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220-1202 Practice Question: Create a virtual machine that will host a legacy…
A technician needs to create a virtual machine that will host a legacy application requiring Windows XP. The host runs Windows 11. After creating the VM and installing Windows XP, the technician notices that the mouse cursor is lagging and the screen resolution is stuck at 800x600. What should the technician do to resolve this?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse performance issues with resource allocation (RAM) or network settings, overlooking the fundamental requirement for guest additions (or integration services) to enable proper hardware support in the guest OS.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Install the guest additions for the VM.
The mouse lag and limited screen resolution (800x600) indicate that the VM lacks proper integration with the host, which is resolved by installing guest additions. Guest additions provide optimized drivers for video, mouse, and other hardware, enabling smooth cursor movement and higher resolutions. This is a standard step after installing any guest OS in a hypervisor like Hyper-V or VirtualBox.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Increase the amount of RAM allocated to the VM.
Why it's wrong here
RAM affects overall performance but does not improve display resolution or mouse responsiveness.
- ✓
Install the guest additions for the VM.
Why this is correct
Installing guest additions supplies the virtualised display and mouse drivers Windows XP lacks, enabling higher resolutions and removing cursor lag. Without them the VM falls back to generic drivers, which explains the 800x600 limit and sluggish pointer.
- ✗
Update the host operating system to the latest version.
Why it's wrong here
The host already runs Windows 11, and its patch level has no bearing on the guest's missing display and input drivers. Updating the host is the correct action for host-side vulnerabilities or hardware compatibility faults, not for a Windows XP guest stuck at 800x600 with a lagging cursor.
- ✗
Change the VM's network adapter from NAT to bridged.
Why it's wrong here
The network adapter mode affects connectivity only; it cannot influence graphics resolution or mouse responsiveness inside the guest. Switching NAT to bridged is the correct choice when a VM needs its own LAN-visible IP address, not when Windows XP lacks the display and input drivers.
Visual reference
About these practice questions
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.