The answer is Event Viewer, because it is the built-in Windows tool that logs blue screen crash events and provides direct access to the memory dump file location for analysis. When a system crashes, Windows records the error details in the System log under Event ID 1001, which includes the path to the dump file (e.g., %SystemRoot%\MEMORY.DMP) and often identifies the faulty driver by name. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between diagnostic utilities: Windows Memory Diagnostic tests RAM hardware, while Event Viewer is the correct tool to view crash logs and locate dump files. A common trap is choosing WinDbg, which is a powerful but non-built-in tool for deep analysis, whereas the exam emphasizes native Windows utilities. Memory tip: think “Event Viewer logs the event, then you dump the file.”
220-1202 Windows Administrative Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows administrative tools. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 their Windows 10 PC frequently crashes with a blue screen error. You want to analyze the memory dump files to identify the faulty driver. Which tool should you use to view and analyze these dump files?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Event Viewer
Windows Memory Diagnostic (mdsched.exe) tests RAM for errors, but to analyze crash dump files, you use tools like WinDbg or the built-in Reliability Monitor. However, the question asks for a built-in tool to view dump files; the correct answer is Event Viewer, which logs crash events and can point to the dump file location.
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.
✓
Event Viewer
Why this is correct
Event Viewer logs system errors, including blue screen events, and provides details about the crash, including the dump file path.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Windows Memory Diagnostic
Why it's wrong here
Windows Memory Diagnostic tests RAM hardware, but does not analyze existing dump files.
✗
Performance Monitor
Why it's wrong here
Performance Monitor tracks performance counters, not crash dump analysis.
✗
Task Manager
Why it's wrong here
Task Manager shows running processes and performance, not crash dump logs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Task Manager shows running processes and performance, not crash dump logs.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Windows Administrative Tools — This question tests Windows Administrative Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Event Viewer — Windows Memory Diagnostic (mdsched.exe) tests RAM for errors, but to analyze crash dump files, you use tools like WinDbg or the built-in Reliability Monitor. However, the question asks for a built-in tool to view dump files; the correct answer is Event Viewer, which logs crash events and can point to the dump file location.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.