easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: A user's computer is infected with adware that…
A user's computer is infected with adware that changes the browser homepage and displays constant pop-ups. After removing the adware with an antivirus, the homepage remains changed. What additional remediation step should you take?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a full OS reinstall is required for any persistent malware symptom, but the trap here is that the issue is a configuration change, not an active infection, so a targeted browser reset is sufficient.
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
✓
Reset the browser settings to default
After adware removal, the browser's homepage and settings are often stored in the browser's configuration files or registry keys that the antivirus does not reset. Resetting the browser settings to default restores the homepage, search engine, and new tab page to their original state, clearing any persistent malicious configurations left behind by the adware.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reinstall the operating system
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the operating system is an extreme and time-consuming measure that involves wiping the entire disk and reinstalling Windows, applications, and user data. While it would undoubtedly remove the adware and reset browser settings, it is a disproportionate response for an issue primarily confined to browser configuration. More targeted and less disruptive solutions exist to address browser-specific modifications without such extensive system overhaul.
- ✓
Reset the browser settings to default
Why this is correct
Resetting the browser settings to their default configuration is the most effective and direct solution for adware that alters browser behavior, such as changing the homepage, default search engine, or injecting unwanted extensions. This action specifically targets and reverts all user-defined and malicious modifications within the browser's profile, restoring its original state without affecting the operating system or other applications. It efficiently eliminates the persistent symptoms of the adware infection.
- ✗
Run a disk cleanup utility
Why it's wrong here
Running a disk cleanup utility primarily focuses on freeing up disk space by deleting temporary files, system logs, recycle bin contents, and other non-essential data. While beneficial for general system maintenance, this utility does not interact with or modify browser configuration files, registry entries related to browser settings, or installed extensions. Therefore, it will not revert any adware-induced changes to the browser's homepage or search engine.
- ✗
Update the antivirus definitions and scan again
Why it's wrong here
Updating antivirus definitions and performing another scan is crucial for detecting and removing active malware threats, but it typically does not revert configuration changes made by previously active adware. While an antivirus might remove the adware executable, it often leaves behind residual browser modifications, such as altered homepages or search providers. These persistent changes require specific browser-level intervention, not another system-wide malware scan.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Registry
Key term
Antivirus
Antivirus is software that detects, prevents, and removes malicious software (malware) from a computer or network.
Key term
Adware
Adware is software that automatically displays or downloads unwanted advertisements, often bundled with free programs, and may track user behavior without clear consent.
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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.