FC0-U71 Applications and Software Practice Question
A user is trying to access a file located at 'C:\Users\John\Documents\report.docx'. This is an example of which type of file path?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is assuming any path containing folders is 'relative' — candidates must check whether the path starts from the root (drive letter or '/') to classify it as absolute.
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
✓
Absolute path
An absolute path specifies the complete location of a file from the root of the file system, including the drive letter on Windows. 'C:\Users\John\Documents\report.docx' starts at the C: drive root and fully qualifies every directory down to the file, so it is an absolute (fully qualified) path. Relative paths, by contrast, are resolved against the current working directory.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Symbolic link
Why it's wrong here
A symbolic link is a filesystem pointer that redirects to another location, not the notation describing a path's starting point. The string begins at the drive root, making it absolute. Symbolic link would be correct if the question described a shortcut referencing another file.
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Relative path
Why it's wrong here
The path begins with 'C:\', an absolute reference from the drive root, so it cannot be relative. Relative paths are resolved against the current working directory, which is why they are used for portable scripts and project files that must run from any location.
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Network path
Why it's wrong here
'C:\' denotes a local volume on the machine, not a remote share. Network paths use UNC syntax such as '\\server\share\file', which is the correct choice when accessing resources hosted on another system across a LAN.
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Absolute path
Why this is correct
The path begins at the drive root 'C:\', giving the full location from the file system's top level. This satisfies the stem's requirement for a path that is unambiguous regardless of the current working directory, unlike a relative path which depends on the present location.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This FC0-U71 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 FC0-U71 exam.