500+ Desktop Support Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

The solution to the 'No operating system found' error is to check the boot order, ensure the hard drive is properly connected, and repair or reinstall the operating system.

• Check the boot order in the BIOS settings and make sure the hard drive is set as the first boot device.

• Ensure that the hard drive is properly connected to the computer's motherboard and power supply.

• If the operating system files are corrupted or missing, repair or reinstall the operating system using instal...read more

Organizations typically use a combination of wired and wireless networking technologies to meet their networking needs.

• Organizations commonly use Ethernet for wired networking within their premises

• Wireless networking technologies such as Wi-Fi are also widely used for providing connectivity to devices

• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are used for secure remote access to organizational resources

• Fiber optic cables may be used for high-speed data transmission over long distances

• Ne...read more

IP address is a unique identifier for devices on a network. Subnet is a way to divide a network. VPN is a secure connection over the internet. Cloud computing is using remote servers to store, manage, and process data.

• IP address is a numerical label assigned to each device on a network

• Subnet is a way to divide a network into smaller subnetworks

• VPN is a secure way to connect to a network over the internet

• Cloud computing is using remote servers to store, manage, and process dat...read more

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between clients and servers, providing security, anonymity, and caching benefits.

• Proxy servers can be used to filter web content, blocking access to certain websites or types of content.

• They can also improve network performance by caching frequently accessed resources, reducing the need for clients to request them from the server.

• Proxy servers can provide anonymity by masking the IP address of the client, making it more difficult to trac...read more

Steps to join a computer in domain

• Ensure the computer is connected to the network

• Access the System Properties on the computer

• Click on the 'Change' button under the 'Computer Name' tab

• Select 'Domain' and enter the domain name

• Provide domain credentials when prompted

• Restart the computer to apply the changes

Routers connect multiple networks and determine the best path for data packets, while switches connect devices within a network.

• Routers operate at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model, while switches operate at the data link layer (Layer 2).

• Routers use IP addresses to forward packets between networks, while switches use MAC addresses to forward packets within a network.

• Routers can connect different types of networks (e.g., LAN, WAN), while switches are typically used ...read more

Service tickets are requests for a change or new service, while incident tickets are requests for help with an existing service.

• Service tickets are proactive and planned, while incident tickets are reactive and unplanned.

• Service tickets are often initiated by the IT department, while incident tickets are initiated by end-users.

• Examples of service tickets include requests for new software or hardware, while examples of incident tickets include requests for password resets or s...read more

To resolve OS installation problems, check hardware compatibility, ensure proper boot order, and troubleshoot installation media.

• Check hardware compatibility with the OS being installed

• Ensure proper boot order in BIOS settings

• Troubleshoot installation media, such as checking for scratches or creating a new bootable USB

• Check for any error messages during installation and troubleshoot accordingly

Networking is the practice of connecting computers and other devices to share resources. Types include LAN, WAN, WLAN, MAN, and PAN.

• Local Area Network (LAN) - connects devices within a limited area like a home or office

• Wide Area Network (WAN) - connects devices over a large geographical area, often using public infrastructure like the internet

• Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) - uses wireless technology to connect devices within a limited area

• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) -...read more

OS stands for Operating System. It is a software that manages computer hardware and provides common services for computer programs.

• An OS is the most important software that runs on a computer.

• It manages the computer's memory, processes, and all of its software and hardware.

• To install an OS, you typically need to boot from a installation media such as a CD, DVD, or USB drive.

• During installation, you will be prompted to choose the installation location, language, and other sett...read more

A ticketing tool is a software used to manage and track customer support requests or incidents.

• It allows users to submit tickets or requests for assistance.

• It assigns tickets to appropriate support staff for resolution.

• It tracks the status and progress of each ticket until it is resolved.

• It provides reporting and analytics on ticket volume, resolution time, and customer satisfaction.

• Examples include ServiceNow, JIRA Service Desk, and Zendesk.

The issue could be related to hardware failure, software corruption, or overheating.

• Possible hardware failure such as faulty RAM or hard drive

• Software corruption due to malware or corrupted system files

• Overheating causing the system to shut down and restart

Windows updates are released on the second Tuesday of every month, also known as Patch Tuesday.

• Windows updates are released on a monthly basis.

• The release date is known as Patch Tuesday.

• Updates can also be released outside of this schedule for critical security issues.

The problem could be due to a faulty power supply, motherboard, or other hardware components.

• Check if the power supply is properly connected and functioning

• Check if the motherboard is receiving power

• Check if any hardware components are loose or damaged

• Check if there are any error messages or beeps during startup

IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol, a protocol used for email retrieval.

• IMAP allows users to access their email messages from multiple devices.

• It keeps the messages on the server and synchronizes changes between the server and the client.

• IMAP is commonly used with email clients such as Microsoft Outlook and Apple Mail.

To find no display issue, check cables, monitor, graphics card, and drivers. Rectify by replacing faulty hardware or updating drivers.

• Check if cables are properly connected

• Check if monitor is turned on and functioning

• Check graphics card and drivers

• Try connecting to a different monitor

• Replace faulty hardware or update drivers

Outlook is a personal information manager and email client developed by Microsoft. Outlook 365 is a cloud-based subscription service of Outlook.

• Outlook is a software application used for managing personal information such as emails, calendars, contacts, and tasks.

• It allows users to send, receive, and organize emails from multiple email accounts.

• Outlook provides features like calendar management, task tracking, note-taking, and journaling.

• Outlook 365 is a subscription-based ve...read more

Outlook, PST, and OST are email-related terms. PST and OST are file formats. Repairing PST files involves using the Scanpst.exe tool.

• Outlook is an email client developed by Microsoft.

• PST (Personal Storage Table) is a file format used to store email messages, contacts, and other data in Outlook.

• OST (Offline Storage Table) is a file format used to store a copy of mailbox data on a local computer.

• To repair a PST file, you can use the Scanpst.exe tool, which is included with Outl...read more

To install an operating system, you need to boot from a bootable media and follow the installation wizard.

• Create a bootable media (USB, DVD, etc.) with the operating system image

• Insert the bootable media into the computer and restart it

• Press the key to enter the boot menu (usually F12 or Del)

• Select the bootable media from the list of boot devices

• Follow the installation wizard and choose the installation options (language, partition, etc.)

• Wait for the installation to complete ...read more

OST stands for Offline Storage Table and is a file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store offline copies of email messages.

• OST is a file format used by Microsoft Outlook for offline access to email messages.

• OST files are created when Outlook is configured to use Cached Exchange Mode.

• OST files allow users to access their email, calendar, and contacts even when not connected to the Exchange server.

• Changes made to OST files while offline are synchronized with the Exchange ser...read more

ifconfig is used in Linux/Unix systems to configure network interfaces while ipconfig is used in Windows to view and renew IP addresses.

• ifconfig is used in Linux/Unix systems while ipconfig is used in Windows

• ifconfig is used to configure network interfaces while ipconfig is used to view and renew IP addresses

• ifconfig displays information about network interfaces such as IP address, netmask, and MAC address while ipconfig displays IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway

• if...read more

Diagnosing hardware and software problems involves identifying symptoms, conducting tests, analyzing data, and troubleshooting.

• Identify the symptoms reported by the user or observed on the system.

• Conduct hardware tests such as checking connections, running diagnostics tools, and monitoring performance.

• Conduct software tests such as checking for updates, scanning for malware, and verifying configurations.

• Analyze data collected from tests to pinpoint the root cause of the issue...read more

VMware is a software that allows you to create and run virtual machines on a physical computer.

• VMware is a virtualization software that creates a virtual environment on a physical computer.

• It allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single machine.

• VMware creates a virtual machine that acts like a real computer with its own CPU, memory, and storage.

• It is commonly used in data centers to consolidate servers and reduce hardware costs.

• Examples of VMware products include ...read more

IP stands for Internet Protocol, BSOD is Blue Screen of Death error in Windows, troubleshoot printer issues by checking connections, drivers, and restarting.

• IP stands for Internet Protocol, a unique address assigned to each device connected to a network.

• BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) is a Windows error screen displayed when a system encounters a critical error.

• To troubleshoot printer issues, check connections, ensure drivers are up to date, restart the printer and computer, and ...read more

SSD and HDD are types of storage devices. 1 GB is a unit of storage capacity.

• SSD stands for Solid State Drive and uses flash memory to store data.

• HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive and uses spinning disks to store data.

• 1 GB is equal to 1024 MB or 1000 MB depending on the context.

• SSDs are faster and more expensive than HDDs.

• HDDs have larger storage capacities and are cheaper than SSDs.

Outlook is an email client, crimping is a process of joining cables, remote access is accessing a computer from a different location, network troubleshooting is identifying and resolving network issues, file is a collection of data.

• Outlook is used for sending and receiving emails, managing calendars, and contacts.

• Crimping is used to join two cables together to create a secure connection.

• Remote access allows users to access their computer from a different location using the in...read more

To install corrupt updates, you can use the Windows Update Troubleshooter tool. A bluescreen error occurs when there is a critical system error.

• Use Windows Update Troubleshooter tool to identify and fix corrupt updates

• Manually uninstall the corrupt update and try reinstalling it

• Check for system file corruption using SFC /scannow command

• Perform a system restore to a point before the update was installed

• A bluescreen error, also known as a STOP error, occurs when a critical syst...read more

To troubleshoot a laptop or desktop with no internet, check network connections, restart the device, reset network settings, update drivers, and contact ISP.

• Check network connections (Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi)

• Restart the device

• Reset network settings

• Update network drivers

• Contact Internet Service Provider (ISP)

BSOD error stands for Blue Screen of Death error, a Windows operating system error that causes the system to crash.

• BSOD error is a stop error displayed on a blue screen when Windows encounters a critical error.

• Common causes of BSOD errors include hardware issues, driver conflicts, and software problems.

• To resolve BSOD errors, you can try restarting the computer, updating drivers, running system diagnostics, or performing a system restore.

• Example: If a BSOD error code like '0x...read more

Answering technical questions related to tecert command, ADDS, IP, and difference between hardware and software.

• tecert command is used to manage certificates in Windows operating system

• ADDS stands for Active Directory Domain Services, used for managing users and computers in a network

• IP stands for Internet Protocol, used for communication between devices on a network

• Hardware refers to physical components of a computer system, while software refers to programs and applications...read more

I would escalate the issue to a higher level of support or seek assistance from colleagues.

• Consult with colleagues or team lead for assistance

• Research online forums or knowledge bases for similar issues

• Escalate the issue to a higher level of support

• Document the steps taken and the issue for future reference

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses.

• DNS is like a phonebook for the internet

• It helps to locate websites by translating domain names into IP addresses

• DNS works through a hierarchical system of servers

• There are different types of DNS records such as A, CNAME, MX, etc.

• DNS caching helps to speed up the process of resolving domain names

Outlook is a popular email client and personal information manager developed by Microsoft.

• Outlook is used for managing emails, calendars, contacts, tasks, and notes.

• To configure Outlook, you need to have the email account details such as email address, username, password, and server settings.

• Open Outlook and go to the File tab, then click on Add Account.

• Enter your email address and click on Connect.

• Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your username, password, and server...read more

DOS commands are essential for troubleshooting and managing Windows systems. Here are five commonly used commands.

• DIR - displays a list of files and subdirectories in a directory

• CD - changes the current directory

• MD - creates a new directory

• COPY - copies one or more files to another location

• DEL - deletes one or more files

The black screen issue can be caused by various factors such as hardware failure, software issues, or incorrect display settings.

• Check if the monitor is properly connected and powered on

• Verify if the graphics card is functioning correctly

• Restart the computer and check if the issue persists

• Update or reinstall display drivers

• Check for any software conflicts or malware infections

• Adjust display settings such as resolution or refresh rate

The latest OS is macOS Big Sur (11.0.1) for Mac and Windows 10 (20H2) for PC.

• macOS Big Sur was released on November 12, 2020 and features a redesigned interface and improved performance.

• Windows 10 (20H2) was released on October 20, 2020 and includes new features like a refreshed Start menu and improved notifications.

• Other recent OS releases include iOS 14 for Apple mobile devices and Android 11 for Android devices.

To retrieve data when the OS crashes, use data recovery tools or boot from a live CD/USB. BIOS is firmware that initializes hardware. Network printer configuration involves connecting to the printer's IP address. Domain DNS IP DHCP are components of a network infrastructure.

• Use data recovery tools or boot from a live CD/USB to retrieve data when the OS crashes

• BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware that initializes hardware during the boot process

• To configure a network p...read more

I work on Linux to provide technical support, troubleshoot issues, and maintain system performance.

• Provide technical support to end-users

• Troubleshoot issues related to hardware, software, and network connectivity

• Maintain system performance by monitoring system resources and optimizing configurations

• Install and configure software applications and updates

• Create and manage user accounts and permissions

• Automate tasks using shell scripting

• Ensure system security by implementing sec...read more

An incident is an unplanned interruption to an IT service or reduction in the quality of an IT service. A service request is a formal request from a user for something to be provided.

• An incident is a disruption to normal operation that requires immediate attention to restore service.

• A service request is a formal request from a user for information, advice, a standard change, or access to a service.

• Examples: Incident - server outage, Service request - password reset

SMTP - 25, POP - 110, IMAP - 143

• SMTP uses port 25 for sending emails

• POP uses port 110 for receiving emails

• IMAP uses port 143 for accessing emails

BSOD stands for Blue Screen of Death, OST and PST files are Outlook data files, and Outlook is an email client application.

• BSOD is a Windows operating system error screen that appears when a system crash occurs

• OST (Offline Storage Table) and PST (Personal Storage Table) files are data files used by Microsoft Outlook to store emails, contacts, calendar items, etc.

• Outlook is an email client application developed by Microsoft for managing emails, calendars, contacts, tasks, and ...read more

The system typically restarts multiple times during an OS installation process.

• System may restart multiple times to complete different stages of the installation process

• Restarting allows for necessary updates and configurations to take effect

• Examples include Windows OS installations which may require several restarts

OS is the operating system, AD is Active Directory. Backup can be done using various methods. Network printer can be configured using IP address or hostname.

• OS is the software that manages computer hardware and software resources.

• AD is a directory service that stores information about objects on a network.

• Backup can be done using tools like Windows Backup, third-party backup software, or cloud backup services.

• Network printer can be configured using its IP address or hostname,...read more

DNS is a system that translates domain names to IP addresses. DNS server is a computer that stores DNS records.

• DNS stands for Domain Name System

• DNS server stores DNS records which contain information about domain names and their corresponding IP addresses

• DNS resolution process involves querying DNS servers to find the IP address of a domain name

• DNS can be configured on a local network or on a public network

• DNS can be configured using tools like DNS Manager, PowerShell, or com...read more

System backup can be taken using various methods depending on the type of system and data.

• Identify the type of system and data to be backed up

• Choose a backup method such as full, incremental or differential

• Select a backup location such as external hard drive or cloud storage

• Schedule regular backups to ensure data is always up to date

• Test the backup to ensure it can be restored in case of a system failure

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the internet.

• Types of cloud computing include public, private, and hybrid clouds.

• Public clouds are owned and operated by third-party providers, while private clouds are dedicated to a single organization.

• Hybrid clouds combine public and private clouds to allow for greater flexibility and scalability.

• Examples of cloud computing services include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

To share a network printer, install the printer driver on the host computer and share it with other computers on the network.

• Install the printer driver on the host computer

• Connect the printer to the host computer and turn it on

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > right-click on the printer > Printer properties > Sharing tab

• Check the box 'Share this printer'

• Give the printer a share name

• Click OK

• On the client computer, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a p...read more