easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A small business uses a single Windows Server…
A small business uses a single Windows Server 2016 machine that also acts as a domain controller, file server, and runs a custom application for inventory management. The server recently exhibited slow performance and frequent crashes. The system administrator runs antivirus and finds no malware. The event log shows several 'Event ID 7000' errors from the Service Control Manager, indicating certain services failed to start. The administrator also notices that the server has not been restarted in 180 days and has several pending updates. What is the most likely cause of the performance issues?
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 server has not been restarted for an extended period and has pending updates.
The server has not been restarted for 180 days and has pending updates. Over time, system resource exhaustion can occur, and pending updates often include critical fixes and performance improvements. The Event ID 7000 errors indicate services failing to start, which can result from resource constraints or the need for updates. A reboot is required to apply updates and clear temporary issues. Option A is incorrect because antivirus found no malware and there is no evidence of a rootkit. Option C is incorrect because a fragmented hard drive would not cause service start failures. Option D is incorrect because while a memory leak is possible, the evidence points to the lack of maintenance and updates as the most likely cause.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A rootkit infection that the antivirus failed to detect.
Why it's wrong here
Rootkits are stealthy, but the antivirus scan would likely detect common rootkits.
- ✓
The server has not been restarted for an extended period and has pending updates.
Why this is correct
Lack of restarts can lead to resource exhaustion, and pending updates may address performance bugs.
- ✗
A heavily fragmented hard drive.
Why it's wrong here
Fragmentation affects file access speed but does not cause service start failures.
- ✗
A memory leak in the custom application.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the event log shows service start failures, not memory leaks.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every SSCP question from scratch — 920 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 SSCP exam.