The answer is that the task is set to run only when the user is logged on. This is the most likely scripting-related issue because when a scheduled task is configured with the “run only when user is logged on” option, it requires an active user session with loaded profile and network resources; after a reboot, no user is logged in, so the VBScript fails due to missing permissions and context. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of script execution context and the difference between user-interactive and system-level task scheduling—a common trap is assuming stored credentials alone guarantee execution. To fix it, the technician must select “run whether user is logged on or not” and supply the password, which the system stores securely. Memory tip: “Logged on or off? If the script bombs after reboot, the ‘only when logged on’ box is the culprit.”
220-1102 Scripting Basics Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of scripting basics. 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 reports that a scheduled task running a VBScript fails every time the computer is rebooted. The script works when run manually. The technician checks the task properties and sees the task is set to run with the user's credentials. Which scripting-related issue is most likely causing the failure?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The script works when run manually, so syntax is not the issue.
B
The script uses absolute paths that change after reboot
Why wrong: Incorrect. Absolute paths remain the same after reboot. This would not cause a failure only on reboot.
C
The task is set to run only when the user is logged on
Correct. If the task is set to run only when the user is logged on, it will fail after reboot if no user logs on interactively. Changing it to 'run whether user is logged on or not' with stored credentials fixes it.
D
The script is blocked by antivirus software
Why wrong: Incorrect. Antivirus would likely block the script consistently, not only after reboot.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The task is set to run only when the user is logged on
This tests understanding of script execution context and permissions. When a script runs under a user account, it may not have the necessary permissions to access network resources or system files after reboot if the user isn't logged on. The 'run whether user is logged on or not' option requires the password to be stored, and if the password changes or is not provided, the task fails.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The script has a syntax error
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The script works when run manually, so syntax is not the issue.
✗
The script uses absolute paths that change after reboot
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Absolute paths remain the same after reboot. This would not cause a failure only on reboot.
✓
The task is set to run only when the user is logged on
Why this is correct
Correct. If the task is set to run only when the user is logged on, it will fail after reboot if no user logs on interactively. Changing it to 'run whether user is logged on or not' with stored credentials fixes it.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The script is blocked by antivirus software
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Antivirus would likely block the script consistently, not only after reboot.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Scripting Basics — This question tests Scripting Basics — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The task is set to run only when the user is logged on — This tests understanding of script execution context and permissions. When a script runs under a user account, it may not have the necessary permissions to access network resources or system files after reboot if the user isn't logged on. The 'run whether user is logged on or not' option requires the password to be stored, and if the password changes or is not provided, the task fails.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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