The answer is that the scheduled task is not configured to run with highest privileges. This is the most likely cause because when a PowerShell script is executed manually from an elevated prompt, it has full administrative rights, but a scheduled task defaults to running with the user’s limited permissions unless explicitly set to run with highest privileges. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of User Account Control (UAC) and how scheduled tasks interact with security contexts—a common trap is assuming that because the user has admin rights, the task inherits them automatically. Remember that a scheduled task runs in a non-interactive session, so it does not trigger UAC elevation; you must check the “Run with highest privileges” checkbox in the task’s properties. A simple memory tip: “Manual works, auto fails? Check the privilege rails.”
220-1202 Scripting Basics Practice Question
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 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?
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 scheduled task is not set to run with highest privileges.
Scheduled tasks often run with limited permissions, so if the script requires administrative rights, it will fail when triggered automatically. The correct answer highlights the need to configure the task to run with highest privileges.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Scripting Basics — This question tests Scripting Basics — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The scheduled task is not set to run with highest privileges. — Scheduled tasks often run with limited permissions, so if the script requires administrative rights, it will fail when triggered automatically. The correct answer highlights the need to configure the task to run with highest privileges.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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