CompTIA A+ Practice Test (220-1102)

Scanning and removing malware in safe mode is the best approach because it starts Windows in a minimal state, loading only essential drivers and services. This prevents most malware from running, making it easier for the anti-malware software to detect and remove the threat. Scanning in normal mode may allow the malware to continue running and interfering with the removal process. While a preinstallation environment can be useful for severe infections, it's not typically necessary for most malware removal scenarios. Reformatting the drive should be considered a last resort, as it will erase all data on the drive.

System restore is a part of the Windows OS that allows you to restore your PC to a previous state. The available states are called restore points. A restore point is usually made after a significant change is made to the system.

cd is the command line tool on Windows for Changing Directories. For example cd C:\System32 would switch Command Prompt to the System32 directory on the C: Drive.

Note: The chdir command was replaced by CD. chdir is also not in the CompTIA objectives.

The Reliability Monitor is a Windows utility that provides a timeline of system events and reliability history, including hardware and software failures, warnings, and informational events. It is especially useful in diagnosing intermittent problems such as unexplained reboots, and might provide insight into the cause of the instability. A Disk Defragmenter is not typically related to system reboots, System Restore would revert the system to a previous point which could remove recent updates or changes that are causing issues, but it's not a diagnostic tool. The Performance Monitor is a more advanced tool for system performance analysis and wouldn't necessarily provide clear insights on sudden reboots.

The correct switch combination is /s /e. The /s switch copies directories and subdirectories but skips any that are empty. Adding /e extends the operation so that even empty directories are included, ensuring a complete replica of the source folder tree.

Why the other options are wrong:

• /s by itself omits empty directories, so the folder structure would be incomplete.
• /t /e copies only the directory structure (no files), which does not meet the requirement to copy every file.
• /d /y limits the copy to newer files (relative to the destination) and merely suppresses overwrite prompts; it does not guarantee empty directories will be copied.

Updating the 'Asset tags and IDs' information is crucial because each asset tag or ID is unique to the individual piece of hardware. By keeping these records up-to-date, the database reflects the most current status of all assets, allowing for effective tracking and management. Updating serial numbers, though important, doesn't directly reflect asset tracking for management and procurement processes. The technicians involved in upgrades and the location of ESD equipment are not as critical in asset management databases as the assets' unique identifiers.

diskpart is a Windows command-line utility designed for disk partitioning and volume management. It provides a suite of commands allowing users to create, delete, format, and resize partitions on storage devices, offering a flexible and powerful tool for managing disk configurations through the command-line interface.

The correct choice is Programs and Features, which allows users to uninstall or modify installed applications.

User Accounts is focused on managing account settings and permissions.

Device Manager is used for hardware device management.

Network and Sharing Center is for configuring network connections and settings, making them unsuitable for program management.

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a deprecated wireless security standard with numerous documented vulnerabilities that make it easy to compromise. It was officially retired by the Wi-Fi Alliance in 2004 and has been superseded by more secure protocols like WPA2 and WPA3. While some modern devices may lack support for WEP, the primary reason to avoid it is its lack of security. Performance impact and authentication methods are secondary concerns compared to the fundamental security flaws.

To restrict access and provide security - This is correct. The primary purpose of a physical barrier, such as a fence, wall, or gate, is to prevent unauthorized access to a property and enhance security by deterring intruders or controlling entry points.

To provide aesthetic landscaping - While some barriers may have aesthetic value, this is not their primary purpose. Their main function is security and access control.

To create an area for recreational activities - Recreational areas may include barriers for safety or organization, but the primary function of a security barrier is to restrict access, not to create recreational spaces.

To inform visitors of rules and regulations - Informing visitors of rules and regulations is typically achieved through signage, not physical barriers.

Sluggish performance can be caused by many non-hardware factors, including excessive background processes, insufficient RAM, outdated software, or malware infections. Because these software and resource issues are common, a technician should check Task Manager, perform malware scans, and review update status before blaming hardware. Replacing parts without these checks can waste time and money.

Malware infections often manifest as performance issues and the appearance of unwanted pop-ups or advertisements. The pop-ups are often disguised as legitimate programs or warnings to trick users.

Before attempting any OS upgrade, the first step is to verify that the hardware meets the minimum system requirements for the new OS. Windows 11 has strict hardware requirements, such as specific CPU models and the need for TPM 2.0, that many older Windows 10 machines do not meet. While purchasing a license and backing up data are often necessary steps in an upgrade process, they should only be performed after confirming the hardware is compatible. Therefore, verifying the system requirements is the correct initial action.

Jailbreaking an iOS device involves removing the restrictions imposed by Apple, allowing the user to install apps not available on the App Store and make other modifications to the operating system. This process can introduce security risks, as it bypasses many of the safeguards put in place by Apple. Additionally, jailbreaking an iOS device typically voids its warranty. It is crucial for the technician to inform the client about these potential risks and consequences before proceeding with jailbreaking.

When files are missing or renamed, it can disrupt application functionality and system operations, indicating potential issues such as malware activity or accidental user actions. This situation suggests that the integrity of the system or personal files has been compromised.

The other answer options do not specifically relate to file structure integrity.