The answer is to use a custom detection script that validates the file hash or digital signature. This is correct because Intune’s built-in detection rules, such as “File exists,” only check for the presence of a file, not its integrity; a corrupted file will still trigger a successful detection, preventing reinstallation. A custom script, however, can compute the file’s SHA256 hash or verify its Authenticode signature, ensuring the detection fails if the file is tampered with or corrupt, which forces Intune to re-deploy the app. On the MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Win32 app detection methods and the limitations of simple rules—a common trap is assuming “File exists” is sufficient for reliability. Remember the memory tip: “Existence is not integrity; hash the path to avoid the wrath.”
MD-102 Manage applications Practice Question
This MD-102 practice question tests your understanding of manage applications. 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.
An administrator deploys a Win32 app via Intune with detection rule 'File exists: C:\Program Files\MyApp\app.exe'. The app is reported as installed, but users cannot launch it. The file exists but is corrupted. How should the administrator modify the detection rule to ensure the app is correctly detected and re-installed if corrupted?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a custom detection script that validates the file hash or signature
Option C is correct because a custom detection script can verify the file's integrity by checking its hash or digital signature, ensuring that even if the file exists, it is not corrupted. Intune's built-in detection rules only check for file existence or version, not file integrity. By using a script that validates the hash, the administrator can force a reinstall when the file is corrupted, as the detection will fail.
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.
✗
Remove the detection rule so Intune always re-installs the app
Why it's wrong here
This would cause constant re-installation.
✗
Add a registry detection rule for the app's uninstall key
Why it's wrong here
Registry key existence does not check file integrity.
✓
Use a custom detection script that validates the file hash or signature
Why this is correct
A script can verify integrity and return 0 only if valid.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Change detection rule to 'File version comparison' and set minimum version
Why it's wrong here
File version only checks version metadata, not corruption.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume 'File exists' or 'File version comparison' are sufficient for detection, overlooking that these rules do not validate file integrity, which is a common misconception in Intune app deployment scenarios.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Intune's Win32 app detection rules execute during the device's check-in cycle; the 'File exists' rule simply checks for the file's presence using the Win32 API's PathFileExists function, which does not validate content. A custom detection script runs as a PowerShell script with a 600-second timeout, and returning a non-zero exit code or a specific output string can signal detection failure, triggering reinstallation. In real-world scenarios, file corruption can occur due to disk errors, incomplete updates, or malware, making hash validation critical for mission-critical apps like security agents or line-of-business tools.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this MD-102 question in full detail.
Manage applications — This question tests Manage applications — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a custom detection script that validates the file hash or signature — Option C is correct because a custom detection script can verify the file's integrity by checking its hash or digital signature, ensuring that even if the file exists, it is not corrupted. Intune's built-in detection rules only check for file existence or version, not file integrity. By using a script that validates the hash, the administrator can force a reinstall when the file is corrupted, as the detection will fail.
What should I do if I get this MD-102 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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Question Discussion
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