220-1202 CompTIA A+ Core 2 2025 Exam Question and Answers

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Mobile OS updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues with specific apps, including corporate email clients. The most likely resolution is to check for and apply an update to the affected application, especially if it hasn’t been updated to support the latest OS version.

B. Registering with MDM might be required for access but wouldn’t address app crashes due to incompatibility.

C. A third-party client might help, but it’s not the best first step if the default app is expected to work.

D. Clearing the cache can help resolve some minor issues, but updating the app directly addresses compatibility concerns.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

SSO issues are often related to cached session data, cookies, or browser artifacts. The fact that the user can access the company portal but not one specific SaaS tool suggests a session or token problem. Using a private/incognito browsing window allows a clean session to be initiated, which often resolves SSO conflicts.

A. Reenrolling MFA is not related unless access issues stem from failed multifactor authentication.

C. Bypassing SSO may not be possible depending on the SaaS tool and company policies.

D. Factory resetting a device is a last resort and unnecessary in this case.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

BSOD after driver installation suggests a compatibility issue.Safe Mode allows rollback of driversthat may be causing the crash.

FromTravis Everett – CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide:

“If a BSOD occurs after a driver update, boot into Safe Mode and roll back to the previous driver version to restore system stability.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The issue described—“domain cannot be found” despite the ability to ping the server and access the internet—indicates aDNS resolution problem, not a network connectivity issue. The workstation is currently usingpublic DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1)whichcannot resolve internal domain names, such as the ones used in Active Directory environments. To resolve this, the technician needs tochange the DNS settings to point to the internal DNS server, which in most domain setups is thedomain controller itself (likely 192.168.1.10 in this case).

Here’s the breakdown of the incorrect options:

B. Assign a static IP address: The IP is already assigned and functioning; the device can ping and reach the network and internet.

C. Configure a subnet mask: The subnet mask is appropriate for the network range (Class C /24).

D. Update the default gateway: The gateway is valid and allows internet access; this is not the issue.

CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Core 2 Objective Reference:

Objective 1.8 – Given a scenario, use features and tools of the operating system.

Under this objective, candidates must know how to troubleshoot OS-based network configurations, includingproper DNS settings in domain environments.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

3G networks generally do not provide the bandwidth required for seamless HD video streaming. With only two signal bars and a 3G connection, the mobile device likely cannot maintain the necessary data throughput, resulting in timeouts or buffering failures. This is a classic symptom of insufficient network speed or signal strength.

A. Lack of Wi-Fi may contribute, but the root cause is the low mobile bandwidth, not the Wi-Fi state.

B. A website subscription lapse would return an account error, not a timeout.

D. Full device storage can affect downloads but not streaming from the internet.

A VPN creates a secure tunnel from the user’s home network into the corporate network, providing the necessary routing and access controls for the laptop to reach internal file servers. Without a VPN, the device remains outside the corporate LAN and cannot directly reach protected resources.

A VPN creates a secure tunnel from the user’s home network into the corporate network, providing the necessary routing and access controls for the laptop to reach internal file servers. Without a VPN, the device remains outside the corporate LAN and cannot directly reach protected resources.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Smishing (SMS phishing) is a type of social engineering attack where attackers send fraudulent text messages to trick users into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware. These messages often impersonate banks, delivery services, or official institutions to lure the victim into clicking malicious links.

A. Impersonation is an in-person or voice-based tactic.

B. Vishing refers to voice phishing over phone calls.

C. Spear phishing is a targeted email-based phishing method.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Resource Monitor provides real-time monitoring of system performance and resource usage, including CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. It helps technicians identify performance bottlenecks (e.g., high memory or CPU usage) that can cause slowdowns in applications over time without producing crash errors.

A. Reliability history logs application crashes or errors — not helpful if the app doesn’t crash.

B. Computer Management is a broad utility with limited real-time monitoring capability.

D. Disk is too vague — tools like CHKDSK can help with disk errors but not general performance degradation.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

An "OS Not Found" error typically indicates that the computer is attempting to boot from a drive that doesn't contain a valid operating system or bootable partition. The presence of a USB drive might be confusing the boot order. Therefore, the first step a technician should take is to verify and adjust the boot sequence in the system’s firmware (BIOS or UEFI). It's possible that the USB drive is being prioritized over the internal hard drive, which may cause the system to miss the OS entirely.

A. Running data recovery tools is premature before confirming boot order.

B. Repartitioning the disk would destroy existing data—this should not be done until confirmed the OS is actually missing.

D. Switching between UEFI and BIOS (legacy mode) might help in rare cases, but it is not the first step in standard OS boot issue troubleshooting.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When a spreadsheet becomes very large, opening and processing it requires more memory (RAM). If the system doesn't have sufficient memory, it may fail to load the file properly. Upgrading or increasing the available RAM can resolve performance and loading issues with very large files.

A. Restore points roll back system settings, not individual file content.

C. Defragmentation optimizes disk performance but won’t help with memory issues.

D. Network speed has no effect if the file is stored and opened locally.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

BitLocker To Go is a Microsoft encryption feature specifically designed for removable drives such as USB flash drives and external hard drives. It allows users to protect the data on these devices by requiring a password to decrypt the contents, thereby preventing unauthorized access in the event the device is lost or stolen.

A is correct because BitLocker To Go is directly tied to password-protecting removable media.

B and C are unrelated to BitLocker To Go; Secure Boot and VPN encryption are entirely different security layers.

D applies to BitLocker (not BitLocker To Go) and full disk encryption on internal drives using TPM.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The symptoms suggest abrowser hijacker. Thefirst stepsshould be toremove any malicious extensionsandreset the startup pageto restore normal behavior.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“Browser hijackers often install as extensions and change homepage settings. Removing these extensions and resetting the startup configuration typically resolves the issue.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When an iOS device approaches full storage capacity, performance can be significantly impacted. iOS requires a buffer of free space to perform background processes efficiently.

From theAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“iOS devices need several gigabytes of free space to maintain optimal performance. Near-full storage can cause sluggish operation and failures in updates or background tasks.”

The correct syntax for mapping a network drive in Windows is:

net use Z: \\WinNAS\shared

This command connects the specified network share and maps it as drive Z:.

FromTravis Everett – CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide:

“Use net use followed by the desired drive letter and the UNC path to map network shares.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Carbon fiber filamentcan producefine particles or fumesduring printing, which may be harmful when inhaled. Wearing anair filter maskis essential to protect the respiratory system.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“When working with advanced materials like carbon fiber, always use appropriate personal protective equipment such as air filter masks to prevent inhalation of dangerous particles.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

This is likely arogue antivirusor scareware tactic. The user shouldnot click "OK"and instead check Windows Security (or third-party antivirus) status and ensure real-time protection is enabled.

FromMark Soper – Mike Meyers' Lab Manual:

“Users should verify security center settings if receiving suspicious pop-ups. Clicking unknown software updates can install malware. It’s safer to validate protection through legitimate system tools.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When an OS is no longer receiving updates, it is generally because it has reachedend of life (EOL), meaning the vendor has ceased support.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“End-of-life refers to the point when an OS vendor no longer issues updates or support. Systems at EOL pose security risks and must be upgraded or isolated.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

User offboarding involves disabling the departing user's access to company systems and facilities. Two key tasks typically include:

Deactivating physical access credentials (e.g., key fobs or badges) to prevent unauthorized entry (B).

Suspending or disabling the user’s email account to prevent future use and to retain business communications (D).

A. Quarantining a hard drive is not standard unless malware or legal issues are involved.

C. Purging PII must follow legal retention policies; it's not typically an immediate offboarding task.

E. Disabling network ports may be relevant in some cases but is not a standard offboarding step.

F. Blocking MAC addresses is not typical unless the device is considered a security threat.

This scenario involves a mismatch in device time settings, which can affect synchronization and authentication across the network. Using aNetwork Time Protocol (NTP) serverensures all networked devices maintain accurate and synchronized clocks.

FromTravis Everett – All-in-One Exam Guide:

“NTP servers keep all devices on a network in sync. This prevents time drift, which can cause authentication issues with domain logins, certificates, and applications.” .

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A management profile is used to enforce corporate policies on Apple devices. These profiles are installed via an MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution and control access, restrictions, Wi-Fi settings, app installations, and more. They’re critical for managing devices in a business environment.

A. The App Store allows software downloads but doesn’t control policies.

B. VPN configuration is used for secure remote connections, not enforcement of restrictions.

C. Apple ID is for personal account access to Apple services, not corporate device management.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Remote wipeis a mobile device management (MDM) feature that allows administrators to erase data remotely if a device is lost or stolen, preventing unauthorized access to corporate or personal information.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“Remote wipe features enable a device to be cleared of all sensitive data if it is lost or stolen. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access to corporate resources.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Apps like GPS or roaming services often drain battery during travel.Checking app utilizationhelps identify battery drain sources.

FromQUENTIN DOCTER - COMPTIA A+ COMPLETE study GUIDE:

“Monitoring app activity can reveal high-power usage apps running in the background, especially when mobile data or GPS is active.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

To work remotely without physically transporting a workstation, the user needs:

C. RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol): Allows graphical remote access to a Windows PC at the office.

D. VPN (Virtual Private Network): Establishes a secure tunnel to access the corporate network remotely, making the internal PC reachable.

A. SPICE is used in virtual machine environments and is not typically used for end-user remote desktop access.

B. SSH is a text-based remote access tool used mostly for Linux systems.

E. RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) is used by IT administrators for support — not end-user remote access.

F. WinRM is used for Windows remote management via PowerShell, not for full desktop access.

This is part of theuser educationstep after a security incident to prevent future occurrences.

FromQuentin Docter – Complete Study Guide:

“User education and awareness is a crucial part of preventing phishing attacks. After an incident, it is vital to train users on recognizing suspicious messages.” .

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) define the mandatory steps and expectations technicians must follow during support calls. This includes documentation standards such as logging user info, asset details, and issue descriptions in the ticketing system. Implementing SOPs ensures consistency and accountability.

A. SLAs define response/resolution times but not documentation practices.

B. Call categories organize types of issues but don't guide technician actions.

D. Knowledge base articles provide solutions to known problems but don't ensure proper ticket documentation.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

If the system fails to boot after removing the USB installation media, it often means the BIOS is not pointing to the correct boot device. This typically involves an issue with the BIOS settings—such as UEFI being disabled when the OS was installed in UEFI mode.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guideby Travis Everett:

“One of the most common post-installation issues is failing to configure the boot mode correctly in BIOS. If an OS is installed in UEFI mode, the UEFI boot must be enabled, otherwise the system won’t detect the bootloader.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The scenario involves an application that should retrieve data from a local database server but is failing to do so. This likely indicates a problem in communication between the application and the database server (such as a network issue, port misconfiguration, or service unavailability). The correct troubleshooting approach involves testing the network/service connectivity between the client and the database.

Let’s examine the options:

A. ipconfig:This command displays IP configuration details for Windows systems, such as IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. While useful for diagnosing general network issues, it does not test service connectivity or the availability of a specific application port/service.

B. nslookup:Used to query DNS servers to resolve domain names to IP addresses. However, since the question references a local server (likely accessed via IP or static hostname), DNS is probably not involved. Also, it does not test application/service availability.

C. netstat:Displays active TCP connections, listening ports, and routing tables. It helps determine whether the local system is listening for or maintaining any network connections, but it does not initiate a connection to test availability. It’s diagnostic but not interactive for service testing.

D. curl:This is the most appropriate tool for this scenario. curl is used to test connectivity to services over protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and more. If the application retrieves data via a web interface or API (common in database-driven applications), curl can be used to test if the application can successfully reach and retrieve data from the server. It provides immediate, testable feedback on whether the server and service are available and responsive.

Example usage:

curlhttp://localhost:8080/api/data

This command would test whether a local server's application programming interface (API) is available and responding on port 8080.

CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Reference Points:

Objective 2.4: Given a scenario, use appropriate tools to troubleshoot and support Windows OS issues.

Objective 3.3: Use appropriate tools to troubleshoot and resolve issues.

The CompTIA A+ Core 2 study guide references curl as a useful command-line utility for testing connectivity and troubleshooting application access to services.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

If a system becomes unresponsive while opening a specific spreadsheet, the issue is likely tied to the file’s size or the complexity of its content (e.g., embedded formulas, macros, or graphics). High memory utilization caused by the file can lead to temporary freezing or application "Not Responding" messages. Checking the spreadsheet's file size and monitoring system memory in Task Manager will help isolate performance bottlenecks.

A. Anti-malware logs are important for security troubleshooting but less likely relevant to spreadsheet-related performance issues.

B. Workstation repair is for system-wide problems and not necessary for a single-file issue.

C. Bandwidth relates to network usage and wouldn’t impact opening a local file.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

If internal resources (such as intranet or internal apps) can't be accessed but external sites work, this often points to aDNS issue, where the system isn't resolving internal domain names correctly.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“When internet access is functional but internal sites fail to load, the issue usually lies with DNS resolution. Internal resources often require internal DNS servers, which may not be configured correctly.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Cloud-based software often enforcesdevice limitsper license. Before reinstallation or switching software, checking license allocations is the most logical first step.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“Many cloud apps enforce user or device count restrictions. When an install fails, check licensing before troubleshooting other areas.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)guide technicians through consistent and complete processes, including documentation.

FromTravis Everett – All-in-One Exam Guide:

“SOPs ensure that all required steps—such as data collection and issue description—are followed in every support interaction.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Shreddingphysically destroys the platters, making data recovery virtually impossible. It's more effective and accessible than degaussing or low-level formatting.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“Physical destruction methods like shredding are the most secure options for ensuring data on failed drives cannot be recovered.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The net use command in Windows is used to map (assign) a shared drive from the command line. The syntax typically looks like: net use X: \server\share where X is the drive letter and \server\share is the network path.

A. pathping tests network latency and packet loss.

B. nslookup is used for DNS troubleshooting.

D. tracert shows the route packets take to reach a destination — not for drive mapping.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In secure or isolated network segments, DHCP may be disabled to reduce the risk of unauthorized device connections or to maintain strict IP assignment control. In such cases, the help desk technician must manually configure IP settings (including IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers). This ensures the workstation communicates properly within that segment.

A. DNS server restriction is unrelated to manual IP configuration.

B. Allow lists refer to traffic access, but manual IP assignment is due to lack of DHCP, not allow lists.

D. NAC servers control access but don't replace the need for IP addressing.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Remote wipe is the best option to prevent unauthorized access to data when a mobile device is lost or stolen—especially if the user is unaware of the loss. It allows administrators or mobile device management (MDM) systems to remotely erase all data on the device, rendering it unusable for unauthorized users.

A. Encryption protects the data, but if the device remains powered and logged in, it may still be accessible.

C. Geofencing can restrict features based on location but does not erase data.

D. Facial recognition helps secure access but can be bypassed in some cases or fail in practical situations.

Hash values(like SHA256) are published by vendors to verify file integrity. A match confirms the file hasn’t been tampered with.

FromTravis Everett – CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide:

“Use hash values to ensure downloaded software matches the vendor’s published version and hasn't been modified.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Windows Helloallows biometric and PIN-based login, which are easier and more user-friendly than passwords.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“Windows Hello supports biometric authentication and PINs, providing easier and secure access especially for users who have trouble remembering passwords.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Since the issue has recurred after a temporary fix, it is likely a deeper or persistent configuration or server issue. Escalating the ticket to the next tier of support (e.g., network or system administrator) ensures further investigation and permanent resolution. Escalation is part of the standard support protocol when issues reoccur despite initial troubleshooting.

A. Rechecking remotely may confirm the issue, but doesn’t resolve it long term.

B. Providing documentation helps the user but doesn’t solve the root cause.

D. Keeping the ticket open is passive and doesn’t address the recurring issue.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

An in-place upgrade is the fastest and most efficient way to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 while keeping all user data, applications, and settings intact. This method is often used when the hardware meets Windows 11 requirements and no system reconfiguration is necessary.

A. gpupdate is used to refresh Group Policy settings — unrelated to OS upgrades.

B. Image deployment typically replaces the current OS and may not retain user data unless specifically customized.

C. A clean install requires formatting the drive and starting fresh, which removes all data.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In the context of artificial intelligence, "hallucinations" refer to instances where an AI system generates information that is plausible-sounding but factually incorrect or entirely fabricated. This is a known limitation of large language models, including generative AI tools.

A. Data privacy refers to the protection of personal or sensitive data, not content accuracy.

C. Appropriate use relates to ethical and policy-based concerns, not factual correctness.

D. Plagiarism involves presenting someone else's work as your own — this situation is about accuracy, not ownership.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Virtualization settings are typically found within the BIOS/UEFI firmware configuration. To prevent unauthorized users from changing these settings, the technician should set a BIOS password. This ensures only administrators with the password can access or modify BIOS settings, including virtualization support.

B. The guest account is a user-level feature in Windows and doesn’t control BIOS access.

C. A screen lock prevents casual access to the desktop but doesn’t protect firmware settings.

D. AutoRun controls how media and devices behave when inserted — unrelated to BIOS security.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Credential managers or password vaults (e.g., Windows Credential Manager, KeePass, or LastPass) store passwords securely. The integrity of such tools heavily depends on the strength of the master password protecting the vault. If compromised, all saved credentials could be exposed. Therefore, setting a secure master password is crucial.

A. Login time restrictions are general user account settings, not specific to credential managers.

C. TPM is used more commonly for full disk encryption, not specifically required for password managers.

D. The lock screen protects general access but does not protect stored credentials alone.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

These symptoms strongly indicatemalware infectionor a malicious app running in the background. The first action should be torun a malware scanto identify and remove malicious components.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“If a mobile device is overheating and the battery drains rapidly after installing an app, this could point to malware. Begin by scanning the device with a mobile anti-malware application.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Authenticator apps, such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator, can be configured to sendpush notificationsto users for approval when logging in. This is a form of multi-factor authentication.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“Push-based two-factor authentication uses an authenticator app to send a notification to a mobile device. The user must approve the login attempt in real time, ensuring the request is valid.”