CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) — Question 501

A user is unable to log in to a workstation. The user reports an error message about the date being incorrect. A technician reviews the date and verifies it is correct, but the system clock is an hour behind. The technician also determines this workstation is the only one affected. Which of the following is the most likely issue?

Answer options

• A. Time drift
• B. NTP failure
• C. Windows Update
• D. CMOS battery

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The most likely cause is time drift, which occurs when a system clock gradually becomes inaccurate over time. While NTP failure could also lead to incorrect time settings, the fact that the date is correct suggests that the synchronization issue is localized to this workstation. Windows Update and CMOS battery issues are less relevant to the specific symptom of a clock being an hour behind.