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220-1102 Practice Question: That after installing a free PDF converter from…
A user reports that after installing a free PDF converter from an advertisement, their browser homepage changed and they see constant pop-ups for antivirus software. A malware scan found PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs). What is the best next step to fully remove the unwanted software and restore browser settings?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that System Restore (Option A) is a comprehensive fix for malware, when in reality it may not remove PUPs that persist in user profile folders or browser data that are excluded from restore points.
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
✓
Use a dedicated adware removal tool and then reset the browser.
PUPs often embed deeply into browser settings and registry entries that a standard uninstall or System Restore may not fully remove. A dedicated adware removal tool targets these specific traces, and resetting the browser ensures all malicious extensions, search providers, and homepage hijacks are cleared, restoring default security configurations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Run System Restore to a point before installation.
Why it's wrong here
Running System Restore to a point before installation is often insufficient for thoroughly removing Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). While it reverts system files and registry settings, PUPs frequently install components in user profiles, modify browser extensions, or create scheduled tasks that System Restore may not target or fully revert. This can leave remnants that allow the PUP to reactivate or continue displaying unwanted behavior, necessitating more direct removal methods.
- ✓
Use a dedicated adware removal tool and then reset the browser.
Why this is correct
Using a dedicated adware removal tool is crucial because these utilities are specifically designed to detect and eradicate PUPs, which often evade standard antivirus software due to their 'grayware' nature. These tools employ heuristics and extensive databases to locate deeply embedded components, including browser hijackers, unwanted extensions, and persistent registry entries. Subsequently, resetting the browser ensures all lingering modifications, such as altered homepages, search engines, and pop-up settings, are completely reverted to default, providing a clean slate.
- ✗
Manually delete the program from Program Files.
Why it's wrong here
Manually deleting a program from the Program Files directory is an incomplete and ineffective method for removing Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). PUPs are designed to scatter their components across various system locations, including the Windows Registry, user profile folders, browser extension directories, and scheduled tasks. Simply deleting the main executable leaves these numerous remnants intact, allowing the PUP to persist, reinstall itself, or continue exhibiting unwanted behaviors like pop-ups and browser redirects.
- ✗
Disable the browser's JavaScript and ActiveX.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling a browser's JavaScript and ActiveX components is a security hardening measure that prevents certain types of dynamic content and scripts from executing, but it does not remove an already installed Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP). While it might prevent some pop-ups or malicious scripts from running in the future, it does nothing to uninstall the core PUP application, revert its system-wide changes, or clean up altered browser settings like the homepage or default search engine. The underlying problem remains unaddressed.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Registry
Key term
Malware
Malware is any software intentionally designed to cause damage, disrupt operations, steal data, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
Key term
System Restore
System Restore is a Windows utility that lets you revert your computer's system files, registry settings, and installed programs to a previous state without affecting your personal files.
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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.