The correct next step is to run a scan with a dedicated anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes. Standard antivirus software often fails to detect adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) because these threats are designed to evade signature-based scans by mimicking legitimate processes or injecting pop-ups at the system level rather than through a browser. A dedicated anti-malware tool uses heuristic analysis and specialized signature databases to identify these low-level threats that traditional AV engines overlook. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of layered security and the distinction between antivirus and anti-malware utilities—a common trap is assuming a single scan is sufficient. Remember the memory tip: “AV for viruses, AM for adware”—when pop-ups persist after a clean scan, switch to a dedicated anti-malware tool to catch what the antivirus missed.
220-1202 PC Security Issue Remediation Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of pc security issue remediation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A customer reports that their Windows 10 PC is slow and displays pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They suspect malware. After running a full antivirus scan, the symptoms persist. Which step should you take next to remediate the issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run a scan with a dedicated anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes.
Option B is correct because standard antivirus software often misses potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and adware that inject pop-ups into the system. A dedicated anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes uses heuristic analysis and signature databases specifically tuned to detect and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other low-level threats that traditional AV engines may overlook.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Reinstall the operating system.
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the OS is a last resort and too drastic for adware that can be removed with a specialized tool.
✓
Run a scan with a dedicated anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes.
Why this is correct
Adware and PUPs often evade standard antivirus; a dedicated anti-malware tool is designed to detect and remove them.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable Windows Defender permanently.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling Windows Defender would reduce protection and does not remove the existing adware.
✗
Clear the browser cache and cookies.
Why it's wrong here
Clearing cache and cookies may remove some pop-up triggers but won't remove the underlying adware installed on the system.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between standard antivirus and specialized anti-malware tools, trapping candidates who assume that a full antivirus scan is sufficient to remove all types of malware, especially adware and PUPs.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Adware often installs as a browser extension or a Windows service that injects ads into the system at the network level (e.g., via WinSock LSP or proxy settings). Malwarebytes uses a combination of signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, and rootkit scanning to identify and remove these persistent components, including those that hook into system APIs like `WinHttpOpen` or modify the Hosts file. In a real-world scenario, a user might have a PUP like 'SearchProtect' that resists removal by standard AV because it registers as a legitimate browser helper object.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
PC Security Issue Remediation — This question tests PC Security Issue Remediation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Run a scan with a dedicated anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes. — Option B is correct because standard antivirus software often misses potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and adware that inject pop-ups into the system. A dedicated anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes uses heuristic analysis and signature databases specifically tuned to detect and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other low-level threats that traditional AV engines may overlook.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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