Question 234 of 750

Scripting Basics →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Why Scheduled Tasks Fail When User Is Not Logged On

This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of scripting basics. 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 reports that a scheduled task running a VBScript fails every time the computer is rebooted. The script works when run manually. The technician checks the task properties and sees the task is set to run with the user's credentials. Which scripting-related issue is most likely causing the failure?

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.

A
The script has a syntax error
Why wrong: Incorrect. The script works when run manually, so syntax is not the issue.
B
The script uses absolute paths that change after reboot
Why wrong: Incorrect. Absolute paths remain the same after reboot. This would not cause a failure only on reboot.
C
The task is set to run only when the user is logged on
Correct. If the task is set to run only when the user is logged on, it will fail after reboot if no user logs on interactively. Changing it to 'run whether user is logged on or not' with stored credentials fixes it.
D
The script is blocked by antivirus software
Why wrong: Incorrect. Antivirus would likely block the script consistently, not only after reboot.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Quick Answer

The answer is that the task is set to run only when the user is logged on. This is the most likely scripting-related issue because when a scheduled task is configured with the “run only when user is logged on” option, it requires an active user session with loaded profile and network resources; after a reboot, no user is logged in, so the VBScript fails due to missing permissions and context. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of script execution context and the difference between user-interactive and system-level task scheduling—a common trap is assuming stored credentials alone guarantee execution. To fix it, the technician must select “run whether user is logged on or not” and supply the password, which the system stores securely. Memory tip: “Logged on or off? If the script bombs after reboot, the ‘only when logged on’ box is the culprit.”

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 task is set to run only when the user is logged on

This tests understanding of script execution context and permissions. When a script runs under a user account, it may not have the necessary permissions to access network resources or system files after reboot if the user isn't logged on. The 'run whether user is logged on or not' option requires the password to be stored, and if the password changes or is not provided, the task fails.

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 script has a syntax error
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The script works when run manually, so syntax is not the issue.
✗
The script uses absolute paths that change after reboot
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Absolute paths remain the same after reboot. This would not cause a failure only on reboot.
✓
The task is set to run only when the user is logged on
Why this is correct
Correct. If the task is set to run only when the user is logged on, it will fail after reboot if no user logs on interactively. Changing it to 'run whether user is logged on or not' with stored credentials fixes it.
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 script is blocked by antivirus software
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Antivirus would likely block the script consistently, not only after reboot.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.

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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.

TExam Day Tips

Underline the problem statement mentally.
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 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 220-1202 question test?

Scripting Basics — This question tests Scripting Basics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The task is set to run only when the user is logged on — This tests understanding of script execution context and permissions. When a script runs under a user account, it may not have the necessary permissions to access network resources or system files after reboot if the user isn't logged on. The 'run whether user is logged on or not' option requires the password to be stored, and if the password changes or is not provided, the task fails.

What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?

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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