Core 2: Software Troubleshooting

A Windows PC shows a blue screen of death (BSOD) referencing a driver. What is the best first step?

• A Reinstall Windows
• B Boot to Safe Mode and roll back or update the driver ✓
• C Replace the CPU
• D Reset the router

Answer: Boot into Safe Mode to roll back or update the problematic driver causing the BSOD.

Windows boots very slowly with many programs launching at startup. What is the fix?

• A Add more monitors
• B Disable unnecessary startup items in Task Manager ✓
• C Reinstall drivers
• D Replace PSU

Answer: Disabling unneeded startup programs in Task Manager reduces boot time and resource use.

An application repeatedly crashes only on one user's profile. What should you try?

• A Replace RAM
• B Test with a new/another user profile or repair the app ✓
• C Reinstall the OS
• D Update BIOS

Answer: If only one profile is affected, a corrupt profile is likely; test another profile or repair the application.

A user reports frequent pop-ups and a changed browser homepage. What is the likely cause?

• A Failed PSU
• B Adware/browser hijacker (PUP) ✓
• C Bad RAM
• D DNS server down

Answer: Unwanted pop-ups and a hijacked homepage indicate adware or a potentially unwanted program.

Windows reports 'low memory' and slows down with many apps open. What is the best resolution?

• A Lower screen resolution
• B Close apps and consider adding more RAM or increasing the page file ✓
• C Reinstall the OS
• D Disable the firewall

Answer: Closing applications frees RAM; adding physical memory or adjusting the page file addresses chronic shortages.

A program will not install, citing insufficient privileges. What should the technician do?

• A Disable antivirus permanently
• B Run the installer as administrator ✓
• C Delete the user
• D Reinstall Windows

Answer: Running the installer with administrative privileges resolves permission-based installation failures.