The answer is to use a dedicated adware removal tool and then reset the browser. This is correct because PUPs and browser hijackers often embed themselves deeper into the system than standard malware, using registry entries and scheduled tasks that a typical antivirus scan may miss; a specialized adware cleaner targets these specific persistence mechanisms. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of removal procedures for bundled software threats, a common troubleshooting objective. The trap is choosing to simply run a full antivirus scan again, which often fails to fully eradicate PUPs, or manually deleting browser shortcuts without resetting settings. Remember the two-step rule: clean with a dedicated tool, then reset the browser to wipe all hijacked configurations. A helpful memory tip is “Scrub then scrub the slate”—first remove the PUP, then reset the browser to factory defaults.
220-1102 Browser and Application Security Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of browser and application security. 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 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?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 like browser hijackers often come bundled with free software. Using a dedicated PUP removal tool or adware cleaner is more effective than a standard antivirus scan. After removal, resetting the browser ensures all changes are reverted.
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.
✗
Run System Restore to a point before installation.
Why it's wrong here
System Restore may not remove all remnants of the PUP, and it could revert other system changes.
✓
Use a dedicated adware removal tool and then reset the browser.
Why this is correct
Adware removal tools are designed to find and remove PUPs that standard antivirus may miss, and resetting the browser cleans up leftover settings.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Manually delete the program from Program Files.
Why it's wrong here
Manual deletion may leave registry entries and browser extensions intact, leading to recurrence.
✗
Disable the browser's JavaScript and ActiveX.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling scripting does not remove the installed PUP or fix the homepage and pop-ups.
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.
Browser and Application Security — This question tests Browser and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a dedicated adware removal tool and then reset the browser. — PUPs like browser hijackers often come bundled with free software. Using a dedicated PUP removal tool or adware cleaner is more effective than a standard antivirus scan. After removal, resetting the browser ensures all changes are reverted.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a security audit, you discover that a user's browser has multiple pop-up windows appearing, even when no websites are open. The user denies installing any software. Which tool should you use to identify and remove the underlying cause?
medium
A.Reset the browser settings to default
✓ B.Run a full scan with Windows Defender or another anti-malware tool
C.Disable JavaScript in the browser
D.Clear the browser cache and cookies
Why B: Pop-ups appearing without a browser suggest adware or a potentially unwanted program (PUP) running as a background process. Using Windows Defender or an anti-malware scanner is the correct approach. This tests understanding of adware behavior and removal tools.
Variation 2. A user calls the help desk complaining that their browser homepage keeps changing to a site they did not set, and they cannot change it back. You remotely check and find no malware. What is the most likely cause?
easy
A.The user's browser profile is corrupted.
✓ B.A recently installed program modified the browser settings during installation.
C.The user's DNS settings are being hijacked by the ISP.
D.The browser's shortcut target is pointing to a different URL.
Why B: Some legitimate software installers include options to change browser settings, and users may inadvertently agree. This is a common cause of homepage changes that are not malware-related.
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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.
Question Discussion
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