The answer is to review the NTFS permissions on the shared folder. This is correct because when a user can access other shares on the same server but not a specific folder, the issue is almost always at the NTFS level, not the share level. NTFS permissions provide granular control over folder access on the server’s file system, and even if share permissions grant full access, restrictive NTFS permissions can block a specific user. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the difference between share permissions and NTFS permissions, a common trap where students focus only on the share. The key is to check effective permissions for the user on that folder to see where access is denied. Remember the memory tip: “Share gives the gate, NTFS locks the door”—always verify both layers when troubleshooting NTFS permissions blocking folder access.
220-1102 Logical Security Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of logical security concepts. 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 calls the help desk saying they cannot access a shared folder on the network. They can access other shares on the same server. The technician verifies the user's account is active and the folder exists. What should the technician check next to resolve the access issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Review the NTFS permissions on the shared folder.
NTFS permissions control access at the folder level on the server. Even if share permissions allow access, restrictive NTFS permissions can block a specific user. The technician should check the effective permissions on that folder for the user.
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.
✗
Check if the user's password has expired.
Why it's wrong here
Password expiry would affect all network access, not just a single share.
✗
Verify the user has been added to the local Administrators group.
Why it's wrong here
Administrator rights are not required for accessing a shared folder and would be excessive.
✓
Review the NTFS permissions on the shared folder.
Why this is correct
NTFS permissions can deny access to specific users even if share permissions allow it, explaining the isolated issue.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reboot the file server to clear any cached permissions.
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting is disruptive and unlikely to resolve a permissions misconfiguration.
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.
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 220-1202 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 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 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.
Logical Security Concepts — This question tests Logical Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Review the NTFS permissions on the shared folder. — NTFS permissions control access at the folder level on the server. Even if share permissions allow access, restrictive NTFS permissions can block a specific user. The technician should check the effective permissions on that folder for the user.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 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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