The answer is that the server requires SMB 3.0 encryption, which Windows 7 does not support. This is because SMB 3.0, introduced with Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8, added mandatory encryption capabilities that are not present in the older SMB 2.1 protocol used by Windows 7. When the file server is configured to require SMB 3.0 encryption, Windows 7 clients cannot negotiate the connection because their SMB 2.1 stack lacks the necessary encryption features, resulting in a protocol version mismatch. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of SMB version compatibility and how encryption requirements can block older clients; a common trap is assuming all Windows versions support the same SMB features. Remember the memory tip: “Windows 7 is stuck at 2.1, so SMB 3.0 encryption is a door it cannot open.”
220-1101 Network Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. 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 company deploys a new file server that uses SMB protocol for file sharing. Users on Windows 10 can connect to the server, but users on older Windows 7 machines cannot. The server is configured to require SMB 3.0 encryption. Which protocol version mismatch is causing the issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The server requires SMB 3.0, which Windows 7 does not support.
SMB 3.0 introduced encryption and other features not supported by older SMB versions. Windows 7 typically uses SMB 2.1 by default, which cannot negotiate SMB 3.0 encryption. The server's requirement for SMB 3.0 encryption prevents Windows 7 clients from connecting, as they lack support for that version.
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 server requires SMB 1.0, which Windows 7 does not support by default.
Why it's wrong here
Windows 7 does support SMB 1.0, but the server requires SMB 3.0, not 1.0.
✗
The server requires SMB 2.0, which Windows 7 does not support.
Why it's wrong here
Windows 7 supports SMB 2.0 and 2.1; the issue is with SMB 3.0.
✓
The server requires SMB 3.0, which Windows 7 does not support.
Why this is correct
SMB 3.0 is not supported on Windows 7, so the client cannot meet the server's encryption requirement.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The server requires SMB 3.1.1, which Windows 10 also does not support.
Why it's wrong here
Windows 10 supports SMB 3.1.1, and the scenario states Windows 10 works, so this is incorrect.
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
Scenario analysis trap
Windows 10 supports SMB 3.1.1, and the scenario states Windows 10 works, so this is incorrect.
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 220-1201 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 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 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.
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The server requires SMB 3.0, which Windows 7 does not support. — SMB 3.0 introduced encryption and other features not supported by older SMB versions. Windows 7 typically uses SMB 2.1 by default, which cannot negotiate SMB 3.0 encryption. The server's requirement for SMB 3.0 encryption prevents Windows 7 clients from connecting, as they lack support for that version.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 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.
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Question Discussion
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