This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of scripting basics. 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 user reports that a PowerShell script they wrote to rename multiple files in a folder works on their desktop but fails with a 'permission denied' error when run from a network folder. The user has full control of the network folder. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The execution policy is set to RemoteSigned, which blocks scripts from network locations.
The PowerShell execution policy controls which scripts can run and from where. The RemoteSigned policy requires that scripts from the internet (including network shares) be digitally signed, and it treats network drives as an 'internet' zone. When the script is run from a network folder, the policy blocks execution unless the script is signed, resulting in a 'permission denied' error, even though the user has full NTFS permissions.
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.
✗
The script uses a cmdlet that is not available on the network drive.
Why it's wrong here
Cmdlets are available regardless of drive location; this is not a permission issue.
✓
The execution policy is set to RemoteSigned, which blocks scripts from network locations.
Why this is correct
RemoteSigned requires scripts from the internet or network to be signed, causing the failure.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The network folder has a space in its name.
Why it's wrong here
Spaces can be handled with quotes; they wouldn't cause a permission denied error.
✗
The user is not running PowerShell as an administrator.
Why it's wrong here
Renaming files doesn't require admin rights if the user has full control of the folder.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that 'permission denied' always relates to NTFS or share permissions, when in fact PowerShell's execution policy can block scripts from network locations even if the user has full control.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
PowerShell execution policies are enforced at the scope level (MachinePolicy, UserPolicy, Process, CurrentUser, LocalMachine) and are not security boundaries but rather a user-consent mechanism. The RemoteSigned policy uses the Zone Identifier (alternate data stream) to determine if a file originated from the internet; network shares are often mapped to the 'Internet' zone (ZoneId=3) unless the server is in the Local Intranet zone. This can be overridden by unblocking the file with the Unblock-File cmdlet or by changing the execution policy to Bypass.
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 practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Scripting Basics — This question tests Scripting Basics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The execution policy is set to RemoteSigned, which blocks scripts from network locations. — The PowerShell execution policy controls which scripts can run and from where. The RemoteSigned policy requires that scripts from the internet (including network shares) be digitally signed, and it treats network drives as an 'internet' zone. When the script is run from a network folder, the policy blocks execution unless the script is signed, resulting in a 'permission denied' error, even though the user has full NTFS permissions.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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