The answer is that the script references a file path that does not exist on the failing devices, which directly triggers error 0x80070002. This error code is Windows’ standard “file not found” response, meaning the PowerShell script is attempting to access a specific file—such as an installer or dependency—that is missing from the local system on those devices. On the Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Intune script deployment troubleshooting, where common traps include assuming execution policy or admin rights are the issue; however, Intune bypasses execution policy and runs scripts in the system context, so those are red herrings. A key memory tip is to associate 0x80070002 with “file path failure”—think of the two zeros as a missing file’s empty location, and always verify that the script’s referenced paths exist on every target device before deployment.
MD-102 Manage, maintain, and protect devices Practice Question
This MD-102 practice question tests your understanding of manage, maintain, and protect devices. 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 organization uses Microsoft Intune to manage Windows 10 devices. They deploy a PowerShell script via Intune to install a custom application. The script runs successfully on some devices but fails on others with error code 0x80070002. What is the most likely cause?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The script references a file path that does not exist on the failing devices.
Option B is correct because the script likely references a file that is not present. Option A is wrong because execution policy can be bypassed by Intune. Option C is wrong because admin rights are granted. Option D is wrong because script timeout would give a different error.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 execution exceeds the 60-minute timeout.
Why it's wrong here
Timeout would give a different error.
✗
The user does not have local administrator privileges on the failing devices.
Why it's wrong here
Scripts run as SYSTEM.
✓
The script references a file path that does not exist on the failing devices.
Why this is correct
Error 0x80070002 is 'File not found'.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The PowerShell execution policy is set to Restricted on the failing devices.
Why it's wrong here
Intune runs scripts with bypass policy.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. 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.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related MD-102 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Manage, maintain, and protect devices — This question tests Manage, maintain, and protect devices — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The script references a file path that does not exist on the failing devices. — Option B is correct because the script likely references a file that is not present. Option A is wrong because execution policy can be bypassed by Intune. Option C is wrong because admin rights are granted. Option D is wrong because script timeout would give a different error.
What should I do if I get this MD-102 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related MD-102 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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