The correct answer is that the password for the SQL Server service account has expired or was changed, and updating the service logon credentials will resolve the error. This is because error 1069 specifically indicates a logon failure for the service account, meaning the account under which the SQL Server service runs no longer has a valid password. When a mandatory security update enforces password expiration policies or resets the account password, the service cannot authenticate to start, which is why you see the "Cannot connect to database server" message in the legacy accounting application. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of service dependencies and account management in Windows—a common trap is to assume the SQL Server installation is corrupted or that a reboot will fix it. Remember the memory tip: "1069 means the password is not fine—update the credentials to realign."
FC0-U61 Applications and Software Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of applications and software. 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.
You are a desktop support technician for a small accounting firm. The firm uses a legacy accounting application that only runs on Windows 7. The application stores data in a local SQL Server Express database. A user reports that since the IT department applied a mandatory security update last night, the accounting application fails to start and displays an error: 'Cannot connect to database server. Check that the SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER) service is running.' You verify that the SQL Server service is set to Automatic but is not running. When you attempt to start it manually, it fails with error 1069: 'The service did not start due to a logon failure.' Which of the following is the MOST likely cause and solution?
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 password for the service account has expired or was changed. Update the service logon credentials.
Error 1069 specifically indicates a logon failure for the service account. When a mandatory security update is applied, it may enforce password expiration policies or reset the service account password, causing the SQL Server service to fail to start. Updating the service logon credentials in the Services console resolves the issue.
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.
✗
The security update changed the service startup type to Disabled. Set it back to Automatic.
Why it's wrong here
The service startup type is still Automatic, but it fails to start due to logon failure.
✗
The security update deleted the database file. Reinstall the application.
Why it's wrong here
The error does not indicate a missing database file; the service cannot start.
✓
The password for the service account has expired or was changed. Update the service logon credentials.
Why this is correct
Error 1069 indicates a logon failure, typically due to an incorrect password.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The security update corrupted the database files. Restore the database from backup.
Why it's wrong here
The error is about service logon failure, not database corruption.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse a service startup failure (error 1069) with a database corruption or missing file issue, but the error code directly points to authentication failure for the service account, not data integrity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Windows services run under the context of a specified user account, and the password for that account is stored in the Local Security Authority (LSA) secrets. If the password is changed or expires, the service cannot authenticate when starting, resulting in error 1069. This is common in domain environments where group policy enforces periodic password changes, and the SQL Server service account password is not updated accordingly.
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: The password for the service account has expired or was changed. Update the service logon credentials. — Error 1069 specifically indicates a logon failure for the service account. When a mandatory security update is applied, it may enforce password expiration policies or reset the service account password, causing the SQL Server service to fail to start. Updating the service logon credentials in the Services console resolves the issue.
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: "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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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