Chapter 3 of 4 · CompTIA A+ 220-1202
Software Troubleshooting
Windows boot and performance faults, mobile OS and app issues, and PC and phone security.
- 5topics
- 20 minfast track
- 2diagrams and exhibits
- 23%of the exam
Topics in this chapter
Take them in order, or jump to the one you need.
- 1Windows Boot and Crash ProblemsTroubleshoot Windows that will not start, shows a blue screen, restarts on its own or has a damaged profile, using recovery…Diagram4 min
- 2Windows Performance and Service ProblemsTroubleshoot slow Windows performance, low memory, app crashes, failed updates, service errors, slow profile loads, limited…4 min
- 3Mobile OS and App ProblemsTroubleshoot phones and tablets that will not charge, run slowly, overheat, lose wireless signal or have crashing apps, including…4 min
- 4Mobile Security ProblemsRecognise signs of a compromised phone or tablet, such as sideloaded apps, rooting, data spikes and battery drain, and know how…4 min
- 5PC Security ProblemsDiagnose PC security symptoms such as pop ups, browser redirection, certificate warnings, fake antivirus alerts, hijacked…Diagram4 min
About this chapter
What this chapter covers
Software Troubleshooting tests whether you can find and fix problems on Windows PCs and mobile devices. The questions are scenario based: a symptom is described and you pick the likely cause, the best next step or the right tool.
The chapter splits the problems into four groups: Windows operating system faults, mobile operating system and app faults, mobile security faults and personal computer security faults.
How the topics fit together
All four topics share the same method. Identify the problem, form a theory, test it, plan the fix, apply it, verify it and document it.
- Windows problems are split into boot and crash faults, and performance, service and network faults.
- Mobile problems cover charging, battery, wireless and app faults.
- Security problems use the symptoms of malware and account compromise to choose the response.
Always start with the least destructive fix. A restart, an update or a settings change comes before a reset, and a reset comes before a reinstall.
How to use these pages
Each topic page has the same shape, so you can skim for what you need.
- What it is: the idea in plain words.
- How it works: the mechanism, with diagrams and example commands.
- What to remember for the exam: the facts to memorise.
- Common mistakes: the classic traps.
- Check yourself: three questions to test your understanding.
The symptom tables are the most useful part of these pages. Read each row as a question, cover the right hand side, and try to name the cause before you look.
Ready for more practice?
The full CompTIA A+ 220-1202 question bank has 835 questions, with timed practice exams and an explanation for every answer.
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