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

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.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A synthetic full backup combines the last full backup with subsequent incremental backups to create a new full backup without re-reading data from the source system. This method significantly reduces the backup window and network impact. It is especially useful when traditional full backups are too time-consuming.

A. Changing the backup window only shifts timing, not duration.

B. Incremental weekly backups would lack a proper full recovery point and aren't ideal alone.

C. Storage space isn't the bottleneck in backup speed—it’s read/write operations and network load.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) apps, especially time-based one-time password (TOTP) apps (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy), rely on accurate time synchronization between the device and the authentication server. If the user recently traveled internationally, the device may have incorrect date/time settings due to time zone changes or failed synchronization, leading to MFA failure.

The most logical and non-intrusive first step is to verify and correct the date and time settings. This aligns with basic troubleshooting principles—start with the simplest and most likely cause before taking more drastic action.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Videoconferencingplatforms allow real-time face-to-face communication and are ideal for collaborative training sessions involving remote employees.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“Videoconferencing tools such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams are specifically designed for real-time communication and training, making them ideal for executive or large-group meetings.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the user's files and demands a payment (ransom) for the decryption key. When a user receives a message stating that their files are encrypted and cannot be accessed, ransomware is the most likely cause. The attacker’s goal is to hold the data hostage until the victim pays to restore access.

A. Keylogger records keystrokes and doesn’t encrypt files.

C. Phishing is a social engineering tactic to gather credentials, not to encrypt data.

D. Cryptominer uses system resources to mine cryptocurrency, not encrypt files.

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:

AnNDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement)is used to ensure confidentiality of sensitive company information, especially when interacting with external parties.

FromQUENTIN DOCTER - COMPTIA A+ COMPLETE study GUIDE:

“An NDA ensures that confidential information is not disclosed to unauthorized individuals, especially important in external communications.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

exFATis the only listed file system that supports both read and write access across Windows, macOS, and Linux (with appropriate drivers). It’s optimized for flash storage and external drives.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“exFAT is a lightweight file system with cross-platform read/write support, ideal for use on removable drives when compatibility is essential.”

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:

If uploading fails only offsite,mobile data limits or restrictionsare the likely cause. Data caps or network management can interfere with uploads.

FromTravis Everett – All-in-One Exam Guide:

“When mobile users experience network issues, always check if the device has reached a data cap or roaming restriction.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

FAT32cannot support files larger than 4GB.NTFSsupports large file sizes and is compatible across Windows systems, making it the correct choice for transferring a 4.57GB file.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“NTFS is the preferred file system for large file transfers within Windows. FAT32 has a 4GB file size limit, which makes it unsuitable for modern use cases involving large files.”

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.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Once the system is cleaned, the next priority is toeducate the useron safe practices to prevent recurrence.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“Post-malware remediation should include user education to prevent reinfection and identify how the malware was introduced.”

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:

TheServicestool in Windows allows a technician to view service dependencies and status. If the print spooler can't start due to a dependency, Services is the correct tool to inspect and manage them.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“The Services console allows technicians to view, start, and configure system services, including setting recovery actions and viewing dependencies.”

Aclean installensures all malware is eliminated by completely wiping and reinstalling the OS. System restore or repair may leave traces.

FromQUENTIN DOCTER - COMPTIA A+ COMPLETE study GUIDE:

“If malware cannot be completely removed, perform a clean installation of the operating system. This ensures no remnants remain on the machine.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

NET Framework versions are often required for applications to run. If an older app requires .NET Framework 3.5, it must be explicitly installed as it is not included by default in newer versions of Windows. The best method to do this safely is through the built-in "Turn Windows features on or off" utility, which downloads and installs it via official Microsoft services.

B. Using third-party repositories is unsafe and not recommended.

C. Installing .NET 4 does not include 3.5; versions are not fully backward compatible.

D. The issue is technical, not a security incident for the SOC team.

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:

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.

Screensaver lockshelp protect unattended workstations.

BIOS passwordsprevent unauthorized changes at startup or during boot.

FromQUENTIN DOCTER - COMPTIA A+ COMPLETE study GUIDE:

“Applying a BIOS password adds a pre-boot security layer. Screensaver locks help protect logged-in sessions during idle times.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Thefirst stepin troubleshooting degraded mobile performance is typically arestart. This clears RAM and stops background processes that might be causing issues.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“Before taking invasive measures like a factory reset, always restart the device. A reboot clears temporary files and can significantly improve responsiveness.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

To prevent external access, the technician should avoid exposing the surveillance system’s port to the public internet. Port mapping (also known as port forwarding) is the method used to control which internal devices and ports are accessible from the outside. By not configuring port forwarding for the device, external login attempts are effectively blocked.

B. Subnetting organizes IP addresses but doesn't directly restrict access.

C. A static IP ensures consistent addressing but does not secure access.

D. Content filtering is used to restrict web content, not to block access to a web interface.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

These symptoms strongly suggest malware activity—likely from the newly installed app. The first action should be torun a malware scanto detect and isolate malicious software.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Study Guide:

“Signs of malware infection include rapid battery drain and overheating. The first step should be a malware scan using trusted mobile antivirus apps.”

Inbox mail 1 -Account Locked- Phishing - Report email to Information Security

Inbox mail 2 -Share your feedback - Legitimate - Perform no additional actions

Inbox mail 3 –Employee orientation - Legitimate - Perform no additional actions

Inbox mail 4 –Security Update – Spam - Report email to Information Security

Inbox mail 5 –Interview - Legitimate - Perform no additional actions

—

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) is software that a user may not have knowingly installed. It often gets bundled with legitimate software and installs without full disclosure. PUPs can affect performance, change system settings, or display unwanted ads but are not necessarily malicious like viruses or ransomware.

A. Viruses replicate and spread; they are generally more harmful and not "bundled" in the same way.

B. Ransomware encrypts files for payment and is deliberately malicious.

D. A Trojan disguises itself as legitimate software to perform malicious actions but is not typically pre-bundled by legitimate publishers.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Spear phishingtargets a specific individual using personalized tactics, as seen in emails impersonating a CEO to deceive a secretary.

FromQUENTIN DOCTER - COMPTIA A+ COMPLETE study GUIDE:

“Spear phishing targets specific individuals or roles within an organization using tailored messages to increase success rates.”

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:

Most public Wi-Fi networks requireinteraction with a captive portal(e.g., terms of use or login). Dismissing it prevents the user from gaining internet access. Reconnecting and completing the portal page is essential.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“Many public hotspots require user acknowledgment or login via a captive portal. Skipping this step results in no internet access.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Managed Detection and Response (MDR)involves outsourcing security monitoring to a third-party that uses multiple tools and analytics.

FromTravis Everett – All-in-One Exam Guide:

“MDR providers handle threat detection and response using a combination of advanced tools, analytics, and expert personnel.”

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:

UPS batteries are heavy and often located at the bottom of racks to maintain balance. Safe removal requires the use of correct lifting techniques to avoid injury. OSHA and workplace safety standards emphasize ergonomic handling when dealing with heavy equipment.

A. Fire suppression readiness is important for fire safety but not specifically relevant to battery removal.

C. Antistatic bags are for electronic components, not heavy battery modules.

D. A face mask is not generally necessary unless there is a chemical leak, which is not indicated here.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The first step in the IT change management process is to identify and propose the change. In this case, the technician notices a need (end-of-life network switches), so the appropriate action is to formally propose a change. This proposal would be documented and submitted for approval before any planning or implementation occurs.

According to the CompTIA A+ 220-1102 objectives under Operational Procedures (Domain 4.0), the change management process follows these typical steps:

Submit a change request (Propose the change)

Review and approval (Approve the change)

Planning and scheduling (Schedule the change)

Implementation

Documentation and review

Therefore, proposing the change is the correct first step in accordance with standard ITIL-based change management practices.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When a technician exhausts all troubleshooting steps within their knowledge and the issue remains unresolved, the best practice is to escalate the issue to a higher-level technician or team. Additionally, the technician should clearly communicate the next steps to the customer to maintain transparency and reduce frustration. This ensures continuity of support and upholds customer satisfaction.

B. Dismissing the customer is unprofessional and violates proper customer service protocols.

C. Interrupting the customer and providing excuses escalates the tension and is inappropriate.

D. Continuing to ask questions without new troubleshooting steps wastes time and increases frustration.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The ext4 (Fourth Extended Filesystem) is the most widely used default filesystem in modern Linux distributions. It is designed for high performance, scalability, and reliability, and is supported by all mainstream Linux kernels.

A. exFAT is used for cross-platform external drives, not native Linux systems.

B. APFS is Apple's proprietary filesystem for macOS and iOS.

D. NTFS is the default filesystem for Windows, not Linux.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Linux machine likely formatted the drive in a file system like ext4, which Windows cannot natively read. Reformatting the drive toexFATallows cross-platform compatibility.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“When migrating data between OSes, using a file system like exFAT ensures compatibility. Windows cannot read Linux-native file systems such as ext4 without third-party tools.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A low-level format (also referred to as a zero-fill or full format) writes over every sector on a storage device, effectively destroying the existing data and making recovery nearly impossible. Unlike degaussing, which renders the drive unusable, a low-level format maintains the integrity of the device, allowing it to be repurposed or reused.

A. Deleting partitions does not fully erase data; it only removes references in the partition table.

B. EFS (Encrypting File System) encrypts files but does not securely wipe them.

D. Degaussing destroys the magnetic structure of a drive, making it inoperable and not reusable.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A .bat file (batch file) is a script file in DOS, OS/2, and Microsoft Windows. It contains a series of commands that are executed by the command-line interpreter. In Windows environments, batch files are commonly used to automate log-in tasks, such as mapping network drives, launching applications, or setting environment variables during the user's logon process.

B. .sh is a shell script used in Linux/Unix environments.

C. .py is a Python script, which can be used for automation but is not commonly run directly at user logon in standard Windows environments.

D. .js is JavaScript, used mainly in web development and not for system-level scripting in Windows logon automation.

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.

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:

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) requires at least two different types of authentication factors:

Something you know (e.g., password or PIN)

Something you have (e.g., smartphone or hardware token)

Something you are (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition)

Option A, sending a code to the user’s phone, is an example of "something you have" — a physical device that receives a one-time passcode. Combined with a password, this forms a proper MFA implementation.

B. Date of birth is another knowledge-based factor (like a password), not a second factor type.

C. Solving a math problem is not a recognized authentication factor.

D. A PIN is also "something you know" and does not count as a distinct MFA factor when paired with a password.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Background applications can significantly drain a smartphone’s battery, even when the device is idle. A technician should first review which apps are running in the background and consuming power through the battery usage section of the OS. Disabling or restricting power-hungry apps often resolves poor battery life.

A. Storage usage doesn’t significantly affect battery life.

B. End of software support is unrelated to battery performance unless it's causing inefficient processes, which would still be secondary.

C. Charger wattage affects charging speed, not battery life after charging.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Group Policyis the standard administrative tool for enforcing security and configuration settings across domain-joined systems, including disabling guest accounts.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Study Guide:

“Disabling guest accounts and applying consistent security policies across multiple machines is best achieved through Group Policy on a Windows domain.”

In AI terminology,hallucinationrefers to generated output that appears plausible but is factually incorrect.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“AI hallucination describes output that is fluent and coherent but includes information that is entirely fabricated or inaccurate.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

RAM is an electrostatic-sensitive component. When removing or transporting RAM modules, they should be stored in antistatic bags to protect against electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can damage the memory. This is a standard best practice in hardware handling.

A. Demagnetization is not applicable to RAM.

C. Plugging in power to ground is not safe or recommended for static protection.

D. Installing identical memory pairs is applicable for dual-channel configuration, but not directly related to transporting or handling RAM.