The correct additional remediation step is to reset the browser settings to default. This is necessary because adware often modifies browser configuration files, registry keys, or extension policies that antivirus software does not touch during removal; these persistent changes keep the homepage and pop-ups active even after the malware itself is gone. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of post-removal cleanup, specifically that adware remediation requires both malware removal and browser setting restoration to fully eliminate the infection’s footprint. A common trap is assuming the antivirus alone fixes everything, but the exam emphasizes that browser settings are stored separately and must be manually reset. Memory tip: think “clean the virus, then clean the browser” — or simply remember “AV removes the pest, resetting the browser ends the rest.”
220-1202 PC Security Issue Remediation Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of pc security issue remediation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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's computer is infected with adware that changes the browser homepage and displays constant pop-ups. After removing the adware with an antivirus, the homepage remains changed. What additional remediation step should you take?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Reset the browser settings to default
After adware removal, the browser's homepage and settings are often stored in the browser's configuration files or registry keys that the antivirus does not reset. Resetting the browser settings to default restores the homepage, search engine, and new tab page to their original state, clearing any persistent malicious configurations left behind by the adware.
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 is excessive; the issue is limited to browser settings that can be easily reset.
✓
Reset the browser settings to default
Why this is correct
Resetting the browser clears all adware-induced changes, restoring the homepage and removing unwanted extensions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Run a disk cleanup utility
Why it's wrong here
Disk cleanup removes temporary files but does not fix browser configuration changes.
✗
Update the antivirus definitions and scan again
Why it's wrong here
The adware is already removed; scanning again will not revert browser settings.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a full OS reinstall is required for any persistent malware symptom, but the trap here is that the issue is a configuration change, not an active infection, so a targeted browser reset is sufficient.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Adware often modifies browser preferences stored in files like 'Preferences' or 'Secure Preferences' (Chromium-based browsers) or in the Windows Registry under 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main'. Resetting the browser deletes these corrupted files or keys and recreates them with default values. In enterprise environments, Group Policy may prevent users from resetting settings, requiring administrative intervention to remove the policy or manually edit the registry.
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.
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: Reset the browser settings to default — After adware removal, the browser's homepage and settings are often stored in the browser's configuration files or registry keys that the antivirus does not reset. Resetting the browser settings to default restores the homepage, search engine, and new tab page to their original state, clearing any persistent malicious configurations left behind by the adware.
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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