easyMultiple Choice
FC0-U71 Practice Question: A user wants to open a PDF file but receives an…
A user wants to open a PDF file but receives an error that no application is associated. Which action should the user take?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse a missing application association with a system-level error, leading them to choose a generic troubleshooting step like restarting or updating drivers instead of recognizing the need to install the appropriate software.
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
✓
Install a PDF reader
The error 'no application is associated' means the operating system lacks a default program capable of handling the PDF file format. Installing a PDF reader, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or a web browser with built-in PDF support, registers the necessary file association and allows the file to open correctly.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Update device drivers
Why it's wrong here
Device drivers govern hardware communication, not file-type associations, so updating them leaves the PDF unopened. It is tempting because driver updates resolve many device faults, and that action would be correct if the symptom were a printer, graphics card or network adapter malfunctioning rather than a missing application association.
- ✓
Install a PDF reader
Why this is correct
The error means Windows has no registered handler for the .pdf file extension. Installing a PDF reader registers that file association, letting the operating system launch the application when the file is opened, directly resolving the missing-association constraint.
- ✗
Rename the file to .docx
Why it's wrong here
Renaming to .docx changes the extension but associates no PDF reader, so the file still fails to open and may launch Word incorrectly. It is tempting because extension errors sometimes cause open failures, and renaming would help if the file were genuinely mislabelled rather than lacking an associated application.
- ✗
Restart the computer
Why it's wrong here
Restarting does not create a file association; the error stems from Windows lacking a registered handler for the .pdf extension, so the same prompt reappears after reboot. It is tempting because restarts clear transient faults, and would be right if the shell or Explorer had hung rather than the association being absent.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.