The answer is the `runas` command, specifically `runas /user:Administrator script.bat`, because it allows you to execute a script with administrative privileges from a command line or batch file without needing to log in as the administrator. This tool works by launching the specified program under a different user account—typically the built-in Administrator—granting it the elevated rights required for system-level changes like deploying software across multiple workstations. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of command-line utilities for privilege escalation, often appearing in scenarios involving automated deployments or troubleshooting permission issues. A common trap is confusing `runas` with `msiexec` (which installs MSI packages) or `schtasks` (which schedules tasks), but remember that only `runas` directly elevates a single command’s context. Memory tip: think “run as admin” to recall that `runas` switches user identity for that one script run.
220-1102 Windows Command-Line Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows command-line tools. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 technician needs to deploy a custom script to 50 Windows 10 workstations during an automated software installation. The script must run with administrative privileges. Which command-line tool should be used to execute the script with elevated rights from a batch file?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
runas /user:Administrator script.bat
The runas command allows executing a program with different credentials, typically an administrator account. In deployment scripts, runas /user:Administrator ensures the script runs with elevated privileges. Other options like msiexec install MSI packages, wmic queries WMI, and schtasks schedules tasks.
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.
✗
msiexec /i package.msi
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. msiexec installs Windows Installer packages, it does not run arbitrary scripts with elevated rights.
✗
wmic os get name
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. wmic retrieves WMI information, it does not execute scripts with administrative privileges.
✓
runas /user:Administrator script.bat
Why this is correct
Correct. runas executes the script under the Administrator account, ensuring necessary permissions.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
schtasks /create
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. schtasks schedules tasks but does not directly run a script with immediate elevation.
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.
Windows Command-Line Tools — This question tests Windows Command-Line Tools — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: runas /user:Administrator script.bat — The runas command allows executing a program with different credentials, typically an administrator account. In deployment scripts, runas /user:Administrator ensures the script runs with elevated privileges. Other options like msiexec install MSI packages, wmic queries WMI, and schtasks schedules tasks.
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: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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