CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Certification Core 2 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 3 Q31-45
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Question 31
A user reports that their Windows PC cannot access shared printers on the network, although other users can print without issues. Which setting should the technician verify first?
A) Printer sharing settings
B) Disk Cleanup
C) Device Manager
D) System Restore
Answer: A) Printer sharing settings
Explanation:
Answer: A) Printer sharing settings are correct because Windows allows network-connected printers to be shared with other users on the network, and if sharing is not enabled or configured correctly, the user will be unable to see or access shared printers. The technician should verify that the target printer is shared and that the user has proper permissions to print. Additionally, the technician should ensure that the network profile is set to private, which allows the discovery and sharing of devices. Windows also allows configuration of permissions to control which users can print or manage the printer. Troubleshooting this setting is essential because a user-specific access problem is often caused by permission settings, disabled sharing, or network profile configuration. By checking printer sharing settings first, the technician can resolve the issue without making unnecessary hardware or software changes.
Disk Cleanup is incorrect because it removes temporary files and frees disk space. While it may improve system performance slightly, it does not control access to network printers or permissions.
Device Manager is incorrect because it manages hardware and drivers. While a faulty printer driver could prevent printing, in this scenario, other users can print, so hardware and driver issues are unlikely. Device Manager is not the first step for a user-specific network printing issue.
System Restore is incorrect because it reverts the system to a previous state. Although it can undo system misconfigurations, it does not specifically address printer sharing or permissions issues. Checking printer sharing settings is the targeted and efficient solution for this problem.
Question 32
A technician is configuring a Windows laptop and wants to ensure that the user can authenticate using facial recognition. Which feature should the technician enable?
A) Windows Hello
B) BitLocker
C) Secure Boot
D) File History
Answer: A) Windows Hello
Explanation:
Answer: A) Windows Hello is correct because it provides biometric authentication, including facial recognition, fingerprints, and iris scanning. By enabling Windows Hello, the user can log in to the Windows device using facial recognition, which provides secure and convenient access without relying on passwords. Windows Hello stores biometric data locally on the device in a secure enclave, ensuring that data cannot be extracted or misused even if the system is compromised. It integrates with the Windows authentication framework and works with compatible cameras or sensors to provide quick login while maintaining security. This feature is widely used in corporate and personal environments to enhance security and user experience, and it is a practical replacement for password-only authentication in modern devices.
BitLocker is incorrect because it encrypts the entire drive to protect data at rest. BitLocker does not provide authentication based on biometrics or enable facial recognition.
Secure Boot is incorrect because it ensures that the system boots only with trusted firmware and operating systems. While it protects against boot-level malware, it does not provide user authentication through facial recognition.
File History is incorrect because it backs up files and allows users to restore previous versions. It does not provide any authentication functionality. Windows Hello is the specific feature designed for biometric authentication, making it the correct choice.
Question 33
A user wants to ensure their Windows PC automatically backs up critical documents every day without affecting system files. Which feature should the technician enable?
A) File History
B) System Restore
C) Disk Cleanup
D) BitLocker
Answer: A) File History
Explanation:
Answer: A) File History is correct because it continuously monitors specified folders and creates backups of files to an external drive or network location. Users can schedule File History to run automatically at regular intervals, ensuring daily backups of critical documents without affecting system files or installed applications. This feature allows restoration of individual files or previous versions, making it ideal for protecting user-generated data. File History does not perform full system backups or restore operating system settings, so it is focused on data preservation rather than system recovery. By using File History, users can recover deleted or modified files quickly, providing an effective safeguard against accidental deletions or file corruption while maintaining the integrity of system files.
System Restore is incorrect because it creates snapshots of system files, settings, and installed programs. While it can undo system misconfigurations, it does not back up user documents or allow recovery of individual files.
Disk Cleanup is incorrect because it removes temporary files and unnecessary data to free space. It does not provide backup or recovery functionality for user documents.
BitLocker is incorrect because it encrypts the entire drive to protect against unauthorized access. BitLocker does not create backups or restore deleted or modified files. File History is specifically designed for regular automated backups of user files.
Question 34
A user reports that a Windows laptop’s screen flickers intermittently. Which built-in tool can the technician use to verify that the video driver is functioning properly?
A) Device Manager
B) Task Manager
C) Disk Management
D) Event Viewer
Answer: A) Device Manager
Explanation:
Answer: A) Device Manager is correct because it allows the technician to view all installed hardware devices and their drivers. For a video-related issue such as screen flickering, Device Manager can confirm whether the video driver is installed, up to date, or malfunctioning. Warning icons indicate problems with the driver or device. Technicians can update, roll back, or uninstall drivers directly from Device Manager to resolve issues. Flickering is often caused by outdated, corrupt, or incompatible drivers, and checking Device Manager is the most direct and reliable method to verify driver functionality and troubleshoot display problems.
Task Manager is incorrect because it monitors running processes and resource usage, but does not provide information about hardware drivers or video hardware status.
Disk Management is incorrect because it manages partitions and volumes on storage drives. It has no relation to video drivers or display hardware.
Event Viewer is incorrect because it logs system events, warnings, and errors. While Event Viewer might contain error messages related to driver crashes, it does not provide real-time verification of driver functionality or allow the technician to manage drivers. Device Manager is the correct tool for diagnosing driver-related display problems.
Question 35
A user wants to encrypt an external USB drive to protect sensitive company data if it is lost or stolen. Which Windows feature should the technician use?
A) BitLocker
B) File History
C) Windows Defender
D) System Restore
Answer: A) BitLocker
Explanation:
Answer: A) BitLocker is correct because it provides full-volume encryption, protecting all data stored on a drive. For external USB drives, BitLocker To Go allows encryption and requires a password or smart card to access the drive. This ensures that if the drive is lost or stolen, the data remains inaccessible to unauthorized users. BitLocker integrates with Windows security and uses strong encryption algorithms to prevent data breaches. It also allows administrators to enforce encryption policies on corporate devices and provides recovery keys in case users forget their passwords. By using BitLocker, sensitive company data on external drives is secured effectively without affecting other files on the system.
File History is incorrect because it is a backup tool and does not provide encryption or protection for external drives.
Windows Defender is incorrect because it protects against malware and viruses, but does not encrypt or secure data on drives.
System Restore is incorrect because it restores system files and settings to a previous state. It does not protect or encrypt external storage devices. BitLocker is specifically designed to encrypt drives and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
Question 36
A user reports that their Windows 10 PC is experiencing random application crashes and the system is unstable. Which built-in tool should a technician use first to identify the underlying software errors?
A) Event Viewer
B) Task Manager
C) Disk Cleanup
D) Device Manager
Answer: A) Event Viewer
Explanation:
Answer: A) Event Viewer is correct because it is a comprehensive Windows tool that records detailed logs of system events, warnings, errors, and critical failures. When applications crash or the system becomes unstable, Event Viewer provides a centralized location to review detailed information about what caused the problem. It logs the time of the error, the application or service involved, error codes, and descriptions that help a technician correlate events to specific system actions or software failures. Event Viewer is particularly useful in identifying software conflicts, driver issues, or malfunctioning services that could cause repeated application crashes. For example, if a specific application repeatedly fails, Event Viewer can help pinpoint whether a third-party software, an outdated driver, or a system component is responsible. Technicians can filter logs by severity, date, and source, allowing them to focus on the relevant events that may be contributing to instability. By using Event Viewer, a technician can systematically analyze the underlying cause, rather than relying on guesswork or superficial troubleshooting steps, making it the most appropriate first tool to diagnose software-related instability in Windows 10.
Task Manager is incorrect because it is used to monitor real-time system performance, including CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. While Task Manager can identify resource-intensive applications that may contribute to temporary slowdowns or crashes, it does not provide historical error logs or specific information about why applications fail, which is critical for resolving repeated crashes.
Disk Cleanup is incorrect because it removes temporary files, cache, and unnecessary system files to free storage space. Although freeing up disk space may marginally improve performance, Disk Cleanup does not provide diagnostic data or insight into software errors or system instability.
Device Manager is incorrect because it manages hardware devices and drivers. While hardware issues or incompatible drivers can lead to system crashes, Device Manager alone does not provide detailed information about application-specific errors or software conflicts. Event Viewer provides the necessary historical context and detailed logs to identify and resolve the root cause of software instability, making it the correct first step in troubleshooting application crashes and system instability.
Question 37
A technician wants to ensure that sensitive company files on a Windows laptop are secure in case the device is lost or stolen. Which feature should be enabled?
A) BitLocker
B) System Restore
C) File History
D) Windows Hello
Answer: A) BitLocker
Explanation:
Answer: A) BitLocker is correct because it provides full-disk encryption, securing all files and data stored on a Windows device. If a laptop is lost or stolen, unauthorized users cannot access the encrypted drive without the correct password, PIN, or recovery key. BitLocker uses strong encryption algorithms to protect data at rest, including system files, documents, and applications. For portable devices, BitLocker To Go can be used to encrypt external storage such as USB drives. Enabling BitLocker is a proactive measure that protects sensitive company information and ensures compliance with corporate data protection policies and regulatory requirements. BitLocker integrates seamlessly with Windows, and recovery keys can be stored securely in Active Directory or Microsoft accounts, allowing for authorized recovery in case of lost credentials. This makes BitLocker a critical feature for securing laptops and mobile devices in corporate environments where physical security cannot be guaranteed.
System Restore is incorrect because it creates restore points for system files and settings. While useful for recovering from software misconfigurations, it does not encrypt or protect user data from unauthorized access.
File History is incorrect because it backs up user files to external drives or network locations. File History ensures data recoverability but does not prevent unauthorized access if the device is stolen.
Windows Hello is incorrect because it provides biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or fingerprints. While Windows Hello helps control user access, it does not encrypt stored files or protect if the physical device is compromised. BitLocker is the only solution among these options that provides full disk encryption and ensures that data remains secure in case of theft or loss.
Question 38
A user reports that a Windows 10 PC occasionally loses network connectivity, but other devices on the same network work fine. Which tool should a technician use to check IP configuration and diagnose potential network issues?
A) ipconfig
B) Disk Cleanup
C) Task Manager
D) Device Manager
Answer: A) ipconfig
Explanation:
Answer: A) ipconfig is correct because it is a command-line tool that displays the current IP configuration of a Windows device, including the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers. When a PC loses network connectivity while other devices remain functional, it is often due to IP assignment problems, DNS misconfigurations, or DHCP issues. Using ipconfig, the technician can verify whether the device has a valid IP address, determine if there are duplicate IP addresses, and use the /release and /renew commands to refresh DHCP assignments. Additionally, the /flushdns command can be used to clear cached DNS entries that may cause connectivity problems. ipconfig provides immediate diagnostic feedback and allows a technician to determine whether the issue is local to the device or caused by the network infrastructure. By starting with ipconfig, a technician can rule out configuration problems quickly, which is essential in troubleshooting intermittent network connectivity issues.
Disk Cleanup is incorrect because it removes temporary files and frees disk space. While this can improve general system performance, it does not provide network configuration information or troubleshoot connectivity problems.
Task Manager is incorrect because it monitors active processes and resource usage. Although it can show network activity, it does not provide detailed configuration information necessary to identify IP or DNS-related issues.
Device Manager is incorrect because it allows management of hardware drivers, including network adapters. While Device Manager can indicate driver problems, checking the IP configuration with ipconfig is a more direct and immediate method for diagnosing connectivity issues, especially when the adapter is recognized and the hardware is functioning properly.
Question 39
A user reports that their Windows PC is infected with malware that is interfering with normal operation. Which built-in tool should the technician use to scan and remove malware?
A) Windows Defender Antivirus
B) Disk Cleanup
C) Task Manager
D) File History
Answer: A) Windows Defender Antivirus
Explanation:
Answer: A) Windows Defender Antivirus is correct because it is a built-in security solution in Windows that provides real-time protection and scanning for malware, viruses, and other malicious software. Windows Defender continuously monitors system files, applications, and network activity, detecting threats before they can compromise the system. It also allows for scheduled scans or manual scans of specific folders, drives, or the entire system. Windows Defender can quarantine or remove detected threats and automatically updates virus definitions to protect against emerging malware. For users who are experiencing system disruptions due to malware, Windows Defender is the first line of defense. It integrates with the Windows Security Center to provide alerts and guidance, ensuring that threats are addressed promptly and that the system remains protected from future attacks. Windows Defender is sufficient for most malware removal scenarios without requiring additional third-party software, making it the preferred tool for built-in protection.
Disk Cleanup is incorrect because it removes temporary files and frees space. It does not detect or remove malware, so it cannot resolve infection issues.
Task Manager is incorrect because it monitors active processes. While it may help identify suspicious running programs, it cannot remove malware or provide real-time protection.
File History is incorrect because it backs up files to allow recovery of previous versions. While it protects data from accidental deletion, it does not scan for or remove malware. Windows Defender Antivirus is the correct tool for detecting and eliminating malware infections on Windows systems.
Question 40
A technician is preparing to upgrade a Windows 10 PC to ensure that it can recover quickly from critical system failures. Which feature should be configured to create complete backups of the operating system and applications?
A) System Image Backup
B) File History
C) Disk Cleanup
D) Windows Defender Antivirus
Answer: A) System Image Backup
Explanation:
Answer: A) System Image Backup is correct because it creates a full snapshot of the Windows operating system, installed applications, system settings, and user data. In the event of a critical failure, such as a hard drive crash, malware infection, or corrupted system files, a system image allows the technician to restore the PC to the exact state it was in when the backup was created. System Image Backup is different from file-level backups because it captures the entire system, including OS files, applications, and configuration settings, making it an ideal tool for disaster recovery. Technicians can store system images on external drives, network shares, or other media, ensuring that recovery is possible even if the primary storage device is compromised. By configuring System Image Backup, users and IT staff can minimize downtime and avoid the need to reinstall the operating system and applications manually.
File History is incorrect because it backs up user files and documents but does not include system files or applications. While it provides protection against data loss, it cannot restore the operating system after a critical failure.
Disk Cleanup is incorrect because it removes temporary files and frees storage space. It does not provide backup or recovery capabilities for the operating system or applications.
Windows Defender Antivirus is incorrect because it protects against malware and viruses but does not create backups or system recovery points. System Image Backup provides the comprehensive system-level protection needed to recover from catastrophic failures.
Question 41
A user reports that their Windows PC is frequently slow when opening programs and files, even though the CPU and RAM usage are normal. Which hardware upgrade would most likely improve performance?
A) Upgrade to an SSD
B) Increase RAM
C) Upgrade GPU
D) Upgrade CPU
Answer: A) Upgrade to an SSD
Explanation:
Answer: A) Upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) is correct because an SSD provides significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). Many performance issues on modern PCs, such as slow program launches or delayed file access, are often related to slow storage rather than insufficient CPU or RAM. An SSD reduces latency for accessing files, improves boot times, and enhances the responsiveness of applications. Unlike HDDs, which use spinning platters and mechanical read/write heads, SSDs use flash memory, allowing almost instantaneous access to data. This improvement is particularly noticeable in systems where the operating system, applications, and frequently used files are stored on the drive. For users experiencing system slowness despite normal CPU and RAM usage, upgrading to an SSD directly addresses the storage bottleneck and can provide a dramatic improvement in overall system performance.
Increasing RAM is incorrect because it only addresses memory limitations. Since the CPU and RAM usage are already normal, adding more memory would not significantly impact the observed slowness.
Upgrading the GPU is incorrect because the graphics processing unit mainly accelerates rendering and video tasks. For general application and file access performance, a GPU upgrade has little to no effect.
Upgrading the CPU is incorrect because the CPU is not under heavy load. Improving processor speed will not resolve delays caused by slow storage access. In this scenario, installing an SSD is the most effective and targeted upgrade to enhance system responsiveness and reduce application launch times.
Question 42
A user wants to ensure that if their Windows 10 laptop is lost, they can remotely locate, lock, or erase it. Which built-in feature should be configured?
A) Find My Device
B) Windows Hello
C) BitLocker
D) File History
Answer: A) Find My Device
Explanation:
Answer: A) Find My Device is correct because it allows users to track the physical location of their Windows device using GPS and network information. This feature also enables remote actions such as locking the device, displaying a message to help recover it, or erasing data to prevent unauthorized access. Find My Device integrates with the user’s Microsoft account, ensuring that actions can be performed from another device or via a web portal. Enabling this feature provides a security mechanism against theft or loss, protecting sensitive data while increasing the likelihood of recovering the device. It is especially useful for portable devices such as laptops and tablets that are frequently taken offsite. Technicians often recommend enabling Find My Device in corporate environments to safeguard both user data and company information. By using Find My Device, organizations can maintain data security even if the physical device cannot be recovered.
Windows Hello is a security feature in Windows that provides biometric authentication, allowing users to log in using facial recognition, fingerprints, or a PIN. Its primary purpose is to enhance security and convenience by replacing traditional passwords for device access. While it effectively prevents unauthorized users from logging in locally, Windows Hello does not offer any remote management capabilities. It cannot track a lost or stolen device, lock it remotely, or erase its data to prevent unauthorized access. Its functionality is limited to authentication at the point of login and does not extend to device recovery or remote security measures.
BitLocker is incorrect because it encrypts the drive to protect data at rest. While it protects data if the device is lost or stolen, it does not provide location tracking or remote management capabilities.
File History is incorrect because it backs up files and allows restoration of previous versions. It does not offer device tracking, locking, or remote erasure features. Find My Device specifically addresses the need to secure and manage a device remotely in the event of loss or theft, making it the correct solution.
Question 43
A technician wants to configure a Windows PC to prevent unauthorized users from installing software that could compromise security. Which feature should be enabled?
A) User Account Control
B) BitLocker
C) Windows Defender Firewall
D) File History
Answer: A) User Account Control
Explanation:
Answer: A) User Account Control (UAC) is correct because it enforces privilege separation on Windows systems. UAC prompts the user for administrator credentials or permission whenever an action could affect system files, settings, or the installation of new software. By enforcing this control, UAC prevents unauthorized or malicious programs from making changes that could compromise system security. It also helps reduce the risk of malware infections by limiting administrative privileges and prompting users to verify changes before they are executed. This is particularly important in corporate environments where users may have standard accounts without administrative rights. UAC provides a balance between usability and security by allowing legitimate administrative actions while blocking unauthorized changes. Configuring UAC ensures that only authorized personnel can install or modify software, protecting the integrity of the system.
BitLocker is incorrect because it encrypts drives to protect data from unauthorized access. While important for security, it does not prevent software installation or manage privileges.
Windows Defender Firewall is a built-in security feature in Windows that is primarily designed to control incoming and outgoing network traffic. Its main purpose is to prevent unauthorized access to the system by filtering data packets based on preconfigured rules or user-defined settings. By managing which applications or services can communicate over the network, Windows Defender Firewall helps protect a computer from external threats, such as hackers attempting to exploit open ports, malicious software attempting to communicate with command-and-control servers, or unauthorized access from other devices on a network. It can block suspicious connections and alert users when an application tries to access the network in an unapproved manner, thereby providing an important layer of defense in the overall security posture of a system.
Despite its effectiveness in controlling network traffic, Windows Defender Firewall does not regulate or prevent local software installations. Installing applications directly on the computer involves accessing the file system and system resources, which occurs independently of network activity. Users or administrators can execute installation files from local storage, USB drives, or other media without involving network traffic that the firewall could monitor or block. Consequently, while the firewall can stop malicious software from communicating over the network once installed, it cannot prevent the initial installation of unauthorized applications. This means that malware, potentially unwanted programs, or legitimate but unwanted software can still be installed locally without being blocked by the firewall itself.
To prevent unauthorized software installations, other security measures are required. For example, using Windows User Account Control (UAC) ensures that administrative permissions are required to install applications, while application control tools such as Microsoft Defender Application Control (MDAC) or Group Policy restrictions can enforce policies that allow only trusted software to run. Antivirus and antimalware solutions can also scan files before they are executed to prevent malicious software from being installed.
Windows Defender Firewall is a valuable tool for securing network communication and blocking unauthorized access from external sources. However, it does not protect local software installations, as installation activities occur outside the scope of network traffic control. Users seeking to fully secure their systems against unauthorized software must combine the firewall with additional measures, such as UAC, application control policies, and antivirus solutions.
File History is incorrect because it backs up user files for recovery purposes. It does not enforce restrictions on system changes or software installations. User Account Control is the feature specifically designed to regulate administrative actions and prevent unauthorized software installations.
Question 44
A user wants to recover accidentally deleted files from their Windows 10 PC. Which built-in feature allows recovery of individual files or previous versions of files?
A) File History
B) System Restore
C) BitLocker
D) Disk Cleanup
Answer: A) File History
Explanation:
Answer: A) File History is correct because it provides continuous backup of user-selected folders, allowing recovery of individual files or previous versions in case of accidental deletion or modification. File History works by periodically copying files to an external drive or network location, maintaining multiple versions of each file. This allows users to browse previous versions and restore files without affecting other system files or applications. File History is particularly useful for protecting critical documents, ensuring that accidental deletions or overwrites can be quickly corrected. Unlike full system backups, File History focuses on user data, providing granular control over file recovery and minimizing downtime in case of accidental data loss. Configuring File History also allows scheduling, version retention policies, and storage management to optimize protection while conserving resources.
System Restore and BitLocker are two important features in Windows that provide distinct types of protection, but neither offers direct solutions for recovering individual user files. Understanding their functions and limitations is critical for implementing an effective data protection strategy.
System Restore is a utility that allows users to roll back system files, registry settings, installed applications, and configuration settings to a previous state. Its primary purpose is to help recover from system problems, such as misconfigured settings, failed software installations, or problematic driver updates, without affecting personal files such as documents, photos, or videos. When a restore point is created—either automatically by the system or manually by the user—it captures snapshots of critical system files and configuration data. If a problem occurs later, the system can revert to one of these restore points, undoing changes that may have caused instability. This makes System Restore highly useful for troubleshooting issues that prevent Windows from functioning correctly.
However, System Restore has significant limitations regarding data protection. Specifically, it does not back up or restore user-created files stored in Documents, Pictures, Music, or other personal directories. For example, if a document is accidentally deleted or overwritten, System Restore cannot recover it because its scope is limited to system components, program files, and registry entries. Users may mistakenly assume that performing a restore will recover lost documents, but this is not the case. Its design is focused entirely on maintaining system stability rather than protecting individual data. Therefore, while System Restore can undo system misconfigurations and allow Windows to return to a functional state, it does not serve as a substitute for proper backup solutions that safeguard personal files.
BitLocker, on the other hand, is a security feature that focuses on protecting data through encryption. When enabled, BitLocker encrypts an entire drive, making it inaccessible to unauthorized users who do not have the proper authentication credentials, such as a password, PIN, or recovery key. BitLocker’s primary goal is to prevent unauthorized access to data if a computer is lost, stolen, or physically accessed by someone without permission. It provides strong protection against data theft, particularly in scenarios where sensitive information is stored on portable devices like laptops or external drives.
Despite its effectiveness in securing data from unauthorized access, BitLocker does not provide any mechanism for recovering files that are deleted, corrupted, or lost due to hardware failure. Encryption protects data while it exists on the drive, but once files are removed or damaged, BitLocker offers no recovery functionality. Unlike backup solutions or versioning tools, it does not maintain copies of data or create restore points for individual files. If a drive fails and no separate backup exists, the encrypted data could be permanently inaccessible, highlighting the importance of combining BitLocker with proper backup strategies.
Together, System Restore and BitLocker illustrate two complementary but limited approaches to protecting a system. System Restore focuses on maintaining system stability and recovering from configuration issues, while BitLocker secures the drive against unauthorized access. Neither tool addresses file-level data recovery: System Restore ignores user files entirely, and BitLocker provides encryption but not restoration capabilities. Users who rely solely on these features may mistakenly believe their data is fully protected or recoverable, leaving them vulnerable to data loss from accidental deletion, corruption, or hardware failure.
To ensure comprehensive protection, System Restore and BitLocker should be used alongside proper backup solutions. Backup software can create copies of individual files, entire directories, or even full disk images, allowing recovery of lost or corrupted documents. Combining these strategies—System Restore for system stability, BitLocker for security, and regular backups for data recovery—provides a layered approach that protects both the operating system and personal files.
System Restore and BitLocker serve important but distinct purposes. System Restore can undo system misconfigurations but does not recover individual documents, while BitLocker encrypts drives to prevent unauthorized access but does not provide file recovery. Neither tool alone ensures protection against the loss of personal data, emphasizing the need for dedicated backup solutions to maintain file integrity and availability.
Disk Cleanup is incorrect because it removes temporary files and frees space. It does not provide any data recovery capabilities. File History is specifically designed to allow users to recover deleted files or restore previous versions, making it the correct choice for this scenario.
Question 45
A technician is troubleshooting a Windows PC that randomly freezes and displays a blue screen. Which tool should the technician use to analyze system crash reports and identify the cause?
A) Event Viewer
B) Task Manager
C) Disk Management
D) Device Manager
Answer: A) Event Viewer
Explanation:
Answer: A) Event Viewer is correct because it logs detailed information about system events, including errors, warnings, and critical failures. When a Windows PC encounters a blue screen or unexpected crash, Event Viewer records the event with detailed information such as the stop code, affected driver or application, and associated error messages. Analyzing these logs allows a technician to determine whether the crash is caused by hardware issues, driver conflicts, or software errors. Event Viewer provides filtering options to isolate critical events, timestamps to correlate with user activity, and insights into recurring issues, enabling systematic troubleshooting of crashes. By reviewing event logs, a technician can identify patterns and take targeted corrective actions, such as updating drivers, replacing faulty hardware, or uninstalling conflicting software. Event Viewer serves as the central diagnostic tool for post-mortem analysis of system failures, offering critical insights into the root cause of blue screens and intermittent freezes.
Task Manager and Disk Management are both essential tools in Windows operating systems, but they serve specific purposes and have significant limitations when it comes to diagnosing system crashes, such as blue screen errors. Understanding their functionality and boundaries is crucial for effective system troubleshooting and maintenance. Task Manager is a real-time monitoring tool that provides information about running applications, background processes, and system resource usage, including CPU, memory, disk, and network utilization. Its primary purpose is to allow users to identify processes that are consuming excessive resources or that have become unresponsive. For instance, if an application freezes, Task Manager can be used to terminate it, potentially restoring normal system operation. Additionally, Task Manager displays information about startup programs, active users, and performance metrics, which can help assess the current state of the system. While these features make Task Manager invaluable for monitoring and managing active processes, it does not record historical data or provide detailed diagnostic information about past system events. This limitation means that Task Manager cannot be used to analyze why a system crashed or to determine the root cause of a blue screen error, as it cannot maintain logs of previous system behavior or error states.
Disk Management, on the other hand, is a tool designed to manage the storage configuration of a Windows system. It allows users to view and modify disk partitions, create or format volumes, assign drive letters, and perform other disk-related administrative tasks. Disk Management is particularly useful for setting up new drives, resizing partitions, or troubleshooting storage-related issues such as unallocated space or inaccessible volumes. While storage problems can indirectly contribute to system instability—for example, if a critical system file becomes corrupted due to disk errors—Disk Management itself does not provide crash logs or diagnostic information regarding system failures. It does not track memory usage, driver errors, or application crashes, nor does it record detailed data about the circumstances leading to a blue screen. Its functionality is limited to structural and administrative operations on storage devices, making it unsuitable as a tool for in-depth system diagnostics or crash analysis.
The limitations of both Task Manager and Disk Management highlight why neither is appropriate for investigating blue screen errors or detailed system failures. Blue screen errors, also known as stop errors, typically result from hardware malfunctions, driver conflicts, software bugs, or critical system file corruption. Diagnosing such errors requires access to logs, dump files, and historical system data that provide insight into the events leading up to the crash. Tools like Event Viewer, Reliability Monitor, and specialized crash dump analyzers are specifically designed for this purpose. Event Viewer records system, security, and application events, which can include error messages or warnings generated just before a crash. Reliability Monitor provides a timeline of system stability, including hardware and software failures, while crash dump files contain memory snapshots that can be analyzed to pinpoint faulty drivers or failing hardware components.
In contrast, Task Manager only reflects the system’s current state and cannot retrospectively indicate what caused a failure. Disk Management focuses on the structure and management of storage volumes, offering no insight into process behavior, system errors, or crash events. Relying on these tools alone to investigate system crashes would be ineffective, as they do not provide the necessary data for root cause analysis. Instead, they serve complementary roles: Task Manager for real-time monitoring and immediate intervention, and Disk Management for maintaining and troubleshooting storage infrastructure. Proper troubleshooting of system crashes requires combining these tools with logging and diagnostic utilities that capture historical system activity, error reports, and crash-specific data.
Task Manager and Disk Management are essential for system monitoring and maintenance, but are not suitable for analyzing blue screen errors. Task Manager monitors active processes and resource usage in real time, but lacks historical logs or crash analysis capabilities. Disk Management manages disk partitions and volumes, but does not provide diagnostic data for system failures. Effective crash analysis requires specialized tools that capture detailed system events, memory dumps, and reliability data, allowing technicians to identify the root causes of failures and take appropriate corrective action.
Device Manager is incorrect because it manages hardware drivers and devices. While faulty drivers may contribute to crashes, Device Manager does not provide detailed system crash reports or error codes. Event Viewer is the appropriate tool for analyzing crash logs and identifying the underlying cause of system instability.