easyMultiple Choice
220-1202 Practice Question: That a scheduled backup script on their Windows…
A user reports that a scheduled backup script on their Windows 10 workstation runs every day but fails to complete. The script uses PowerShell to copy files to a network share. When the user runs the script manually from an elevated PowerShell prompt, it works. What is the most likely cause of the failure?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA A+ often tests the misconception that the SYSTEM account inherently has full administrative rights, when in fact scheduled tasks default to running without elevation unless explicitly configured.
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
✓
The scheduled task is not set to run with highest privileges.
The scheduled task runs under the SYSTEM account by default, which lacks the necessary permissions to access network resources or perform administrative file operations. Running the script manually from an elevated PowerShell prompt works because the user has the required privileges. Setting the task to 'Run with highest privileges' elevates the SYSTEM account to have the same rights as an administrator, resolving the access issue.
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 file extension is .ps1 instead of .bat.
Why it's wrong here
PowerShell scripts can be .ps1 and run from Task Scheduler, so this is not the issue.
- ✓
The scheduled task is not set to run with highest privileges.
Why this is correct
If the script needs admin rights, the task must be configured to run with highest privileges; otherwise it fails.
- ✗
The network share is mapped as a drive letter, which is not available during system startup.
Why it's wrong here
The script runs daily at a scheduled time, not at startup, so drive mapping should be available.
- ✗
PowerShell execution policy is set to Restricted for the SYSTEM account.
Why it's wrong here
Execution policy applies to the user context, but the script works manually, so policy is not blocking it.
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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.