The answer is a corrupted virtual hard disk file due to a network error during the last write operation. When a VM is stored on a shared network drive, any interruption—such as a brief network dropout during shutdown—can corrupt the .vhdx or .vhd file, leading to a BSOD on startup because Windows cannot load critical system files from a damaged disk. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how storage location impacts VM reliability; a common trap is to blame insufficient host resources or outdated hypervisor software, but those typically cause performance lag or failure to launch, not a blue screen. Remember the key distinction: a BSOD on boot points to disk or system file corruption, not resource starvation. Memory tip: “Network drive, network glitch—corruption makes the VM twitch.”
220-1102 Virtualization and Cloud Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization and cloud technologies. 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 complains that their virtual machine, which was working fine yesterday, now displays a 'Blue Screen of Death' (BSOD) on startup. The VM is running Windows 10 and is stored on a shared network drive. The host machine is a Windows Server with plenty of resources. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The virtual hard disk file became corrupted due to a network error during the last write operation.
A BSOD on VM startup often indicates a corrupted system file or disk issue. Since the VM is stored on a network drive, a network interruption during the last shutdown could have corrupted the virtual hard disk. Insufficient host resources or an outdated hypervisor would typically cause performance issues or failure to start, not a BSOD. Guest additions issues might cause driver problems but are less likely to cause a BSOD on boot.
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 host machine ran out of memory while the VM was running.
Why it's wrong here
If the host ran out of memory, the VM would likely be paused or crash, but not necessarily cause a BSOD on next boot.
✓
The virtual hard disk file became corrupted due to a network error during the last write operation.
Why this is correct
Network storage is vulnerable to corruption if the connection drops during a write, leading to a BSOD on boot.
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 VM's guest additions need to be updated.
Why it's wrong here
Outdated guest additions can cause performance or functionality issues, but rarely a BSOD on startup.
✗
The hypervisor version is incompatible with the VM configuration.
Why it's wrong here
Incompatibility would likely prevent the VM from starting at all, not cause a BSOD after it was working.
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.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — This question tests Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The virtual hard disk file became corrupted due to a network error during the last write operation. — A BSOD on VM startup often indicates a corrupted system file or disk issue. Since the VM is stored on a network drive, a network interruption during the last shutdown could have corrupted the virtual hard disk. Insufficient host resources or an outdated hypervisor would typically cause performance issues or failure to start, not a BSOD. Guest additions issues might cause driver problems but are less likely to cause a BSOD on boot.
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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