The correct first step is to run a System File Checker (SFC) scan because this utility directly checks for and repairs corrupted or missing protected system files that a previously working application depends on. When a word-processing application crashes on startup without any recent software changes, the most likely cause is a damaged Windows system file, not a user configuration or third-party conflict, and SFC restores those files from the Windows Component Store. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of built-in Windows troubleshooting tools versus more invasive fixes like reinstalling the application or updating drivers—a common trap is jumping to a full reinstall when a simple system file check is sufficient. Remember that SFC is the go-to for application crash on startup scenarios where no new software has been installed, as it targets the underlying system integrity rather than the app itself. A helpful memory tip: SFC stands for “System File Checker,” so think “SFC = System Fix Check” for startup crashes.
FC0-U61 Applications and Software Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of applications and software. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 previously working word-processing application now crashes immediately after launch. The user has not installed any new software recently. Which of the following should the user try first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Clue: "immediately / without restart"
Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run a system file checker (SFC) scan.
A system file checker (SFC) scan is the correct first step because it verifies and repairs protected system files, including those that the word-processing application may depend on. Since the application previously worked and no new software was installed, the most likely cause is a corrupted or missing system file, which SFC can detect and restore from the Windows Component Store.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Run a system file checker (SFC) scan.
Why this is correct
SFC can repair corrupted system files that may be causing the crash.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "first", "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable the antivirus software.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling security software is not recommended and unlikely to solve the issue.
✗
Run the application as an administrator.
Why it's wrong here
Running as admin gives more privileges but won't fix file corruption.
✗
Reinstall the operating system.
Why it's wrong here
This is too drastic and not a first step for a single application crashing.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often jump to disabling antivirus or reinstalling the OS, but the CompTIA FC0-U61 exam emphasizes starting with the least invasive and most targeted troubleshooting step, which is checking system file integrity via SFC.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SFC (System File Checker) uses the `sfc /scannow` command to compare protected system files against cached copies in the %WinDir%\System32\dllcache directory. If a mismatch is found, it replaces the corrupted file with the correct version from the Windows Side-by-Side (WinSxS) store. In real-world scenarios, a crash on launch can also be caused by a missing Visual C++ Redistributable or .NET Framework component, which SFC can help repair if the corruption is in a system file.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Applications and Software — This question tests Applications and Software — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Run a system file checker (SFC) scan. — A system file checker (SFC) scan is the correct first step because it verifies and repairs protected system files, including those that the word-processing application may depend on. Since the application previously worked and no new software was installed, the most likely cause is a corrupted or missing system file, which SFC can detect and restore from the Windows Component Store.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first", "immediately / without restart". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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