Microsoft Windows 98 Professional Standards & Competencies 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Windows 98 feature enables a technician to capture and transfer a complete disk image for deploying identical workstation configurations?
- Disk Defragmenter
- Disk Cloning (using third-party tools like Ghost) (Correct answer)
- DriveSpace 3
- Backup Wizard
Correct answer: Disk Cloning (using third-party tools like Ghost)
Windows 98 does not have built-in disk imaging, so third-party tools like Norton Ghost were the professional standard for deploying identical workstation images.
Question 2: A technician is troubleshooting a Windows 98 system that freezes during shutdown. What is the most common professional first step?
- Replace the power supply unit
- Check for known shutdown issues via Microsoft Knowledge Base and update drivers (Correct answer)
- Perform a fresh Windows 98 installation immediately
- Increase the size of the paging file
Correct answer: Check for known shutdown issues via Microsoft Knowledge Base and update drivers
Microsoft published specific Knowledge Base articles addressing Windows 98 shutdown problems, often resolved by updating APM/ACPI drivers or applying patches.
Question 3: Under professional standards, when should a technician escalate a Windows 98 support issue to a more senior engineer?
- After the first failed troubleshooting attempt
- When the issue is beyond their knowledge or could cause significant data loss risk (Correct answer)
- Only when the client demands escalation
- Never, as all issues should be resolved independently
Correct answer: When the issue is beyond their knowledge or could cause significant data loss risk
Knowing when to escalate is a core professional competency — issues beyond one's expertise or with high data loss risk should be escalated promptly.
Question 4: A Windows 98 workstation needs to share files on a peer-to-peer network. Which Windows 98 component must be installed for file sharing to function?
- NetBEUI Protocol only
- File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks (Correct answer)
- TCP/IP Protocol
- NetWare Client
Correct answer: File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is the Windows 98 service that enables file and printer sharing over a local network.
Question 5: When a professional completes a Windows 98 repair, what should be included in a proper service record?
- Only the invoice amount
- A description of the problem, steps taken, parts replaced, and final resolution (Correct answer)
- The client's personal information and passwords
- A list of all software installed on the machine
Correct answer: A description of the problem, steps taken, parts replaced, and final resolution
A complete service record documents the problem, diagnostic steps, repairs made, and outcome for accountability, warranty tracking, and future reference.
Question 6: A Windows 98 system displays the error 'Invalid system disk' at boot. What is the professional first diagnostic step?
- Replace the hard drive immediately
- Check if a non-bootable floppy disk is in drive A: and remove it (Correct answer)
- Reinstall Windows 98 from CD
- Run ScanDisk from within Windows
Correct answer: Check if a non-bootable floppy disk is in drive A: and remove it
The 'Invalid system disk' error most commonly occurs when a non-bootable floppy is left in drive A:, preventing the BIOS from booting from the hard drive.
Question 7: A professional is training a new hire on Windows 98 support. Which practice best demonstrates professional communication with clients?
- Use technical jargon to demonstrate expertise
- Explain the problem and solution in plain language the client can understand (Correct answer)
- Avoid discussing technical details to prevent confusion
- Send written reports only; avoid verbal communication
Correct answer: Explain the problem and solution in plain language the client can understand
Clear, jargon-free communication builds client trust and ensures they understand what was done to their system.
Microsoft Windows 98 Professional Standards & Competencies 4
Which Windows 98 feature enables a technician to capture and transfer a complete disk image for deploying identical workstation configurations?