Desktop Support Interview Questions

A Desktop Support Engineer role revolves around resolving the company's computer system issues. They install, administer, and troubleshoot the software or hardware. They are responsible for fixing server and security issues impacting business networks. As companies seek to stay ahead of their competition through Desktop Support services, demand for Desktop Support Engineers is high. 

If you set out to build a career in Desktop Support, here is the list of top Desktop Support Interview Questions and Answers to help you meet and reach your goals. 

MindMajix’s experts have compiled the questions beginning with the most basic level; as we progress, the level of the questions' complexity advances.

• Freshers
• Experienced
• FAQs
• Tips

Top 10 Frequently Asked Desktop Support Interview Questions

• Which OS do you find easy to use?
• What do you mean by "Safe Mode"?
• Describe VPN Server.
• What is Active Directory?
• What does "Blue Screen of Death" mean exactly?
• What is DHCP, and how does it function?
• Why is clustering beneficial?
• List the differences between a forest and a tree.
• What is the role of a desktop support engineer?
• Help Desk vs. Desktop Support

Desktop Support Interview Questions for Freshers

1. What distinguishes an.EXE file from an MSI file?

MSI File	.EXE File
The database files listed below are what Window Installer uses.	EXE files read the data from MSI files before running them.
These are installations only.	All of these operate on your computer.
They transport data about an application, including its features, registry information, shortcuts, and other elements.	The EXE file just verifies that the Windows Installer present on the system is of the correct version; it does not install the MSI file.
Any application can be successfully installed and removed with its assistance, improving OS stability.	Executables stored in.EXE files add data or value to the system but don't really support its integrity

2. Which OS do you find easy to use?

This is a question you can answer for yourself. You can look up the OS used by the company for which you are being interviewed.

Learn a little about it so you can respond to any additional questions that might be asked, such as why you prefer working with that OS over others, etc. Learn how it works, what the features are, etc.

If you want to enrich your career and become a professional in Desktop Support, then visit MindMajix - a global online training platform: " Service Desk Analyst Training" This course will help you to achieve excellence in this domain.

3. How can a system that continuously restarts itself be fixed?

There are a few things that may be done to help solve this problem. 

Start by turning off the automatic restart.

• When the Windows logo appears after turning on the computer, hold down the F8 key.
• From the boot menu that displays on the screen, choose safe mode.
• Run Window should be opened after entering safe mode.
• Click OK after entering sysdm.cp.
• Go to the advanced tab and select the Startup and Recovery section's options button.
• Uncheck the box next to Restart under System Failure Automatically. Click "Save Changes" once more.

Next, remove the problematic registry files.

• In the search box, type ‘regedit’ and press Enter.
• Go to ProfileList under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersion.
• Before making any changes, make a registry backup.
• Look through the ProfileList IDs for those that match the ProfileImagePath.
• Take them out.
• Restart after exiting Registry.

Additionally, you need to update the drivers, search for viruses, and examine the hardware for problems.

4. What do you mean by "Safe Mode"?

Windows has a feature called Safe Mode that may be used to scan the OS and clean it of any adware. It is also used to configure applications and troubleshoot driver issues. In contrast to normal mode, it enables you to run diagnostics and uninstall unwanted apps from the OS.

5. What differentiates desktop or client OS from server OS?

Client OS	Server OS
speedier execution of client apps like Microsoft Office, games, Photoshop, etc.	It provides connections with unlimited use.
offers simple access to internet-based services, including email, web searching, and browsing.	makes heavy use of memory. offers a robust media service. It can serve as a web server, email server, database server, etc.
Even novice users may operate it with ease.	It is network-optimized rather than executing the local application.
If the professional edition is used, it can function as a member on a domain	It offers fault tolerance and extended management to prevent downtime.
It features extensive Bluetooth, LAN, Wireless, and other connectivity compatibility.	A domain may be held by it.
less expensive than server OS.	is reasonably costly.

6. How can I boot my computer into safe mode?

There are two methods for starting a system in safe mode. Close any open programs and restart the computer. Press F8 several times as the OS begins to boot. This will open a popup with the option to start in safe mode along with several other booting options.

The run command can also be used to complete the task. To invoke the Run command, simultaneously press the Windows key and R. Enter MSConfig into the window after typing it. The safe boot options will be displayed in a window. Restart the machine after selecting the basic setting. Your computer will boot up in safe mode.

7. What exactly do you mean by group policy?

It is a feature of Windows Active Directory that gives the user and the user accounts more control. They provide efficient access to all network users. It is also used to provide a user's security and network rules.

You can use it to manage certain operations like stopping the user from logging out, executing a command, accessing the control panel, etc.

8. Describe VPN Server.

A private server is the Virtual Private Network (VPN) server. Government agencies, businesses, and other organizations frequently use it to have private communications over local or public networks. It functions as a safe conduit between your device and the internet. They guard against censorship, surveillance, and other forms of interference with the web flow.

You can browse the internet anonymously by concealing your IP address and location. Your communication is encrypted, and you may rapidly stream all of your favorite stuff.

9. What differentiates a parallel transmission from a serial transmission?

Serial Transmission	Parallel Transmission
Bit by bit, data travels through this transmission in both directions.	One byte of data is transmitted through each line at a time.
It is cost-effective.	This is relatively pricey.
Bits are transported one at a time.	The transmission moves slowly.
8 bits of data are sent at a time.	The transmission moves quickly
utilized for long-distance transfers, such as those between computers.	It is used for transmissions across small distances, including those from a computer to a printer.
It simply requires one channel for communication.	Multiple communication routes are required.
For the purpose of transforming the signals as needed, converters are required.	Converters are not required.
It connects the data in series using a D-shaped 9-pin cable.	There are 17 signal lines and 8 ground lines on the 25-pin port

10. What is Active Directory?

Active Directory ensures the security of the computer and the software. In a Windows domain network, it authenticates and approves each computer and user. Additionally, it is utilized to control other operations, including setting up admin accounts and establishing connections to external hardware like printers and scanners.

It facilitates the organization of a company's computer users. The IT administrator also uses it to arrange the corporate hierarchy.

Related Article: Azure Active Directory

11. What OS knowledge do you have?

An application uses the operating system as a user interface and as an interpreter between the computer hardware and the programme. Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, etc., are examples of simple operating systems, whereas Windows MT, Windows 2000, Windows 2003, etc., are examples of network operating systems.

12. Do you know what Firewire Ports are?

It is an external port, much like a USB port. Firewire ports enable a quick connection between a computer and a peripheral device. It has a 400 MBPS data transfer rate. It is simple to recognize and frequently seen in external storage devices, coupled with video and audio equipment.

Unless the device is compatible with USB 3.0, always choose Firewire when you have a device that supports both USB and Firewire. Split connections and ad hoc networks can both be established using it. However, because of USB 3.0, Firewire ports are no longer often used.

13.  What exactly are a desktop support engineer's responsibilities?

The following are some of the primary duties of a desktop support engineer:

• Perfectly installing the OS.
• preserving every installed OS.
• updating each of them and installing new software.
• Sync up distant desktops.
• Use antivirus software to scan the OS to guard against virus threats routinely.
• managing the backup and recovery processes in their entirety.
• routinely maintaining and optimizing the OS.

14. What does "Blue Screen of Death" mean exactly?

This error screen appears on the computer after a fatal system error or a system crash, such as:

• Excessive processing and CPU use.
• Memory error
• Installing flawed software.

The operating system can no longer function reliably, so to speak. However, the error can be fixed by cleaning the RAM chip, and if it persists, check it on another machine to determine whether the problem is with RAM. Each fault on the Blue Screen of Death has a specific code. Simply copy it, look it up on Google, or talk to someone who is familiar with it.

15. What is the difference between rights, policy, and permissions?

On network resources like printers, files, and folders, permissions are assigned. Active Directory containers like Domain, Site, OU, etc. are given a policy. Users and groups have rights.

Desktop Support Interview Questions for Experienced

16. Can Hard Disk be changed to Dynamic? If yes, how?

Yes. Launch the Run window after logging in with the administrator account. In it, type the diskmgmt.msc command. A new window will open up after you hit enter. To switch to the Dynamic hard disc option, right-click the Basic hard disc option.

17. What is DHCP, and how does it function?

To facilitate communication between several computers on a network and other IP networks, the Dynamic Host Setup Protocol (DHCP) is used to dynamically assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to the computers.

This enables the PCs to join a network with a unique IP address each time.

 

18.  Is a Default Gateway truly required?

A routing device called a default gateway is used to route ignored traffic to the local area subnet. Having a default gateway is not required. You don't need to provide a router if your network is without one.

You only utilize the default gateway address when attempting to connect to a computer on a different network. You will encounter an error notice if you attempt to connect to other networks without it.

19.  What distinguishes OST files from PST files? 

OST Files	PST Files
This folder is for offline storage.	It's a personal or online storage folder.
Even when Outlook is online, these can be utilized	It is used for locally kept data and files.
Only the Microsoft Exchange server is supported by OST.	Although it is not advised, PST files can be utilized with an Exchange configuration.
These files provide offline users with the ability to browse, read, compose, and reply to emails.	These features are not available for these files.

To export the OST mailbox as PST files, follow these steps.

• Choosing the files option.
• Click on import and export after going to open and export.
• Next, select the Export a file option.
• Select the Microsoft Exchange server, then select Next once again.
• Click next after choosing the folder you wish to export.
• To save the new PST file, select a location.
• Select the duplicate item alternatives.
• Finish

To store OST files as PST, use archiving.

• Start Outlook and choose an option from the file menu.
• Click on auto-archive settings after selecting the advanced option.
• Choose how frequently to execute the auto-archiving.
• Choose the folder where the archived files will be saved and offer the options for archiving.
• You're done when you click OK.

Without needing server connectivity or an Exchange profile, OST files can be converted to PST files using a professional solution.

20. What do you mean by "Windows Cannot Connect For Updates"?

There are often two causes for this error:

• either as a result of damaged, absent, or destroyed files, or
• if the update services are not active.

The user has two options when this mistake occurs: either they can fix it themselves, or they may report it to Microsoft. Launch the Run command, and type services.msc into it, then press Enter to start fixing the problem yourself. Locate the Windows updating option in the new window and use the right-click menu to pick properties.

Enter "enable" in the start-up blank, then click "start." Once you click OK, the problem will be fixed.

21. Why is clustering beneficial?

When two or more computers cooperate as a single system and share resources, this is known as clustering.

It offers two key benefits:

• Clustering enables customers to use an alternative server in the event that one server fails since multiple servers are used.
• In order to balance the demand on the servers, it automatically assigns the user to the server with the lowest load.

22.  What is the best technique to connect to the client from the server when it is in a different place?

It is possible to connect to the client from a different location than the server using the MSTSC command or Remote Desktop Connection. You can use another person's computer as if you were sitting right next to it, but you need to either know the distant computer's IP address or be on the same network.

Start the Run Window and enter the command mstsc /v: COMPUTER /f, where V stands for the remote computer and f stands for full screen. Next, click.

You can alternatively type mstsc and press Input to launch the Remote Desktop dialogue box, where you can enter the computer's name or IP address to log in.

23. What is the use of the ‘IPCONFIG’ command?

A console program called IPCONFIG is made to run from the Windows command prompt. It offers a variety of command line options.

• Ipconfig provides a brief overview of the network adapter's configuration data, including a gateway, IP address, subnet mask, etc.
• The comprehensive information about network devices, including DNS, MAC address, gateway, subnet mask, DHCP, IP address, etc, is displayed by ipconfig /all.
• Using release/ipconfig, the network adapter's IP address is made available. Most network adapters that receive their IP addresses from DHCP servers use it.
• With ipconfig /renew, the IP address is refreshed.
• The content of the DNS Resolver Cache is seen with ipconfig /displaydns.
• The DNS Resolver Cache is cleared with ipconfig /flushdns.
• The detailed command usage information is displayed using the ipconfig /? command.

24. List the differences between a forest and a tree.

Tree	Forest
It is a collection of domains that are connected by a common namespace.	It is a collection of trees that share a configuration but not a name for a contiguous place.
Every Tree has a different name.	Forests do not require names.
In a forest, there is a transitive and bidirectional bond of trust between every tree.	One or more trees in a forest don't create a continuous namespace.
A forest can be made up of just one tree, and each tree there can exist independently.	For the purposes of building trust relationships, trees in a forest constitute a hierarchy.

25. What is the NTLDR Error? 

This error frequently happens when the computer tries to boot from a flash drive or hard drive that isn't a bootable source. This error can occasionally also be brought on by corrupt files, loose IDE connectors, obsolete BIOS, corrupt hard drives, and issues with OS upgrades.

To resolve this problem, take the following actions:

• Start up your computer. If the errType is an anomaly, it will be corrected.
• Check your floppy drive and optical disc.
• Take away any external drives.
• Verify the BIOS settings for each drive to ensure they are accurate.
• Use the original Windows CD to restore the critical system files.
• Repair or Replace the boot.ini file.
• Create a fresh boot sector for a Windows partition.
• Windows master boot record repair
• Reset all internal data and power cables.
• Your motherboard's BIOS should be updated.
• Your OS installation has to be fixed.
• Perform a fresh OS installation.

26. What is the child domain and what makes it unique from a tree domain?

In the DNS hierarchy, a child domain is a smaller domain that is a part of a larger domain. It might be pronounced as a different name for the subdomain.

Child Domain	Tree Domain
A network domain's child domains are logically grouped together under their parent domain.	A tree domain is a collection of domains that make up the structure of an active directory.
It is a child domain of another domain.	A tree domain's subdomains are all members of the same DNS.
It falls under another domain.	It consists of various domains.
When a domain is utilized as a particular domain, it is referred to as a child domain.	The parent-child domain's structure affects how the tree domain is organized.

27.  Can a system be added to a domain? If so, how?

A system can only be added to a domain if you have administrator access or something similar.

To join a domain, perform the following:

• the control panel, go there.
• system and security options.
• Toggle the system on.
• Navigate to Workgroup Settings, Computer Name, and Domain.
• Change settings by selecting.
• Select change under the Computer Name tab.
• Under the Member Of option, select Domain.
• The domain name that you want the system to join should be typed in.
• Click "Ok," then repeat the process.
• System restart.

After the computer reboots, your system will join the domain.

28. What is the difference between DC and ADC?  

The domain controller, or DC, is a computer running MS Windows or NT that answers to requests for user ID and password security authentication inside of a Windows Server domain. It is in charge of giving the host access to Windows domain resources.

The extra domain controller serves as the primary domain controller's backup. While DC has all five operational responsibilities, including Domain Name Master and Schema Master, ADC only has three, namely RID Master, PDC Emulator, and Infrastructure Master.

29. When my computer turns on or reboots, how can I access my desktop without logging in?

You can do it by taking the actions listed below:

• Fire up Run Window.
• For Windows 10 and manage userpasswords2 for all previous Windows versions, type netplwiz.
• Your browser will open the User Accounts window. Here, you may manage their many features and attributes. Next, select the Users Tab.
• To use, users must enter their username and password. By default, this Computer is selected; uncheck it.
• Select a user account to automatically log in after a restart.
• Enter the password and user name.
• Select OK.

That's it. The following time you restart the computer, you will immediately log in to the selected account's desktop.

30. How is crossover different from Ethernet cables?

It is difficult to determine the difference between the Ethernet cable and the Crossover cable because they both have similar appearances. They have the same number of pins and a similar design since they are intended to be used in the same port. They are distinct, though, and have colored labels on their pins that are set up differently.

31. Can Outlook create a backup of your emails?

Yes. Go to the mail option in the control panel after opening it. Click to open the personal folder after opening the data file there and selecting it. To take a backup of your emails, copy.pst and paste it where you need to.

32. What do you mean by "reservation"?

Some computer systems or network hardware requires a specific IP address. In those circumstances, reservations are established for that specific machine in the DHCP server. It blocks other systems from using them and grants that specific IP address access to that specific system.

Here are the components of a reservation:

• A reservation name is something the administrators give to a reservation.
• A client's IP address.
• The client's Media Access Control (MAC) address.
• The administration gives the label.
• DHCP Reservation, the Boot Protocol, or both.

33. What distinguishes differential backup from incremental backup?

Differential Backup	Incremental Backup
Only files that have changed since the most recent full backup are backed up.	Whether incremental or full, they back up the data that has changed since the previous backup.
Let's say you made a backup of five 40 MB files on Monday. You modify two lines in one file on Tuesday. The 40 MB file containing the modifications will be backed as part of the differential back.	The incremental backup in the identical circumstance will only back up the data related to those two lines.
The entire backup size will therefore be given in bytes.	These outperform a full backup in speed and flexibility.
These are both much smaller and faster than differential backup.	Until the full backup, you can run them once daily. You can run them virtually every hour because they are so little.

34. Do you know what the Syswow64 folder is?

Similar to the System32 folder in the 32-bit OS, this folder is frequently encountered in the 64-bit OS. It is a valid file that uses 32-bit files on the 64-bit OS while managing 64-bit files on the Windows operating system.

However, occasionally it consumes a lot of memory and system resources, slowing the machine down and leading to the assumption that it is a virus.

35. Have you performed any tasks that go above and beyond your job description?

Tell them about your capacity to tackle various difficulties and assignments. Share how proficient you are in using the systems and in communicating with laypeople and experts in your field.

36. Can 50 PCs with the same configuration have the same OS installed?

Yes, you can use the Windows Deployment Service to accomplish this. WDS enables users to complete a network-based Windows OS installation. It lessens the expense and difficulty of performing manual OS installations on several computers.

With WDS, you won't need any physical support like Windows DVDs or USB drives to format any number of new computers—just plug in the Ethernet.

To use WDS, you need three things:

• Services for Active Directory Domains.
• On the server, at least one partition needs to be formatted as NTFS.
• The IP address of the WDS client must be assigned to one live DHCP server.

Both the server and clients must have a boot OS image and network bootable NIC configurations. The OS will be installed on all PCs by restarting the system.

Desktop Support FAQs

37. What is the role of a desktop support engineer?

The role of Desktop Support Engineer mainly involves resolving computer systems and software issues. They also assist in the updation, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of systems.

38. What skills are required for a Desktop Support Engineer?

A successful Desktop Support Engineer possesses a good combination of technical and interpersonal skills. Some worthwhile skills may include:

• Knowledge of software and hardware.
• Proficiency in software support tools.
• Knowledge of troubleshooting, ethernet, and IP configuration of networks.
• Customer service best practices.

39. Is desktop support a good career?

Yes, desktop support is a good career choice for many people. This is an ideal job to get into big tech. It acts as a stepping stone to getting into the technical side.

40. Help Desk vs. Desktop Support

Desktop support is a specialized service. While a help desk can resolve a variety of IT problems, desktop support is limited to fixing computer issues. 

Tips to clear Desktop Support Interview

Research the company: This is not an option! It's important to have a fundamental understanding of the company you are interviewing with.

Analyze the job description: Be sure to take note of the primary focus areas of the position you applied for along with the firm you are researching. Make a list of the reasons why you believe you can perform these specific tasks after thoroughly reading the job description.

Brush up on basics: You can expect some challenging questions regardless of your level of experience. If you are a beginner, review the basics of your subject. In the case of experienced professionals, be sure to communicate your ideas clearly.

Prepare for potential interview questions: Most interviews involve many common questions. Make a list of potential questions about the job profile, background, company, etc., and be ready with answers in advance.

Customize your answers: When asked about a particular skill set, avoid using the same response for every company you apply to. Instead, prepare a list of how your skills might help the company and the position for which you are interviewing.

Conclusion:

These interview questions for desktop support engineers may help you ace your interviews and land the job you want. Your ability to succeed in the interview will be aided by having a thorough understanding of these questions. 

For more preparation, check out our Service Desk Analyst Training