SK0-005 server-administration Practice Question
A server administrator configures a scheduled task to back up a database using a command-line tool. The task runs successfully when executed manually, but fails when run via the task scheduler. The log shows 'Error: Access denied.' What is the MOST likely cause?
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
✓
The scheduled task is running under the wrong user account.
Option C is correct because 'Access denied' usually points to permission issues; the task scheduler may run under a different user account that lacks necessary privileges. Option A is wrong because a full destination would yield a 'disk full' error, not access denied. Option B is wrong because if the tool were not installed, the error would be 'command not found.' Option D is wrong because a stopped database service would produce a connection error, not access denied.
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 scheduled task is running under the wrong user account.
Why this is correct
When the task runs manually, it uses the current user's security context; the scheduler often uses a system or different user account that may not have the required permissions, causing access denied.
- ✗
The database service is stopped.
Why it's wrong here
If the database service is down, the backup tool would report a connection failure, not an access denied error.
- ✗
The command-line tool is not installed.
Why it's wrong here
A missing tool typically results in a 'command not found' or executable not recognized error.
- ✗
The backup destination is full.
Why it's wrong here
A full disk would cause a write error or disk space shortage message, not an access denied error.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
User and Group Management
Key term
Task
A Task in Azure DevOps is a predefined, reusable step that performs a specific action during a build or release pipeline, like compiling code or running tests.
Key term
Service
A service is a software component or system that performs a specific function and is available to be used by other programs or users over a network.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed July 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This SK0-005 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 SK0-005 exam.