3.4 - CompTIA A+ Core 2

Common symptoms

Unable to access the network

• Fixes for no network accessibility: Check physical connections, ensuring that cables are securely plugged in, verify the network adapter is enabled (Device Manager), update NIC drivers, and reload/scan for malware.

Desktop alerts/unwanted OS notifications

• Fixes for unwanted desktop alerts: Disable notifications from unwanted websites/applications, and scan/remove malware that may cause excessive alerts. Also manage notifications from a per-app basis (a cloud and desktop mail client should both notify you of mail).

False alerts regarding antivirus protection

• Fixes for false antivirus alerts: Use a reliable AV program to remove the malware causing the alerts.

Altered system or personal files

• Fixes for altered system/personal files: Use an AV program and/or restore the system from a known good backup.

Missing/renamed files

• Missing/renamed files: Occurs when files present on the system are deleted or renamed.

Inability to access files

• Inability to access files: Important files are locked (access/file permissions) to prevent access, common with ransomware, and some malware can prevent a user from disabling it to prevent its removal.

OS update failures

• Causes for OS update failures: These can occur due to insufficient disk space, corrupted update files, or poor network connections (firewalls, bandwidth restrictions).

• Fixes for OS update failures: Free up disk space, use System File Checker to ensure the integrity of system files, enable OS updates via firewalls, and ensure proper network bandwidth to update the OS.

Browser-related symptoms

Random/frequent pop-ups

• Fixes for random/frequent pop-ups: Update your browser to the latest version (pop-up blockers may be automatically installed), and scan for malware.

Certificate warnings

• Fixes for certificate warnings: Check the certificate (lock icon in the browser) - it may be expired, improperly signed (wrong CA), or date/time conflicts with your system.

Redirection

• Fix for Browser redirection: Use an anti-malware/anti-virus to remove the malware causing redirection, and restore the system from a known good backup.

Degraded browser performance

• Fixes for degraded browser performance: Update the browser to the latest version, remove excess tabs/windows, clear cache and cookies, scan/remove malware, or try a different browser if the problem persists.