hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: That their Windows 10 PC is unable to connect to…
A user reports that their Windows 10 PC is unable to connect to network shares on a server, but internet access works fine. You suspect the 'Workstation' service is not running. Which administrative tool should you use to verify and start this service?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse a service issue with a driver or network configuration problem, leading them to choose Device Manager or Network and Sharing Center instead of the Services console.
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
✓
Services console to locate the 'Workstation' service and start it.
The 'Workstation' service (LanmanWorkstation) is a core Windows service that enables the computer to initiate outbound SMB connections to network shares. The Services console (services.msc) is the correct administrative tool to check the status of this service and start it if it is stopped. Option C directly addresses the need to verify and manage this service.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Task Manager > Startup tab to check if the service is enabled.
Why it's wrong here
The Task Manager's Startup tab is designed to manage user-level applications that launch automatically when Windows starts, such as web browsers, chat clients, or productivity suites. It does not list or control system-level Windows services, which are background processes essential for operating system functions and network protocols. Therefore, attempting to diagnose or enable a critical Windows service like the Workstation service through this interface would be ineffective and incorrect.
- ✗
Network and Sharing Center to run the network troubleshooter.
Why it's wrong here
Running the network troubleshooter from the Network and Sharing Center is primarily effective for diagnosing common connectivity problems, such as incorrect IP configurations, DNS resolution issues, or physical link problems with the network adapter. While it can identify some network-related issues, it is generally not equipped to detect or automatically restart a specific, stopped system service like the Workstation service, which operates at a higher layer than basic network connectivity. Its scope is too broad and lacks the granular control needed for service management.
- ✓
Services console to locate the 'Workstation' service and start it.
Why this is correct
The Services console (services.msc) is the definitive administrative tool for managing all Windows services. The 'Workstation' service (also known as LanmanWorkstation) is crucial for enabling client-side Server Message Block (SMB) protocol functionality, allowing a Windows PC to connect to and access shared folders, printers, and other resources on a network. If this service is stopped, the client cannot establish SMB connections, directly preventing access to network shares. Starting this service through the console restores the necessary functionality.
- ✗
Device Manager to reinstall the network adapter driver.
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the network adapter driver via Device Manager addresses issues related to the physical network interface card's (NIC) functionality or its communication with the operating system. While a faulty driver can cause complete loss of network connectivity, it typically wouldn't selectively prevent access to network shares while other network functions (like internet browsing) might still work. A stopped Workstation service is a software-level issue above the driver layer, meaning the driver itself is likely functioning correctly, but the service relying on it is not running.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Editions and Features
Key term
Windows
Windows is a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft that manages computer hardware and software, providing a graphical user interface for users to interact with their devices.
Key term
Services console
A management interface in network operating systems or cloud platforms that provides centralised control over system services and daemons.
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JA
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.