authenticate, and install updates. This step is non-invasive and provides clear diagnostic information about whether subsequent troubleshooting is needed, such as clearing the update cache, resetting services, or addressing corrupted system files. By addressing the service itself first, the technician minimizes unnecessary steps and focuses on the critical system component responsible for the problem, ensuring a logical, efficient, and effective resolution process.
Question 64
A user reports that their Windows system is running extremely slow when opening multiple web browser tabs, but other applications run fine. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Available RAM and memory usage
B) Desktop icon spacing
C) Taskbar color scheme
D) Screen saver settings
Answer: A) Available RAM and memory usage
Explanation:
Random Access Memory (RAM) plays a central role in system performance, especially when multitasking or managing memory-intensive applications like web browsers. Browsers, particularly modern ones, consume substantial memory resources when multiple tabs are open, with each tab often functioning as an isolated process. If RAM usage approaches or exceeds the available physical memory, the operating system resorts to using virtual memory on the storage drive, which is significantly slower than RAM. This scenario causes browsers to slow down dramatically while other applications using less memory remain responsive. By checking available RAM and memory usage in Task Manager, a technician can identify whether the system is running low on physical memory or if a specific process is consuming excessive resources. Monitoring memory usage also allows the technician to see whether background processes, extensions, or other applications contribute to high utilization, providing a complete picture of system behavior. This step directly addresses the user’s complaint and targets the most common cause of slow performance in scenarios where browsers dominate system resources.
Desktop icon spacing determines how icons are displayed on the desktop. This setting is purely cosmetic, controlling the visual layout rather than system performance. Adjusting the spacing of icons cannot free memory or improve the speed of web browsers. While dense icon arrangements may cause minor rendering overhead during desktop redraws, this impact is negligible and irrelevant to a browser-heavy workload. Checking or modifying desktop icon spacing provides no meaningful diagnostic information or corrective benefit.
Taskbar color scheme affects the visual appearance of the taskbar, such as accent colors, transparency, and contrast. These settings influence aesthetics but do not consume significant memory or processing power. Adjusting colors will not resolve slow performance issues in memory-intensive applications. Taskbar color changes do not interact with how browsers allocate memory or handle multiple tabs, making this setting irrelevant to the reported problem.
Screen saver settings determine what appears on the display during periods of inactivity and may include animations, slideshows, or blank screens. Screen savers operate primarily when the system is idle and have no impact on active application memory usage. They do not affect RAM allocation, process execution, or browser performance while the system is actively in use. Therefore, adjusting screen saver settings will not resolve slowness when multiple browser tabs are open and is unrelated to the cause of the user’s issue.
Checking available RAM and memory usage first is the correct approach because the symptoms—slow performance confined to web browsers while other applications function normally—point directly to memory contention. Browser tabs are typically the most memory-intensive processes on a system. By identifying memory bottlenecks, a technician can determine whether closing unnecessary tabs, disabling extensions, adjusting memory-hungry settings, or upgrading physical RAM is necessary. This targeted approach addresses the underlying resource limitation directly, providing both diagnostic clarity and potential remediation strategies. Focusing on RAM first ensures that troubleshooting is efficient, evidence-based, and likely to result in a measurable performance improvement without unnecessary or unrelated system changes.
Question 65
A user reports that their Windows system is showing frequent “Device not recognized” errors when plugging in USB devices, while other computers recognize the same devices without issues. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Device Manager for USB controller status
B) Desktop wallpaper settings
C) Screen resolution
D) Mouse pointer trails
Answer: A) Device Manager for USB controller status
Explanation:
The Device Manager in Windows provides detailed information about hardware components, their status, and associated drivers. When USB devices fail to be recognized on a particular system but function on other computers, it is often indicative of a problem with the USB controllers, their drivers, or the way the operating system is handling hardware communication. Checking Device Manager first allows a technician to verify whether the USB controllers are functioning properly, whether they are disabled, whether there are driver conflicts, or if there are any errors marked with a yellow triangle. This view also provides the ability to update, disable, or uninstall drivers, enabling direct corrective actions to restore USB functionality.
USB devices rely on the controller and its associated driver to communicate with the operating system. If the controller fails or the driver is corrupted, the system will fail to detect connected devices. In Device Manager, a technician can also determine whether all required USB hubs are functioning and whether any power management settings are interfering with device recognition. This first step is non-invasive and provides immediate insights into the cause of recognition issues, making it the most effective starting point for troubleshooting.
Desktop wallpaper settings control the background image and visual aesthetics of the system. While changing wallpaper can influence user experience, it has no bearing on how USB devices are detected or managed. Adjusting the wallpaper will not trigger the operating system to reinitialize USB controllers, nor will it resolve driver-related issues. Therefore, it provides no diagnostic benefit for identifying why devices are not recognized.
Screen resolution affects how content is displayed on the monitor and the size of text, icons, and other interface elements. This setting does not affect how the system communicates with USB hardware or how drivers operate. Adjusting resolution will not improve device recognition or correct controller failures, making it irrelevant to the troubleshooting process in this scenario.
Mouse pointer trails are a visual setting that determines whether the cursor leaves a trail when moving. This is an aesthetic and accessibility feature and has no influence on the detection or operation of USB hardware. Modifying mouse pointer trails cannot resolve device recognition issues and provides no insight into driver or hardware status.
Checking Device Manager first is the appropriate approach because it directly addresses the hardware and driver layer that controls USB functionality. It provides a centralized location to identify errors, update drivers, and ensure that controllers are active and properly configured. By starting with Device Manager, a technician can efficiently determine whether the problem is hardware-related, driver-related, or software-related. This step minimizes unnecessary actions and allows for targeted fixes, such as reinstalling drivers or adjusting power management settings, leading to a high likelihood of resolving the problem effectively.
Question 66
A user reports that their Windows system freezes when opening multiple large files in Microsoft Office, but other applications function normally. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Available RAM and virtual memory
B) Desktop icon layout
C) Taskbar grouping settings
D) Screen saver activation time
Answer: A) Available RAM and virtual memory
Explanation:
Random Access Memory (RAM) and virtual memory are critical factors for system performance, particularly when handling large files in memory-intensive applications like Microsoft Office. When a user experiences freezing under these conditions, it is often caused by insufficient RAM or poorly configured virtual memory settings. Available RAM determines how many active applications and large files the system can handle simultaneously without relying excessively on virtual memory, which is stored on disk and much slower. Monitoring memory usage using Task Manager allows the technician to determine whether high consumption is causing system freezes. If the physical memory is near capacity, opening multiple large files can lead to the operating system swapping memory pages between RAM and disk frequently, resulting in noticeable slowdowns or temporary system unresponsiveness.
Virtual memory settings, including page file size and location, influence how the system compensates for limited RAM. If the page file is too small or located on a slow drive, performance will degrade further when multiple memory-intensive applications run concurrently. Checking both RAM and virtual memory allows the technician to identify whether memory limitations are the root cause of freezing and to take corrective actions such as increasing RAM, adjusting page file size, or limiting simultaneously opened files to avoid overloading the system. This step targets the core resource bottleneck that leads to freezing behavior, making it the most effective first diagnostic action.
Desktop icon layout only affects the placement of icons on the desktop. It has no impact on memory usage or the performance of Microsoft Office applications. Adjusting icon layout will not change how files are loaded into memory or prevent system freezes, making it unrelated to the issue.
Taskbar grouping settings control how taskbar buttons are combined when multiple windows are open. While grouping affects user interface appearance and organization, it does not influence how memory is allocated to Office applications or the system. Changing this setting provides no benefit in diagnosing or correcting freezing caused by insufficient memory.
Screen saver activation time determines when a screensaver begins after the system is idle. Screen savers operate only when the system is not actively used and do not consume significant resources during active tasks. Changing this setting will not resolve freezing that occurs during active file usage in memory-intensive applications.
Checking available RAM and virtual memory first is the correct approach because the symptoms suggest a resource-related issue specific to memory-intensive applications. By monitoring memory consumption and virtual memory usage, the technician can identify whether the system has enough capacity to handle multiple large Office files. This information guides subsequent actions, such as closing unnecessary applications, increasing RAM, or adjusting page file size. Targeting the memory subsystem directly addresses the root cause of freezing while other applications remain responsive, making it the most logical and effective first step in troubleshooting.
Question 67
A user reports that their Windows computer displays a “No Internet, Secured” message, despite the Wi-Fi signal showing full strength. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) IP configuration and network adapter settings
B) Desktop icon spacing
C) Screen brightness
D) Taskbar color scheme
Answer: A) IP configuration and network adapter settings
Explanation:
The “No Internet, Secured” message indicates that the computer is successfully connected to a wireless access point but cannot communicate with external networks. This is often caused by IP misconfigurations, incorrect gateway or DNS settings, or issues with the network adapter itself. Checking IP configuration and network adapter settings first is the most logical step because it allows a technician to determine whether the computer is obtaining a valid IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS information. By using tools like ipconfig, Network and Sharing Center, or adapter properties, the technician can verify if the system is using DHCP or a static IP and whether the adapter is enabled and functioning properly. Correcting any configuration errors often restores internet connectivity immediately.
The desktop icon spacing setting only affects the visual arrangement of icons on the desktop. It has no influence on network adapter performance or IP configuration. Adjusting icon spacing will not resolve the “No Internet, Secured” issue and provides no diagnostic insight into network connectivity problems.
Screen brightness controls the luminance of the display and affects visibility, but it does not interact with networking components, IP addresses, or the functionality of the network adapter. Modifying brightness will not restore internet access or correct misconfigured network settings. It is purely an aesthetic and usability setting.
The taskbar color scheme determines the appearance of the taskbar and its elements. Changes to taskbar color or transparency settings do not affect networking, IP addressing, or connectivity to the internet. Adjusting the color scheme has no role in diagnosing or resolving the network issue reported by the user.
Checking IP configuration and network adapter settings first is appropriate because the symptoms indicate a local configuration issue rather than a Wi-Fi signal strength problem. A computer may show full signal strength but still fail to communicate with the router or the internet due to invalid IP assignments, disabled network adapters, or driver problems. Verifying these settings allows the technician to quickly identify whether the problem stems from local misconfigurations or external network issues. By addressing IP settings and adapter status first, the technician takes a targeted approach, preventing unnecessary interventions on unrelated system settings while increasing the likelihood of resolving the problem efficiently.
Question 68
A user reports that their Windows system is unusually slow during startup, even before logging in. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Startup applications and services
B) Desktop wallpaper settings
C) Screen resolution
D) Mouse pointer speed
Answer: A) Startup applications and services
Explanation:
Startup applications and services are programs and background processes that load automatically when Windows starts. Excessive or resource-intensive startup items can significantly increase boot time and cause the system to appear slow before login. Checking these items first is essential because it allows a technician to identify unnecessary or problematic programs that consume CPU, memory, or disk resources during startup. By using Task Manager or System Configuration (msconfig), the technician can review all startup programs, determine their impact, and disable non-essential items. This targeted approach often results in immediate improvements in startup performance without making invasive system changes. It also provides insight into whether specific applications or services are causing delays due to conflicts, misconfigurations, or outdated software.
Desktop wallpaper settings control the visual background displayed on the desktop. While a high-resolution wallpaper can consume minor resources, it does not affect startup performance before login because the operating system loads critical processes and drivers before rendering the desktop. Changing wallpaper settings will not resolve slow boot times and offers no meaningful diagnostic information regarding the underlying cause.
Screen resolution determines how content is displayed on the monitor. Like wallpaper settings, resolution is applied after critical startup processes and user login. It does not influence how quickly system services or startup applications load. Adjusting screen resolution will not address slow pre-login performance and is unrelated to the issue.
Mouse pointer speed affects the responsiveness of the cursor. This is a user interface preference and does not impact how the system allocates resources during startup. Changing pointer speed will not accelerate boot times or improve the loading of services and applications, making it irrelevant to the reported problem.
Checking startup applications and services first is the correct approach because delays during boot are often caused by unnecessary or poorly optimized programs loading automatically. Startup applications can include third-party utilities, antivirus software, cloud sync clients, or outdated programs that interfere with system initialization. Background services may also consume resources before login, affecting performance. By reviewing and managing these items, the technician can reduce system load, prioritize essential services, and improve boot speed. This method targets the root cause of slow startup directly and efficiently, allowing for measurable improvement without making arbitrary system changes. Proper management of startup applications also prevents future performance degradation by ensuring that only required programs and services launch automatically, preserving system responsiveness over time.
Question 69
A user reports that their Windows 10 system is unable to install new printer drivers, even though they have administrative privileges. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Group Policy settings related to device installation
B) Desktop background image
C) Taskbar auto-hide
D) Mouse pointer trails
Answer: A) Group Policy settings related to device installation
Explanation:
Group Policy settings in Windows are administrative controls that govern the behavior of users and computers in a domain or local environment. When a user with administrative privileges cannot install printer drivers, Group Policy is often the underlying cause, as policies may restrict device installation for security or compliance reasons. By checking these policies, the technician can determine whether restrictions have been applied to prevent new drivers from being installed or to limit installation to pre-approved drivers only. Accessing Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) or reviewing domain-level policies provides insight into rules affecting device installations. Identifying restrictive policies allows the technician to modify them temporarily or request administrative exceptions, ensuring the user can install the required printer drivers. This step targets the root cause of installation failures directly, making it the most logical first step in troubleshooting.
Desktop background image affects only the visual appearance of the desktop. Changing the wallpaper does not interact with device installation controls, user permissions, or administrative policies. Adjusting the background will not influence whether printer drivers can be installed and offers no diagnostic value in this scenario.
Taskbar auto-hide determines whether the taskbar is always visible or hides until the mouse is moved to its location. While this affects visual convenience and workspace aesthetics, it has no connection to driver installation or administrative restrictions. Modifying auto-hide settings cannot resolve driver installation issues and is unrelated to the problem.
Mouse pointer trails are a visual accessibility feature that leaves a trail following the cursor. This has no influence on system security, permissions, or driver installation functionality. Adjusting pointer trails will not enable printer driver installation or bypass any Group Policy restrictions.
Checking Group Policy settings first is appropriate because installation restrictions are often implemented at the policy level, even for users with administrative rights. Printers and other hardware drivers can be controlled centrally to prevent unauthorized software installation or ensure compliance with corporate IT standards. By verifying policies, the technician can identify whether the restriction is intentional or the result of misconfiguration. If the policy is overly restrictive, temporary exceptions or adjustments can be made to allow the installation of required drivers safely. This approach is efficient, directly addresses the root cause, and avoids unnecessary troubleshooting of unrelated system components. Confirming Group Policy settings ensures that solutions comply with administrative guidelines while restoring necessary functionality.
Question 70
A user reports that their Windows computer displays frequent “Low Disk Space” warnings on the system drive, despite deleting files from the Recycle Bin. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Disk Cleanup and system file storage usage
B) Taskbar color scheme
C) Desktop icon spacing
D) Mouse scroll speed
Answer: A) Disk Cleanup and system file storage usage
Explanation:
Low disk space warnings often occur when hidden system files, temporary files, and cached data occupy significant space on the system drive, even after users delete files from the Recycle Bin. Checking Disk Cleanup and system file storage usage allows a technician to assess what is consuming space beyond visible user files. Tools like Disk Cleanup can target system files, previous Windows updates, temporary installation files, and logs that are not automatically removed by user actions. This first step identifies storage-heavy categories that are often overlooked and provides actionable options to safely free space. By examining system file storage usage, the technician can prioritize which areas to clean and determine if further measures, such as uninstalling unused applications or relocating large files, are necessary. This approach directly addresses the cause of low disk space warnings efficiently.
Taskbar color scheme affects the visual appearance of the taskbar but has no effect on storage utilization. Changing colors or transparency settings does not free disk space or provide insight into system file storage. It is unrelated to the low disk space warnings and provides no diagnostic value.
Desktop icon spacing determines how icons are visually arranged on the desktop. Adjusting this setting does not remove files, manage storage, or affect disk usage in any meaningful way. While desktop icons may visually represent files, their arrangement does not impact the actual storage on the system drive. Therefore, it is irrelevant to resolving low disk space alerts.
Mouse scroll speed affects only how quickly content moves when the user scrolls with a mouse. This input preference does not alter storage, memory, or system files. Changing scroll speed cannot resolve storage issues and has no diagnostic relevance for low disk space warnings.
Checking Disk Cleanup and system file storage usage first is the correct approach because the warnings are likely caused by system-level files or cached data that remain even after user-initiated deletions. Windows accumulates temporary files, previous update backups, log files, and other system-generated data that consume significant space. Disk Cleanup allows safe removal of these files without affecting system stability. By addressing these areas first, the technician can immediately reclaim space, reduce warnings, and identify whether additional measures, such as resizing partitions or relocating large data files, are required. This method ensures an evidence-based and effective resolution without unnecessary adjustments to unrelated system settings.
Question 71
A user reports that their Windows system frequently freezes while copying large files between two drives. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Disk health and storage capacity
B) Taskbar color
C) Desktop icon layout
D) Mouse pointer trails
Answer: A) Disk health and storage capacity
Explanation:
When a computer freezes during file transfers, one of the most common causes is issues with disk health or insufficient storage. Checking the disk’s health using built-in tools such as CHKDSK or third-party utilities can identify bad sectors, fragmentation, or other errors that slow read/write operations. Low storage space on either the source or destination drive can also cause freezes as the system struggles to manage data buffers and caching. By verifying disk capacity and health first, the technician can pinpoint whether hardware problems or full drives are causing the freezing, allowing them to take appropriate actions, such as repairing the disk, replacing failing drives, or freeing storage.
Taskbar color is a visual customization and does not affect file transfer or disk performance. Changing the taskbar color provides no insight into storage or hardware issues.
Desktop icon layout controls only the visual placement of icons. It has no influence on disk operations, read/write speeds, or storage management, making it irrelevant to this problem.
Mouse pointer trails are a cosmetic feature that leaves a trail behind the cursor. This setting does not consume significant system resources and cannot cause freezes during file transfers.
Checking disk health and storage capacity first is logical because the system freeze occurs specifically during high disk activity. Evaluating the drives directly addresses potential bottlenecks or failures causing the problem.
Question 72
A user complains that their Windows system cannot connect to a shared folder on another computer, although they can browse the internet. What should a technician check first?
A) Network discovery and sharing settings
B) Display scaling
C) Wallpaper slideshow interval
D) Taskbar grouping
Answer: A) Network discovery and sharing settings
Explanation:
Network discovery allows Windows computers to see and access devices on the same local network. If a user cannot connect to a shared folder, it is likely that network discovery or file sharing is disabled. Checking these settings first helps the technician confirm that the computer is configured to allow visibility and access to other devices. Enabling network discovery and sharing resolves most issues preventing access to shared folders, making it a practical initial step.
Display scaling adjusts how text and icons are shown on the screen. It does not affect network connectivity or shared folder access, so changing scaling will not solve the issue.
Wallpaper slideshow interval only affects background images and does not impact network connections.
Taskbar grouping affects how open windows are displayed on the taskbar. It has no effect on network communication or file sharing.
Checking network discovery and sharing settings directly addresses the root cause and provides a quick solution for inaccessible shared folders.
Question 73
A user reports that their Windows system displays frequent “Driver not found” errors when connecting external hardware. Which should a technician check first?
A) Device Manager and driver installation status
B) Screen resolution
C) Taskbar color
D) Desktop icon spacing
Answer: A) Device Manager and driver installation status
Explanation:
Device Manager shows the status of connected hardware and associated drivers. If a device is not recognized, the issue often lies in missing, outdated, or corrupted drivers. Checking Device Manager first allows the technician to identify errors, update drivers, or reinstall them. This step provides direct insight into the cause of hardware detection issues.
Screen resolution affects only how content is displayed. It does not impact hardware connectivity or driver functionality.
Taskbar color is cosmetic and unrelated to drivers or hardware.
Desktop icon spacing controls layout only and has no effect on system recognition of connected devices.
Checking Device Manager and driver status first targets the likely source of “Driver not found” errors efficiently.
Question 74
A user reports that their Windows system takes a long time to shut down. Which of the following should a technician check first?
A) Running background processes and startup/shutdown programs
B) Desktop wallpaper settings
C) Screen saver activation
D) Taskbar auto-hide
Answer: A) Running background processes and startup/shutdown programs
Explanation:
Slow shutdown is usually caused by processes or applications that take a long time to terminate. Checking Task Manager or system configuration for running processes, startup programs, and services allows the technician to identify which programs are delaying shutdown. Managing or disabling unnecessary programs improves shutdown speed.
Desktop wallpaper, screen saver activation, and taskbar auto-hide are cosmetic settings and do not affect system shutdown time.
Evaluating running processes first directly addresses the most common causes of slow shutdown and provides actionable solutions.
Question 75
A user reports that their Windows computer frequently prompts for a password after waking from sleep, even though they prefer it not to. Which should a technician check first?
A) Power and sleep settings related to sign-in requirements
B) Screen resolution
C) Desktop icon layout
D) Mouse pointer speed
Answer: A) Power and sleep settings related to sign-in requirements
Explanation:
Windows allows configuration of requiring a password on wake. Checking power and sleep settings lets the technician determine if the system is set to prompt for sign-in after sleep. Adjusting this setting resolves unwanted password prompts while maintaining security policies.
Screen resolution, desktop icon layout, and mouse pointer speed are common personalization settings in Windows that allow users to customize the visual appearance and usability of their desktop environment. Screen resolution determines the clarity and scale of what appears on the monitor, affecting how much content can fit on the screen and how sharp images or text appear. Desktop icon layout refers to the arrangement of files, folders, and shortcuts on the desktop, allowing users to organize their workspace in a manner that is visually convenient. Mouse pointer speed controls how fast the cursor moves across the screen in response to physical movements of the mouse, affecting navigation efficiency and precision. While these settings can greatly enhance the user experience, they have no functional relationship with system-level security prompts, such as password requests, or with power management behaviors like sleep or wake modes.
Password prompts in Windows are triggered by authentication policies, user account settings, or security configurations. For example, the operating system may request a password after a user locks the computer, resumes from sleep or hibernation, or attempts to access a protected resource or network location. These events are governed by security policies, group policies, local user account controls, or the system’s login and credential management mechanisms. Similarly, sleep behavior is controlled by power management settings, which dictate when the system enters low-power modes to conserve energy and when it wakes. Options such as “require a password on wakeup” or the timing of sleep mode are set independently from display preferences or desktop personalization.
Changing screen resolution, reorganizing icons, or adjusting pointer speed does not alter these underlying security or power management configurations. For instance, increasing screen resolution will make windows appear sharper and allow more content to fit on the screen, but it will not suppress a password prompt after sleep. Rearranging desktop icons may improve workflow efficiency, but has no impact on whether the computer requests credentials. Adjusting pointer speed affects cursor responsiveness without influencing authentication triggers or sleep settings.
Personalization settings like screen resolution, icon arrangement, and mouse pointer speed are cosmetic and usability-focused features. They enhance visual clarity and navigation but do not interact with core system behaviors that manage security or power. Troubleshooting password prompts or sleep-related issues requires examining user account policies, power options, and security configurations rather than adjusting display or cursor preferences. Recognizing this distinction ensures that users focus on the correct settings for functional issues rather than cosmetic preferences.
Checking power and sleep settings first directly addresses the issue and provides an immediate solution aligned with user preferences.