- A
Check if the user's password has expired.
Why wrong: Password expiry would affect all network access, not just a single share.
- B
Verify the user has been added to the local Administrators group.
Why wrong: Administrator rights are not required for accessing a shared folder and would be excessive.
- C
Review the NTFS permissions on the shared folder.
NTFS permissions can deny access to specific users even if share permissions allow it, explaining the isolated issue.
- D
Reboot the file server to clear any cached permissions.
Why wrong: Rebooting is disruptive and unlikely to resolve a permissions misconfiguration.
Question 383 of 750
Resolving Access Denied Due to NTFS Permissions
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of logical security concepts. 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.
A user calls the help desk saying they cannot access a shared folder on the network. They can access other shares on the same server. The technician verifies the user's account is active and the folder exists. What should the technician check next to resolve the access issue?
Quick Answer
The answer is to review the NTFS permissions on the shared folder. This is correct because when a user can access other shares on the same server but not a specific folder, the issue is almost always at the NTFS level, not the share level. NTFS permissions provide granular control over folder access on the server’s file system, and even if share permissions grant full access, restrictive NTFS permissions can block a specific user. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the difference between share permissions and NTFS permissions, a common trap where students focus only on the share. The key is to check effective permissions for the user on that folder to see where access is denied. Remember the memory tip: “Share gives the gate, NTFS locks the door”—always verify both layers when troubleshooting NTFS permissions blocking folder access.
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
✓
Review the NTFS permissions on the shared folder.
Since the user can access other shares on the same server, the issue is isolated to a specific shared folder. NTFS permissions control access at the folder level independently of share permissions, and a missing or incorrect NTFS entry for the user would block access even if the share permissions are open. The technician should review the NTFS permissions on that folder to ensure the user or their group has at least Read access.
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.
- ✗
Check if the user's password has expired.
Why it's wrong here
Password expiry would affect all network access, not just a single share.
- ✗
Verify the user has been added to the local Administrators group.
Why it's wrong here
Administrator rights are not required for accessing a shared folder and would be excessive.
- ✓
Review the NTFS permissions on the shared folder.
Why this is correct
NTFS permissions can deny access to specific users even if share permissions allow it, explaining the isolated issue.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Reboot the file server to clear any cached permissions.
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting is disruptive and unlikely to resolve a permissions misconfiguration.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common trap is to assume that share permissions alone control access, but NTFS permissions are the granular layer that can block a user even when share permissions are permissive and other folders work.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NTFS permissions are stored in the security descriptor of the folder’s $MFT entry and are evaluated after share permissions in the access check order (share → NTFS, most restrictive wins). A common subtlety is that a user may have effective access via group membership, but if the folder has explicit Deny entries or the user is not in any group with permissions, access is denied. In real-world scenarios, this often occurs when a folder is moved or restored from backup, stripping inherited permissions.
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 220-1202 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.
Visual reference
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Logical Security Concepts — This question tests Logical Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Review the NTFS permissions on the shared folder. — Since the user can access other shares on the same server, the issue is isolated to a specific shared folder. NTFS permissions control access at the folder level independently of share permissions, and a missing or incorrect NTFS entry for the user would block access even if the share permissions are open. The technician should review the NTFS permissions on that folder to ensure the user or their group has at least Read access.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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