220-1102 Practice Test 41 — 15 Questions

Question 1

A user calls the help desk, frustrated because their computer is running slowly after installing a new antivirus program. The technician suspects the antivirus is causing high CPU usage. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial response?

Accepted Answer

Apologize for the frustration and ask the user to describe when the slowness started.. Option C is correct because it follows the CompTIA A+ troubleshooting methodology by first gathering information and showing empathy. The technician needs to confirm the timeline of the slowness relative to the antivirus installation, as other factors (e.g., a Windows update, disk I/O bottleneck, or malware) could be the root cause. Jumping to conclusions without verifying the symptom onset violates the 'identify the problem' step and risks misdiagnosis.

Answer

Tell the user to uninstall the antivirus immediately.

Answer

Explain that antivirus programs always slow down computers and there's nothing to be done.

Answer

Immediately remote into the computer to check CPU usage.

Question 2

A customer reports that their printer is not working after a recent Windows update. The technician suspects a driver issue. Which of the following is the BEST way to handle this situation while maintaining customer satisfaction?

Accepted Answer

Say you will research the issue and call them back within an hour with steps.. Option C is correct because it demonstrates professional communication and sets realistic expectations. The technician acknowledges the issue, commits to researching the specific driver compatibility problem caused by the Windows update, and promises a follow-up within a defined timeframe. This approach maintains customer trust and avoids making promises or taking actions without a clear plan.

Answer

Tell the customer that Windows updates often break things and they should avoid updates.

Answer

Ask the customer to try unplugging the printer and plugging it back in.

Answer

Immediately remote into their computer and start checking settings without explaining.

Question 3

A technician receives a complaint from a user that their email account was used to send spam. The user insists they did not send the emails. What is the MOST appropriate first step in handling this security incident professionally?

Accepted Answer

Immediately reset the user's password and check the email logs for unauthorized access.. Option B is correct because the immediate reset of the user's password stops further unauthorized use of the account, and checking email logs (e.g., SMTP logs, IMAP/POP3 access logs, or Exchange/Office 365 audit logs) allows the technician to identify the source of the spam, such as a compromised credential or a malicious forwarding rule. This follows the CompTIA A+ incident response procedure of containment first, then investigation, while maintaining professional communication with the user.

Answer

Tell the user they must have clicked on a phishing link and it's their fault.

Answer

Ignore the complaint because spam is common.

Answer

Ask the user to change their password and not worry about it.

Question 4

A technician is helping a remote user configure a VPN connection. The user is not very technical and is getting frustrated. The technician uses jargon like 'authentication protocol' and 'tunnel endpoint'. Which of the following is the BEST way to improve communication?

Accepted Answer

Use simple analogies like 'a secure tunnel for your data' and guide them step by step.. Option C is correct because it replaces confusing jargon with a simple analogy ('secure tunnel') and provides step-by-step guidance, which directly addresses the user's frustration and lack of technical knowledge. This approach aligns with the CompTIA A+ objective of adapting communication style to the audience, ensuring the user understands the VPN concept without needing to know terms like 'authentication protocol' or 'tunnel endpoint'.

Answer

Continue using technical terms to educate the user.

Answer

Ask the user to share their screen so the technician can do it remotely.

Answer

Send the user a written guide and end the call.

Question 5

A technician is assigned to install new accounting software on a user's computer. The user is a senior manager who is very busy. The technician arrives and the manager says, 'Just make it work, I don't have time for questions.' Which action is MOST professional?

Accepted Answer

Explain that you need just two quick questions to avoid problems later, and keep it brief.. Option B is the most professional action because it balances respect for the manager's time with the need to gather critical information. Asking two quick, targeted questions—such as verifying the software version compatibility with the OS or confirming the required database connection string—can prevent installation failures or post-installation issues that would waste even more of the manager's time. This approach demonstrates proactive problem-solving and aligns with CompTIA's emphasis on effective communication and professionalism.

Answer

Proceed with the installation without asking any questions to respect their time.

Answer

Insist on a full meeting to discuss requirements.

Answer

Install the software and leave a note with questions for later.

Question 6

A technician receives an angry email from a user claiming that the technician's previous fix made their computer worse. The technician knows the fix was correct. Which response is MOST professional?

Accepted Answer

Apologize for the inconvenience and schedule a time to revisit the issue.. Option C is correct because the most professional response in this scenario is to de-escalate the situation by acknowledging the user's frustration and offering to re-engage on the issue. Even if the technician's fix was technically correct, the user's perception of a problem is a valid concern that must be addressed to maintain trust and service quality. Scheduling a follow-up allows the technician to re-evaluate the system, verify that no other changes have affected the computer, and provide reassurance, which aligns with ITIL best practices for incident management and customer service.

Answer

Reply with a detailed technical explanation proving the fix was right.

Answer

Ignore the email to avoid an argument.

Answer

Forward the email to the user's manager to complain about the user's tone.

Question 7

A technician is asked to install a new accounting application on a user's computer. The user mentions that a coworker told them the software is known to cause conflicts with antivirus programs. What should the technician do?

Accepted Answer

Research the software's compatibility with the antivirus and test in a sandbox if possible.. Option B is correct because the technician must validate the user's concern through proper research rather than dismissing it. Checking the software's documented compatibility with the specific antivirus program and testing in an isolated sandbox environment prevents potential system instability or security bypasses without risking the production system.

Answer

Ignore the user's comment because it is hearsay and proceed with the installation.

Answer

Disable the antivirus temporarily and install the software.

Answer

Tell the user that the coworker is mistaken and install the software anyway.

Question 8

A technician is deploying a new point-of-sale system in a busy retail store. The store manager insists on a specific configuration that the technician knows will cause data security vulnerabilities. Which of the following is the BEST course of action?

Accepted Answer

Explain the security risks in non-technical terms and propose a secure alternative that meets their needs.. Option C is correct because it aligns with the CompTIA A+ objective of balancing security with business needs. The technician must communicate the security risks of the manager's requested configuration (e.g., using default credentials or disabling encryption on the POS system) in non-technical terms, then propose a secure alternative that still meets the operational requirements, such as using WPA3 with a strong passphrase instead of an open Wi-Fi network. This approach maintains professionalism, avoids data breaches, and preserves the working relationship.

Answer

Implement the configuration as requested to keep the manager happy.

Answer

Refuse to do the work and walk away.

Answer

Secretly implement a secure configuration and tell the manager it's what they asked for.

Question 9

A technician is troubleshooting a network issue for a remote employee. The employee's internet connection is unstable, and the technician suspects the home router. The employee is not technical and becomes defensive when the technician asks about their router setup. Which approach is MOST effective?

Accepted Answer

Say, 'Let's work together to check a few things on your router to improve your connection.'. Option B is correct because it uses a collaborative, non-confrontational approach that respects the employee's lack of technical knowledge and defuses defensiveness. By saying 'Let's work together,' the technician invites the employee to participate without blame, making it easier to guide them through checking the router's configuration (e.g., verifying Wi-Fi channel congestion, checking for firmware updates, or reviewing DHCP lease times) without requiring the employee to understand technical details. This aligns with CompTIA's emphasis on professionalism and effective communication in remote troubleshooting.

Answer

Tell the employee that their router is probably cheap and needs replacement.

Answer

Ask the employee to run a command prompt command without explanation.

Answer

Escalate the issue to a senior technician without further attempts.

Question 10

During a software installation, a technician receives a pop-up warning that the application requires administrator privileges. The user is logged in with a standard account. What is the most appropriate action for the technician to take?

Accepted Answer

Right-click the installer and select 'Run as administrator', then enter admin credentials.. Option B is correct because the technician can use the 'Run as administrator' feature to supply administrative credentials for a one-time elevated installation without changing the user's account type. This adheres to the principle of least privilege, maintaining security by not permanently elevating the standard user's rights.

Answer

Ask the user to log in with an administrator account and install the software.

Answer

Temporarily add the user to the Administrators group, install, then remove them.

Answer

Cancel the installation and escalate to a senior technician.

Question 11

A technician is helping a user who is upset because their important presentation file was accidentally deleted. The user is very emotional and raising their voice. What is the best way for the technician to handle this situation?

Accepted Answer

Listen calmly, apologize for the inconvenience, and explain steps to recover the file from the recycle bin or backup.. Option C is correct because it demonstrates the professional communication and empathy required in a support role. The technician remains calm, acknowledges the user's frustration, and immediately provides a technical solution—recovering the file from the Recycle Bin or a backup. This aligns with CompTIA's emphasis on active listening, de-escalation, and problem-solving without dismissing the user's concerns.

Answer

Tell the user to calm down and that losing data is not a big deal.

Answer

Raise your voice to match the user's tone to show you are taking it seriously.

Answer

Transfer the call to a manager immediately.

Question 12

A technician is configuring a new workstation for an executive who requested specific software. The executive's assistant says the executive is very busy and wants the setup done quickly without any questions. What is the most professional response?

Accepted Answer

Ask the assistant to confirm the exact software list and any version requirements before starting.. Option B is correct because it demonstrates professional due diligence: confirming the exact software list and version requirements prevents misconfigurations that could waste the executive's time later. A technician must verify requirements before installation to avoid compatibility issues or missing critical features, which is a core communication skill in the CompTIA A+ 220-1202 domain.

Answer

Proceed with the installation as requested to respect the executive's time.

Answer

Install the software that is most commonly used by other executives.

Answer

Tell the assistant that you cannot proceed without talking to the executive directly.

Question 13

A technician receives a ticket from a user who says their email is not working. The technician remotely connects and sees that the user's Outlook profile is corrupt. The user is in the middle of an important project. What is the best way to communicate the necessary steps?

Accepted Answer

Explain that the Outlook profile is corrupt and needs to be rebuilt, which may cause a brief interruption.. Option A is correct because it balances transparency with professionalism: the technician clearly explains the issue (corrupt Outlook profile) and the necessary action (rebuild), while proactively managing expectations about a brief interruption. This approach respects the user's need to stay informed during an important project, aligning with ITIL best practices for incident management and user communication.

Answer

Tell the user that you will fix it and they should not worry about the details.

Answer

Use technical terms like 'PST file corruption' and 'registry repair' to sound knowledgeable.

Answer

Rebuild the profile without informing the user to avoid worrying them.

Question 14

A technician is helping a user who accidentally installed a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that changed their browser homepage and search engine. The user is embarrassed and asks the technician not to tell their manager. What is the most ethical response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that you will remove the PUP but must document the incident per company policy, though you will not share unnecessary details.. Option B is correct because it balances the user's privacy concern with the technician's professional obligation to follow company policy. Documenting the incident (e.g., in a help desk ticket) is standard procedure for tracking PUP infections, which may indicate broader security issues like drive-by downloads or social engineering. The technician can remove the PUP using tools like Malwarebytes or AdwCleaner while omitting the user's name from unnecessary reports, preserving trust without violating policy.

Answer

Agree not to tell the manager and remove the PUP quietly.

Answer

Tell the user that this is a serious security breach and you have to report it immediately.

Answer

Ignore the request and report the user to HR for violating IT policy.

Question 15

A user calls the help desk, frustrated that their laptop 'keeps freezing' during video conferences. They admit they have 15 browser tabs open, are running a resource-heavy design app, and have not restarted the laptop in three weeks. The technician needs to recommend a solution while maintaining professionalism. What should the technician say first?

Accepted Answer

"I understand that's frustrating. Let's look at what might be causing this. Have you noticed it happens when certain programs are open?". Option B is correct because it first validates the user's frustration (professionalism) and then uses a probing question to gather diagnostic data about the specific conditions causing the freezing. This aligns with the CompTIA A+ troubleshooting methodology (identify the problem) and maintains rapport, which is critical for customer satisfaction. The technician avoids premature blame or dismissal, instead focusing on correlating the symptom (freezing) with resource contention from the browser tabs and design app.

Answer

"You need to close some tabs and restart your laptop immediately."

Answer

"That's because you never restart your computer. You should do that weekly."

Answer

"Let me transfer you to our advanced support team for this issue."