easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: A customer reports that their Windows 10 PC is…
A customer reports that their Windows 10 PC is slow and displays pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They suspect malware. After running a full antivirus scan, the symptoms persist. Which step should you take next to remediate the issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between standard antivirus and specialized anti-malware tools, trapping candidates who assume that a full antivirus scan is sufficient to remove all types of malware, especially adware and PUPs.
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
✓
Run a scan with a dedicated anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes.
Standard antivirus software often misses potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and adware that inject pop-ups into the system. A dedicated anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes uses heuristic analysis and signature databases specifically tuned to detect and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other low-level threats that traditional AV engines may overlook.
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 the operating system is an extreme and last-resort measure that should only be considered when the system is severely compromised beyond repair or all other troubleshooting steps have failed. For adware, which typically causes annoyance rather than system-level destruction, this action is overly aggressive, resulting in significant downtime, data backup/restore efforts, and reinstallation of all applications, making it highly inefficient and unnecessary.
- ✓
Run a scan with a dedicated anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes.
Why this is correct
Dedicated anti-malware tools, such as Malwarebytes, specialize in detecting and removing Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) and adware that often bypass traditional antivirus software. These utilities employ more aggressive heuristics and signature databases specifically tailored to identify intrusive browser extensions, unwanted toolbars, and persistent pop-up generators, effectively cleaning the system without resorting to more drastic measures.
- ✗
Disable Windows Defender permanently.
Why it's wrong here
Permanently disabling Windows Defender is counterproductive as it removes a critical layer of real-time protection against future threats and does nothing to address the existing adware infection. This action would leave the system vulnerable to new malware attacks and allow the current adware to persist, potentially escalating its malicious activities or facilitating further infections, thereby worsening the security posture.
- ✗
Clear the browser cache and cookies.
Why it's wrong here
Clearing browser cache and cookies primarily addresses temporary internet files and website-specific data, which might temporarily alleviate some browser-based pop-ups or tracking issues. However, this action does not remove the core adware program or malicious browser extensions that are typically installed at the system level or deeply integrated into the browser, meaning the symptoms would likely return quickly.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Editions and Features
Key term
Adware
Adware is software that automatically displays or downloads unwanted advertisements, often bundled with free programs, and may track user behavior without clear consent.
Key term
Pop-up ads
Pop-up ads are unsolicited browser windows or overlays that appear automatically while browsing, often used for advertising or, maliciously, to spread malware.
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JA
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.