220-1102 Software Troubleshooting Practice Question
A user reports that a game crashes on launch with error 'DirectX function failed'. The technician has updated the graphics driver and installed the latest DirectX runtime. What should the technician do NEXT?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates assume 'DirectX function failed' always requires reinstalling the game or DirectX, but the CompTIA 220-1102 exam expects you to use Event Viewer first to gather specific error details before taking further action.
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
✓
Check Windows Event Viewer for detailed error information
The technician has already updated the graphics driver and DirectX runtime, which are the most common fixes for a DirectX failure. Checking Windows Event Viewer is the logical next step because it can provide a specific error code or module name (e.g., d3d11.dll, nvlddmkm.sys) that pinpoints the root cause, such as a corrupt system file, incompatible overlay, or a missing Visual C++ redistributable. This diagnostic step prevents wasted effort on reinstallation or other guesswork.
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 game
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the game resets its local files and configuration but does not address the underlying DirectX runtime or driver faults that typically trigger the error. Event Viewer should be checked first to identify the specific failing module (e.g., d3d11.dll or a GPU driver hang) because a blind reinstall consumes time and bandwidth without fixing root causes like an outdated graphics driver. Only after log analysis confirms a missing or damaged game file should reinstallation be attempted.
- ✓
Check Windows Event Viewer for detailed error information
Why this is correct
Windows Event Viewer, specifically under Windows Logs > Application and System, captures crash details including the faulting module name, exception code, and driver load failures that pinpoint the DirectX error source. A fault in d3d11.dll suggests a DirectX runtime or driver issue, whereas a fault in the game's executable points to a corrupted game file. This non-destructive step provides the exact evidence needed to decide whether to update the GPU driver, install runtime components, or repair game files.
- ✗
Run System File Checker (sfc /scannow)
Why it's wrong here
System File Checker (sfc /scannow) verifies protected Windows system files and can repair corruption, but it rarely resolves DirectX failures caused by third-party graphics drivers or game-specific content. Running SFC before checking Event Viewer can waste time and mask the actual problem, as it performs a full scan and may require a restart. SFC should be a targeted step only after logs implicate a corrupted system DLL or DirectX component, not a first response.
- ✗
Update the BIOS
Why it's wrong here
Updating the BIOS flashes low-level firmware that initializes CPU, memory, and chipset, making it unrelated to the software-level DirectX API that fails during gameplay. While a BIOS update might improve PCIe link stability in rare cases, it risks system damage if interrupted and does not address typical causes like outdated GPU drivers or missing DirectX runtime files. BIOS updates should only be considered when logs specifically indicate hardware incompatibility, not as a routine fix for game crashes.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Troubleshoot: Application Crashes
Key term
Event Viewer
Event Viewer is a built-in Windows tool that logs system, security, and application events to help administrators monitor and troubleshoot issues.
Key term
Event
An event is any identifiable occurrence or action in a computer system, network, or application that can be logged, monitored, or analyzed for security or operational purposes.
About these practice questions
One of 925 original 220-1102 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1102 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 220-1102 exam.