- A
Computer Management > Shared Folders to view open files.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Shared Folders shows network shares and open files, not file attributes like encryption.
- B
Local Security Policy to check user rights assignments.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Local Security Policy governs system-wide security settings, not per-file attributes.
- C
File Explorer > right-click folder > Properties > Advanced to view encryption and compression attributes.
Correct. The Advanced Attributes dialog shows whether the folder is encrypted or compressed, which can cause access issues.
- D
Registry Editor to modify the folder's security descriptor.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Editing the registry is risky and not the standard method for checking file attributes.
Question 434 of 750
How to Check File Encryption and Compression That Override NTFS Permissions
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows administrative tools. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 their application crashes with an 'Access Denied' error when trying to write to a specific folder. You have verified the user has Full Control NTFS permissions. Which administrative tool should you use to check for any file encryption or compression that might be blocking the write?
Quick Answer
The answer is File Explorer, accessed by right-clicking the folder, selecting Properties, and then clicking the Advanced button. This is correct because NTFS permissions, while controlling user access, can be overridden by two specific file attributes: encryption via the Encrypting File System (EFS) and compression. When a file or folder is encrypted, only the user who encrypted it can read or write to it, regardless of their NTFS permissions; similarly, compression can interfere with certain application write operations. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that an “Access Denied” error isn’t always a permissions issue—it often hides an encryption or compression conflict. A common trap is jumping to the Security tab or using tools like icacls or Disk Management, which only show permissions, not these attributes. Memory tip: think “Advanced” for attributes—encryption and compression live in the Advanced button, not the Security tab.
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
✓
File Explorer > right-click folder > Properties > Advanced to view encryption and compression attributes.
Option C is correct because the 'Access Denied' error despite Full Control NTFS permissions indicates a file-level attribute conflict. File encryption (EFS) or compression attributes are stored in the folder's Advanced Attributes dialog, accessible via File Explorer > Properties > Advanced. These attributes can block write access even when NTFS permissions are permissive, as encryption requires the user's EFS certificate and compression changes the file's physical layout.
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.
- ✗
Computer Management > Shared Folders to view open files.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Shared Folders shows network shares and open files, not file attributes like encryption.
- ✗
Local Security Policy to check user rights assignments.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Local Security Policy governs system-wide security settings, not per-file attributes.
- ✓
File Explorer > right-click folder > Properties > Advanced to view encryption and compression attributes.
Why this is correct
Correct. The Advanced Attributes dialog shows whether the folder is encrypted or compressed, which can cause access issues.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Registry Editor to modify the folder's security descriptor.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Editing the registry is risky and not the standard method for checking file attributes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume 'Access Denied' always means insufficient NTFS permissions, so they focus on permission tools (like Shared Folders or Security Policy) instead of checking file attributes like encryption or compression that override permission-based access.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. Shared Folders shows network shares and open files, not file attributes like encryption.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, NTFS stores encryption (EFS) and compression attributes as flags in the file's $STANDARD_INFORMATION attribute within the MFT. When a file is encrypted, the system checks the user's EFS certificate in the local certificate store; if missing, reads fail with 'Access Denied' even if NTFS permissions grant Full Control. Compression uses a different cluster allocation strategy, and writing to a compressed folder may fail if the volume lacks contiguous free space for decompression. In real-world scenarios, a user might have Full Control but be denied because the folder was encrypted by another user's EFS key, or compression is enabled on a nearly full volume.
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.
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.
- →
Windows Administrative Tools — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Windows Administrative Tools practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1202 questions
750 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1202 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1202 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Windows OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows OS Features and Tools.
Windows Settings and Control Panel practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Settings and Control Panel.
Windows Command-Line Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Command-Line Tools.
Windows Administrative Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Administrative Tools.
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to macOS Features and Tools.
Linux Commands and File Permissions practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Linux Commands and File Permissions.
Mobile OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Mobile OS Features and Tools.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Virtualization and Cloud Technologies.
Physical Security Controls practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Physical Security Controls.
Logical Security Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Logical Security Concepts.
Wireless Security Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Wireless Security Protocols.
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Malware Types and Removal.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1202 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Windows Administrative Tools — This question tests Windows Administrative Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: File Explorer > right-click folder > Properties > Advanced to view encryption and compression attributes. — Option C is correct because the 'Access Denied' error despite Full Control NTFS permissions indicates a file-level attribute conflict. File encryption (EFS) or compression attributes are stored in the folder's Advanced Attributes dialog, accessible via File Explorer > Properties > Advanced. These attributes can block write access even when NTFS permissions are permissive, as encryption requires the user's EFS certificate and compression changes the file's physical layout.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More 220-1202 practice questions
- During a Windows 10 deployment, you need to ensure that a specific Group Policy setting is applied to a computer before…
- After installing a new printer driver, a user's Windows 11 computer crashes with a blue screen error every time they try…
- A user reports that their Windows 10 computer is infected with a virus that keeps reinstalling itself after removal. Wha…
- A customer reports that their Windows 10 laptop is displaying pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They suspect a ma…
- A technician is configuring a new Windows 10 workstation for a user who handles sensitive financial data. The company po…
- A technician is responding to a security incident where an employee's credentials were used to access a server without a…
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.