List of Top Desktop Support Interview Questions with Answers & Examples. Read this article to prepare for the Desktop Support Engineer Technical Interview:
If you are planning to take a job as a desktop support engineer, then this article would be a perfect guide for you to prepare for the interview.
In this job, you will manage a company’s multi-user computing environment with the help of a LAN. You must be completely aware of your roles and responsibilities.
This article includes a set of questions that you must be prepared for before attending the desktop support engineer interview.
Table of Contents:
Take This Quick Desktop Support Interview Questions QUIZ
Test your desktop/IT support expertise with this comprehensive quiz covering all basic and advanced questions on desktop support, hardware troubleshooting, software installation, networking, and cyber security. This test is ideal for desktop support technicians and IT helpdesk professionals preparing for technical interviews.
Entry Level Desktop Support Engineer Interview Questions
Given below is a list of the most frequently asked Desktop Support Engineer Interview Questions with answers and examples.
Let’s Explore!!
Q #1) What do you know about the OS?
Answer: The operating system works as an interpreter between an application and the computer hardware and is used as a user interface. Simple Operating Systems include Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, etc., while the Network Operating Systems include Windows MT, Windows 2000, Windows 2003, etc.
Q #2) Which OS are you comfortable working with?
Answer: You can answer this question yourself. You can research the OS that the company you are being interviewed for.
Read a little about it so you can answer the other related questions that might follow, like why are you more comfortable working with that particular OS when compared to the others, etc. Get yourself familiar with its functioning, features, etc.
Q #3) What is the difference between a Desktop or a Client OS and a Server OS?
Answer:
| Client OS | Server OS |
|---|---|
| Runs client applications like MS Office, Games, Photoshop, etc faster. | It offers unlimited use connections. |
| Provides easy access to internet-based services like browsing, email, web-searching, etc. | Uses a lot of memory. |
| Offers rich service for media. | It can act as an email server, a database server, web server, etc. |
| Even the non-expert users can use easily. | Instead of the execution of the local application, it is optimized for the network. |
| It can work as a member on a domain if the professional edition is used. | Offers extended management and fault tolerance for avoiding downtime. |
| It offers rich connectivity support for Bluetooth, LAN, Wireless, etc. | It can hold a domain. |
| Cheaper than server OS. | Is comparatively expensive. |
Q #4) What do you know about the Active Directory?
Answer: Active Directory ensures that the software and the computer are secure. It authenticates and authorizes all computers and users in a Windows domain network. It is also used for managing different functions like creating admin users, and connecting to external devices like printers, scanners, etc.
It helps to organize the users of a company and its computers. The IT admin uses it to organize the hierarchy of the company as well.
Q #5) Are you familiar with DHCP and its uses?
Answer: The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is used to dynamically allocate IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to a large number of computers on a network to help them communicate with other IP networks.
This allows the computers to have a different IP address every time they connect to a network.
Q #6) Is it necessary to have a Default Gateway?
Answer: A default gateway is a routing device whose purpose is to send unaddressed traffic to the local area subnet. It is not necessary to have a default gateway. If there is no router on your network, then you don’t have to specify one.
The default gateway address is used only when you are trying to reach a computer that is on another network. If you will try to communicate with the other networks without it, then you will receive an error message.
Q #7) What do you understand by Safe Mode?
Answer: Safe Mode in Windows is an option that is used for diagnosing the Operating System and removing any spyware from it. It is also used for troubleshooting the drivers and configuring the software. It allows you to remove unwanted programs from the OS and run diagnostics, which you can not do in normal mode.
Q #8) How do I start a system in safe mode?
Answer: There are two ways to launch a system in safe mode. Shut down running programs and restart the system. As the OS launches, press F8 multiple times. This will open a window with multiple booting options along with the one to start in safe mode.
This can also be done with the Run command. Press the Windows key and R together to launch the Run command. Type msconfig in the window and hit Enter. You will see a window with the safe boot options. Select the option for minimal and restart the system. Your system will start in safe mode.
Also read =>> How to restart a remote computer
Q #9) What is the Blue Screen of Death?
Answer: This is an error screen that pops up on the computer after a system crash or a fatal system error, like:
- High CPU processing and usage.
- Fault in RAM
- Installation of faulty software.
This means that the operating system can no longer operate safely. However, this can be remedied by cleaning the chip of the RAM and if the error still occurs, then check it on another computer to see if the issue is with the RAM. There is a unique code for every error of the Blue Screen of Death. Just copy and search on Google about it or contact someone who knows about it.
Further reading =>> How to fix APC Index Mismatch BSoD Error
Q #10) Can you convert a Hard Disk into a Dynamic disk? If so, how?
Answer: Yes. Log in to the administrator account and launch the Run window. Type diskmgmt.msc in the command prompt. On hitting enter, a new window will appear. Right-click on the option of the Basic hard disk and change it to Dynamic hard disk.
Q #11) Are you aware of the “Windows Cannot Currently Connect For Updates” error?
Answer: This error usually occurs due to two reasons:
- Either due to corrupt, missing, or deleted files, or
- If the update services are disabled.
Upon the occurrence of this error, the user can resolve it themselves or contact Microsoft and report the error. To resolve the issue on your own, first, launch the Run command and type services.msc in it and hit enter. In the window that opens, find the option to update Windows and select properties by right-clicking on it.
In the start-up blank, type ‘enable’ and click on start. Click on OK and the issue will be resolved.
Q #12) What is a VPN Server?
Answer: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) server is a private server. It is widely used by the government, companies, and organizations to communicate privately over the public or local network. It is like a secure tunnel between the internet and your device. They protect online traffic from censorship, snooping and other interference.
You can also hide your IP address and location to use the internet anonymously. It encrypts your communication and allows you to stream all your favorite content quickly.
Q #13) Differentiate between Permissions, Policy, and Rights.
Answer: Permissions are assigned to network resources like printers, files, folders, etc. The policy is assigned to containers in Active Directory like Domains, Sites, OUs, etc. Rights are for users and groups.
Q #14) What is the difference between an MSI File and a .EXE File?
Answer:
| MSI File | .EXE File |
|---|---|
| These are the database files used by Window Installer. | MSI files are executed by EXE files by reading the data in those files. |
| These can only be Installations. | These are anything that runs on your computer. |
| They carry information about an application like features, registry data, shortcuts and other components. | The EXE file doesn’t install the MSI File, it only checks if the Windows Installer present on the system is of the correct version. |
| It helps in the clean installation and uninstallation of any application, thus contributing to the stability of OS. | .EXE files are executables that add data or value to the system but doesn’t really contribute to the integrity of the system. |
Q #15) Differentiate between Tree and Forest.
Answer:
| Tree | Forest |
|---|---|
| It is a group of domains that share a contiguous namespace. | It is a group of trees that don’t share a contiguous space name but a common configuration. |
| Each Tree has a unique name. | Forest don’t need names. |
| In a forest, all trees are interconnected by a bi-directional and transitive trust relationship. | A Forest has one or more trees that don’t form contiguous namespace. |
| A single tree can constitute a forest and each tree can be autonomous in a forest. | In a Forest, trees create a hierarchy for the trust relationship purposes. |
Q #16) What do you think are the Responsibilities of a Desktop Support Engineer?
Answer: The major responsibilities of a Desktop Support Engineer include:
- Installing the OS perfectly.
- Maintaining all the installed OS.
- Installing new software and updating each of them.
- Connect remote desktops.
- Scanning the OS regularly with Anti-virus software to protect it from virus attacks.
- Handling all the processes of backup and recovery.
- Optimizing the OS and maintaining it regularly.
Q #17) What is Clustering? What are its benefits?
Answer: Clustering is when two or more computers work together as one system and share their resources.
It has two major advantages:
- If more than one server is involved, if one server fails, then clustering allows the users to use an alternative server.
- It automatically allocates users to the server with the least load to balance the load on the servers.
Q #18) What is a Child Domain? How is it different from a Tree Domain?
Answer: A child domain is a domain that is part of a larger domain in the hierarchy of DNS. You can say it is another name for the sub-domain.
| Child Domain | Tree Domain |
|---|---|
| Child domain is a logical grouping of network domains under a parent domain. | The set of domains in the hierarchy of an active directory is called a tree domain. |
| It belongs under a parent domain. | The domains under a tree domain, all belong to the same DNS. |
| It is a domain under a domain. | It is a set of domains. |
| A domain is called a child domain when it is used as a specific domain. | The tree domain depends on the structure of the parent-child domain. |
Q #19) What do you understand by Group Policy?
Answer: This is a feature of Windows Active Directory that offers additional control to the user and the user accounts. They offer streamlined access to every user in the network. It is also used to define the network policies and security of a user.
It allows you to control certain functions, like preventing the user from shutting down the system, running a command, using the control panel, etc.
Q #20) Tell me something about DC and ADC. How are they different from one another?
Answer: DC is a domain controller, a server on MS Windows or NT that responds to requests for security authentication (such as user ID and password) within a Windows Server domain. This allows the host to access the resources in the Windows domain.
The additional domain controller is the backup of the domain controller. ADC has only three operational roles, i.e. RID Master, PDC Emulator, and Infrastructure Master while DC has all five including Domain Name Master and Schema Master.
Q #21) Can you create a backup of Emails in Outlook?
Answer: Yes. Open the control panel and go to the Mail option. Open the data file there, select the personal folder, and click to open it. Copy .pst and paste it in the place where you need to take the backup of your emails.
Q #22) What is the difference between Differential and Incremental Backup?
Answer:
| Differential Backup | Incremental Backup |
|---|---|
| It backs up only those files that have changed since the last full backup. | They backup the data that has changed since the last backup, be it full or incremental. |
| Suppose you have 5 files of 40 MB that you took the backup of on Monday. On Tuesday you change two lines in one file. The differential backup will take the backup of the entire file in which changes were made which will be 40 MB. | In the same scenario, the incremental backup will only backup the data corresponding to those two lines. So, the total backup size will be in bytes. |
| These are faster and more flexible than a full backup. | These are faster than differential backup and are much smaller as well. |
| You can run them once every day till the full backup. | They are so small, you can run them almost every hour. |
Q #23) Are you familiar with the Syswow64 folder?
Answer: This folder is often found in the 64-bit OS and is much like the System32 folder of the 32-bit OS. It is a legitimate file that manages the 64-bit files on Windows OS and makes use of the 32-bit files on the 64-bit OS.
However, sometimes it takes a lot of memory and resources of the system, thereby slowing is down and thus it is mistaken as a virus.
Q #24) Have you undertaken other duties beyond the scope of your work?
Answer: Tell them about your ability to handle different challenges and tasks. Communicate how well-versed you are with the systems and in communicating with people and professionals in your area of expertise.
Q #25) Tell me about yourself.
Answer: This is usually the first question that is asked in an interview. This will be your first impression of the interviewer, hence you must answer it carefully. They have your CV, so don’t repeat what’s already mentioned in it. Cite examples to establish your strength.
Focus on the details that you can put a quantity on. Emphasize your responsibilities and streamline your current responsibilities and role. Tell them how your skills can be useful to the job description and take it from there.
Q #26) Can you install OS in 50 PCs with the same configuration?
Answer: Yes, it can be done using Windows Deployment Services. WDS allows the users to carry out network-based installation of Windows OS. This reduces the cost and complexities of manual installations of the OS on multiple systems.
With WDS, you will be able to format any number of new computers by just plugging in the Ethernet, without any physical support like Windows DVDs or USB drives.
You need three things to use WDS:
- Active Directory Domain Services.
- There must be at least one partition on the server which must be formatted as NTFS.
- One active DHCP server must be assigned to the IP address of the WDS client.
The client computers must have network bootable NIC settings, and the server must have a boot OS image. Restarting the system will install the OS in all the PCs.
Q #27) What is the difference between a Serial Transmission and a Parallel Transmission?
Answer:
| Serial Transmission | Parallel Transmission |
|---|---|
| In this transmission, data flows bi-way and bit by bit. | Data is sent through multiple lines 1 byte at a time. |
| It is economical. | This is comparatively expensive. |
| Data transferred is 1 bit at a time. Transmission speed is slow. | Data transferred is 8 bits at a time. Transmission speed is fast. |
| Used for long-distance transmissions like from a computer to another computer. | It is used for short-distance transmissions like from a computer to a printer. |
| It needs only one communication channel. | It needs multiple communication channels. |
| It needs converters for converting the signals according to the need. | It doesn’t need converters. |
It has a D-shaped 9 pin cable to connect the data in series. Image Source | It uses 25 pin port with 17 signal lines and 8 ground lines. Image Source |
Q #28) What do you know about Ethernet Cable and Crossover Cable?
Answer: Ethernet and Crossover cables look much alike, and it is hard to tell the difference between them. They are designed to be used in the same port, hence they have the same number of pins and the same appearance. However, they are different; their pins are configured differently and are labeled by color.
| Ethernet Cable | Crossover Cable |
|---|---|
| It is used for connecting two different kinds of devices. | These are used for connecting two similar devices without using routers or hubs. |
| It is extremely common and is seen in almost every network. | It enables the user to share information directly between the hubs. |
| It is used to connect a computer to the modem, splitter, printers, etc. | It is also used to gain extra ports on the same network. |
| It is the best way to connect many external devices and computers together, especially the ones without WIFI facility. |
[image source]
Q #29) What is the IPCONFIG command used for?
Answer: IPCONFIG is a console application that is designed to function from the command prompt of Windows. It supports several options for command lines.
- ipconfig briefly displays the configured information of the network adapter like a gateway, IP address, subnet mask, etc.
- ipconfig /all displays the detailed information of network adapters like DNS, MAC address, DHCP, subnet mask, IP address, gateway, etc.
- ipconfig /release releases the network adapter’s IP address. This is mainly used for the network adapter that depends on a DHCP server to obtain the IP address.
- ipconfig /renew renews the IP address.
- ipconfig /displaydns is used to display the DNS Resolver Cache’s content.
- ipconfig /flushdns clears the DNS Resolver Cache.
- ipconfig /? is used for displaying the detailed command usage info.
Also read =>> How to flush DNS cache in Windows and Mac
Intermediate to Advanced Level Desktop Support Interview Questions
Q #30) What is the best way to access a client in a different location from the server?
Answer: Remote Desktop Connection, MSTSC command, can be used to access the client from a different location from the server. It allows you to use someone else’s computer as if you were next to it, but you must either have the IP address of the remote computer or be on the same network.
To use this command, launch the Run Window and type mstsc /v:COMPUTER /f, where V specifies the remote computer and f specifies the full screen. Then click next.
You can also type mstsc and hit enter to open the dialog box for Remote Desktop, where you can add the name of the computer or IP address to login.
Q #31) What do you understand by the term Reservation?
Answer: Some computer systems and network equipment need a specific IP address. In these cases, reservations are made on the DHCP server for that particular system. It gives access to that particular system to that particular IP address and prevents other systems from using it.
A reservation consists of the following elements:
- A reservation name – This is something that the administrators assign.
- The IP address for the client.
- Media Access Control (MAC) – Address of the client.
- A description assigned by the administration.
- Boot Protocol, DHCP Reservation or both.
Q #32) What is the difference between OST and PST files? Can you convert OST to PST?
Answer:
| OST Files | PST Files |
|---|---|
| This is an offline storage folder. | It is an online or personal storage folder. |
| These can be used even when Outlook is online. | It is used for locally stored files and data. |
| OST only supports Microsoft Exchange server. | PST Files are not recommended to be used with Exchange setup but can be. |
| These files options to view, read, compose and reply to emails even when offline. | These files don’t have these facilities. |
Here’s how to export the OST mailbox as PST files.
- Select the files option.
- Navigate to open and export, and click on import and export.
- Go to the Export a file option and click Next.
- Click on the Microsoft Exchange server and click next again.
- Select the folder where you want to export and click on next.
- Browse to a location to save the new PST file.
- Choose the option to duplicate items.
- Finish.
Use Archiving to save OST files as PST.
- Launch Outlook
- Select the option from the file menu.
- Select the advanced option and click on auto-archive settings.
- Select the frequency of running auto-archiving.
- Pick the folder for saving the archived files to and provide options for archiving.
- Click OK, and you are done.
A professional tool can convert OST files to PST files without using server connectivity or an Exchange profile.
Q #33) Are you aware of the NTLDR Error? How do you deal with it?
Answer: This error usually occurs when the computer tries to boot from any flash drive or hard drive that is a non-bootable source. Sometimes, corrupt and mis-configured hard drives, OS upgrade problems, outdated BIOS, loose IDE cables, and corrupt files can also cause this error.
The following steps can be taken to fix this issue:
- Restart your system. If the errType or is a fluke, then it will be fixed.
- Check your optical disk and floppy drive.
- Disconnect any external drives.
- Check the settings of all drives in BIOS to make sure they are correct.
- Restore important system files from the original Windows CD.
- Replace or repair the boot.ini file.
- Write a new Windows partition boot sector.
- Repair the master boot record for Windows.
- Reset all power cables and internal data.
- Update the BIOS of your motherboard.
- Repair the installation of your OS.
- Perform a clean installation of the OS.
Q #34) How would you fix a system that keeps restarting itself?
Answer: There are a few things that can help in resolving this issue.
First, disable the automatic restart.
- Hold the F8 key when the Windows logo shows up after turning on the computer.
- Select safe mode from the boot menu that appears on the screen.
- Boot through safe mode and open the Run Window.
- Type sysdm.cp and click OK.
- Navigate to the advanced tab and click on the settings under the Startup and Recovery section.
- Under System Failure, uncheck the Automatically Restart option box. Save the changes and click OK.
Then, delete the bad registry files.
- Type regedit in the search bar and hit Enter.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList.
- Create a backup of the registry before making any changes.
- Browse the ProfileList IDs and look for those with ProfileImagePath.
- Delete them.
- Exit Registry and restart.
You must also scan for viruses, check the hardware for issues, and update the drivers.
Q #35) Are you familiar with Firewire Ports?
Answer:
It is an external port, which is similar to USB. Firewire ports offer a high-speed connection between a peripheral device and a computer. It can transfer data at 400 MBPS. It is easy to identify and is commonly used in video and audio devices, along with external storage devices.
If you have a device that supports both USB and Firewire, then always go for the latter, unless the device is compatible with USB 3.0. It is also used for setting up ad-hoc networks and split connections. However, FireWire ports are not much in use now with USB 3.0.
Q #36) How can I go straight to my desktop without logging in whenever my system reboots or when it is turned on?
Answer: This can be done by following the steps below:
- Launch the Run Window.
- Type netplwiz for Windows 10 and control userpasswords2 for all versions of Windows.
- This will take you to the User Accounts window. Here you can control various aspects and properties. Then go to the Users Tab.
- Uncheck the box beside the – Users Must Enter A User Name And Password To Use This Computer option.
- Choose an account to log in automatically on reboot.
- Type in your username and password.
- Click OK.
It’s done. Next time, when you restart the system, you will directly log in to the desktop of the chosen account.
Q #37) Can I add a system to a domain? How?
Answer: You can add a system to a domain only if you have administrative access or the equivalent.
To join your system to a domain:
- Go to the control panel.
- Select system and security.
- Click on the system.
- Go to Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings.
- Select Change settings.
- Navigate to the Computer Name tab and select Change.
- Click on Domain under the Member Of option.
- Type in the domain name that you want the system to join.
- Click OK and then do it again.
- Restart the system.
Your system will become a member of the domain after the computer reboots.
Q #38) What is the difference between a RAS and a VPN Server?
Answer:
| RAS | VPN |
|---|---|
| RAS is an industry-standard remote connection method. | Is meant for the medium and large-sized network. |
| Is Expensive | Extremely economical |
| Is Unstable | Stable and secure. |
| Not fun to deal with. | Hassle-free and easy to deal with. |
| Is often used by small connections, in emergencies etc. |
[image source]
Conclusion
This article on desktop support interview questions covers questions right from the basics to advanced levels.
Thorough knowledge of these questions will help you to crack the interview successfully. Always be prepared with the subject of your choice and answer the questions with confidence.
We wish you all the best for your Desktop Support Engineer Interview!!
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