CompTIA A+ Core 2 Sample Questions With Full Explanations
Here are 8-10 multiple-choice questions designed to match the style, difficulty, and domain coverage of the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) exam. They cover security, troubleshooting, operational procedures, and software troubleshooting.
Instructions: Choose the single best answer for each question. The questions are designed to test both recall and applied problem-solving skills, mirroring the scenario-based nature of the real exam. We cover this in depth in CISA Sample Questions With Full Explanations.
Question 1
A user reports that their Windows 10 workstation is running extremely slowly after returning from lunch. The technician notices high CPU and disk usage in Task Manager, but the process name changes frequently (e.g., from svchost.exe to winlog.exe). Which of the following is the MOST likely cause and first step?
A. A failing hard drive; run chkdsk /f immediately.
B. A malware infection; disconnect the machine from the network and run a full antivirus scan.
C. A Windows Update is stuck; reboot the machine into Safe Mode.
D. Insufficient RAM; upgrade the memory modules.
Answer: B
Explanation: Rapidly changing process names and high resource usage are classic signs of polymorphic malware attempting to evade detection. The immediate step is to isolate the system (disconnect from network) to prevent spread, then run a scan. The other options address hardware or specific system issues, but the changing process name points directly to malicious activity.
Question 2
A technician is configuring a new Windows 10 laptop for a user who is visually impaired. Which of the following tools should be used to provide a text-to-speech narration of on-screen text, menus, and controls?
A. Magnifier
B. Narrator
C. Speech Recognition
D. Ease of Access Center
Answer: B
Explanation: The Narrator is the built-in Windows screen reader that reads text aloud. Magnifier enlarges the screen, and Speech Recognition allows voice control, but neither reads text. The Ease of Access Center is the central hub for accessing these tools, not the tool itself.
Question 3
A small office uses a shared network printer. A user reports that they cannot print, but other users can. The technician checks the print queue and sees a document "spooling" but it never prints. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
A. The printer's network cable is unplugged.
B. The user's print driver is corrupted.
C. The print spooler service is stopped.
D. The printer is out of paper.
Answer: B
Explanation: Since other users can print, the printer, network, and spooler service are functional. A corrupted driver specific to the user's machine would cause their print jobs to fail to process correctly. A stopped spooler would affect all users, as would an unplugged cable or out-of-paper error.
Question 4
A technician is tasked with securely disposing of a hard drive from a server that contained highly confidential financial data. The drive is still functional. Which of the following methods provides the STRONGEST guarantee that data cannot be recovered?
A. Perform a standard format (quick format) of the drive.
B. Use a software tool to overwrite the drive with a single pass of zeros. For background on this area, read CKS Sample Questions With Full Explanations.
C. Physically destroy the drive platters using a drill press or shredder.
D. Delete all files and empty the Recycle Bin.
Answer: C
Explanation: Physical destruction is the only method that guarantees data is unrecoverable, especially for drives with sensitive data. Formatting and deletion only remove file system pointers, leaving data recoverable with forensic tools. Even a single overwrite pass is not considered as secure as physical destruction by most standards.
Question 5
A user's Android smartphone is displaying pop-up ads that appear even when no browser is open. The user also notices several unfamiliar apps installed. Which of the following is the BEST course of action?
A. Perform a factory reset from the Settings menu.
B. Uninstall the unfamiliar apps one by one.
C. Disable the pop-up blocker in the browser settings.
D. Put the device into Airplane mode.
Answer: A
Explanation: This is a classic sign of adware or a malicious app. Because the pop-ups appear outside the browser, they are likely system-level intrusions. Uninstalling apps one by one may not remove all components of the malware. A factory reset is the most reliable way to restore the device to a clean state, though it should be backed up first if possible.
Question 6
A technician is troubleshooting a Windows 10 computer that fails to boot and displays a "Bootmgr is missing" error. Which of the following commands should be run first from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) command prompt to repair the boot configuration?
A. sfc /scannow
B. chkdsk /f
C. bootrec /rebuildbcd
D. gpupdate /force
Answer: C
Explanation: The "Bootmgr is missing" error indicates a problem with the Boot Configuration Data (BCD). The bootrec /rebuildbcd command scans for Windows installations and rebuilds the BCD store. sfc /scannow repairs system files, chkdsk checks disk errors, and gpupdate refreshes Group Policy—none of which directly address a missing boot manager.
Question 7
Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of creating a Windows System Restore point before installing a new application?
A. To create a backup of the user's personal files and documents.
B. To allow the system to be rolled back to a previous state if the installation causes issues.
C. To free up disk space by removing temporary files.
D. To create a full image of the operating system for deployment to other computers.
Answer: B You can explore this further in Cisco CyberOps Associate Sample Questions With Full Explanations.
Explanation: System Restore points capture the state of system files, registry settings, and installed programs. They are used to roll back the system to a previous, working configuration if an installation fails or causes instability. They do not back up personal files, free up space, or create deployable images.
Question 8
A technician is working on a laptop and needs to remove a stubborn, non-malicious application. The user has already tried to uninstall it via "Apps & Features" but received an error. Which of the following is the next BEST step to remove the application?
A. Delete the application's folder in Program Files.
B. Run the msconfig utility and disable the startup entry.
C. Use a third-party uninstaller tool or run the vendor's dedicated uninstaller in Safe Mode.
D. Use the taskkill command to end the process and then delete the folder.
Answer: C
Explanation: When a standard uninstall fails, running the vendor's dedicated uninstaller (often available in Safe Mode to avoid conflicts) or a third-party uninstaller is the best approach as it cleans up registry entries and linked files. Simply deleting the folder leaves behind registry entries and shared DLLs, causing "orphaned" files. msconfig only disables startup, not the installation itself.
Question 9
A company policy requires that all laptops have their hard drives encrypted. A technician enables BitLocker on a laptop. What is the PRIMARY requirement that must be met before BitLocker can be enabled?
A. The laptop must have a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip version 1.2 or higher.
B. The hard drive must be formatted with the FAT32 file system.
C. The user must have a Microsoft account linked to the device.
D. The laptop must be connected to a domain controller.
Answer: A
Explanation: BitLocker is designed to work with a TPM chip to securely store the encryption keys. While BitLocker can be used without a TPM (using a USB startup key), the presence of a TPM is the standard and primary hardware requirement. BitLocker requires NTFS, not FAT32, and does not require a Microsoft account or domain membership.
Question 10
A user calls the help desk claiming they are locked out of their Windows 10 workstation. The technician needs to reset the user's password but does not have administrative credentials to the local machine. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate action?
A. Use a password cracking tool to bypass the login screen.
B. Boot from a Windows installation media and use "Repair your computer" to access Command Prompt and run net user.
C. Ask the user to try the password several more times to ensure it is correct.
D. Verify the user's identity using established company policy, then escalate the ticket to a local administrator or domain administrator.
Answer: D
Explanation: Security and operational procedures dictate that password resets must follow a verified identity check. Bypassing security with cracking tools is a violation of policy and ethics. Using installation media to reset a password is a known workaround but is often blocked and is not the correct IT procedure. The technician should follow the chain of command and proper authorization protocols.
These questions cover the breadth of the Core 2 objectives, from security best practices and malware removal to OS troubleshooting and operational procedures. Remember that the real exam focuses heavily on the why behind the answer, not just the what. Always prioritize the most secure, efficient, and policy-compliant solution.
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