As a fresher interviewing for a Desktop Support Engineer position, you can expect questions that assess your technical

knowledge, problem-solving skills, and customer service abilities. Here are some common questions you might
encounter:

Technical Questions

1. What is BIOS, and how do you access it on a computer?

2. Explain the process of installing an operating system like Windows.

3. What is the difference between FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT file systems?

4. How would you troubleshoot a computer that won't start?

5. What are the different ways to reset a forgotten Windows password?

6. Explain the process of joining a computer to a domain.

7. What are the different types of RAM, and how do they differ?

8. How do you install and update drivers for hardware devices?

9. What steps would you take to resolve a network connectivity issue?

10. Explain how to set up a new printer on a network.

Problem-Solving Scenarios

1. A user reports that their computer is running very slowly. How would you approach this issue?

2. How would you recover data from a corrupted hard drive?

3. What would you do if a user cannot access their email?

4. A computer is displaying a blue screen of death (BSOD). How would you troubleshoot this?

5. How would you handle a situation where a user accidentally deleted an important file?

Customer Service and Communication

1. How do you prioritize multiple support requests?

2. How would you explain a technical issue to someone with no IT background?

3. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer. How did you handle it?

4. What would you do if you could not resolve an issue on your own?

5. How do you keep your technical knowledge up to date?

1. What is BIOS, and how do you access it on a computer?

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware stored on a small memory chip on the motherboard. It is responsible for
booting up your computer by initializing hardware components and loading the operating system. The BIOS also
provides a setup utility that allows users to configure hardware settings.

To access the BIOS:

- Restart the computer.

- During the boot process, press the designated key (often F2, Del, Esc, or F10) when the manufacturer's logo appears.

- You will enter the BIOS setup utility, where you can change settings like the boot order, system time, and hardware
configurations.

2. Explain the process of installing an operating system like Windows.

Steps to install Windows OS:

1. Prepare the installation media: Download the Windows ISO file from Microsoft’s website and create a bootable USB
drive using tools like Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool.

2. Insert the installation media: Plug the bootable USB drive into the computer.

3. Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart the computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup by pressing the designated key. Change the
boot order to prioritize the USB drive.

4. Boot from USB: Save changes in the BIOS and restart the computer. It should boot from the USB drive.

5. Windows Setup: Follow the on-screen instructions. Select language, time, and keyboard preferences, and click "Next."

6. Install Windows: Click "Install Now." You may need to enter a product key or skip this step if you plan to activate
Windows later.

7. Select installation type: Choose "Custom" for a clean installation.

8. Partition the drive: Select the drive where Windows will be installed. You can create, delete, or format partitions as
needed.
9. Complete installation: Windows will copy files, install features, and update settings. The computer may restart several
times during this process.

10. Set up Windows: Once the installation is complete, follow the prompts to set up your user account, password, and
preferences.

3. What is the difference between FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT file systems?

- FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32):

- An older file system that is widely compatible across various devices and operating systems.

- Maximum file size: 4 GB, maximum partition size: 8 TB.

- Lacks advanced features like file permissions and encryption.

- NTFS (New Technology File System):

- The default file system for Windows. Supports large files and partitions.

- Maximum file size: 16 TB, maximum partition size: 256 TB.

- Supports file permissions, encryption, compression, and disk quotas.

- Better suited for modern Windows systems.

- exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table):

- Designed for flash drives and external storage devices.

- Combines the compatibility of FAT32 with some of the advantages of NTFS.

- Maximum file size: 16 EB (exabytes), maximum partition size: 128 PB (petabytes).

- Compatible with most operating systems and devices.

4. How would you troubleshoot a computer that won't start?

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Check power supply: Ensure the computer is plugged in and the power outlet is functioning. Verify that the power
cable is securely connected to the PC.
2. Inspect hardware connections: Check internal connections like RAM, hard drive, and power cables. Reseat the
components if necessary.

3. Listen for beeps: If the computer beeps on startup, count the beeps and refer to the motherboard manual to identify
the error code.

4. Test with minimal components: Disconnect all peripherals (e.g., USB devices, additional hard drives) and attempt to
boot with only essential components.

5. Use a different power supply: If possible, swap out the power supply unit (PSU) with a known working one.

6. Reset BIOS/UEFI settings: Remove the CMOS battery or use the reset jumper to restore BIOS/UEFI settings to default.

7. Check for display issues: If the computer turns on but no display appears, check the monitor and video cable. Try
connecting to a different monitor.

8. Boot from external media: If the system still won’t boot, try booting from a USB drive or recovery disc to rule out
software issues.

9. Consult the motherboard manual: If none of the above steps work, the motherboard or other internal hardware might
be faulty.

5. What are the different ways to reset a forgotten Windows password?

Methods to reset a Windows password:

1. Using a password reset disk: If you've previously created a password reset disk, insert it and follow the prompts on the
login screen to reset the password.

2. Using another admin account: If another account with administrator privileges exists, log in and reset the password
through the Control Panel or Computer Management.

3. Using Safe Mode: Boot into Safe Mode and log in with the built-in Administrator account (often has no password).
From there, reset the password for the locked account.

4. Using a password reset tool: Use third-party tools like Offline NT Password & Registry Editor or Windows Password
Recovery Tool to reset the password.

5. Using Microsoft account recovery: If using a Microsoft account to log in, go to the Microsoft account recovery page
and follow the steps to reset the password online.

6. Explain the process of joining a computer to a domain.

Steps to join a computer to a domain:

1. Ensure network connectivity: Connect the computer to the network where the domain controller is located.
2. Open System Properties: Right-click "This PC" or "Computer" and select "Properties." Then click "Change settings"
under "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings."

3. Change settings: In the System Properties window, click "Change" next to "To rename this computer or change its
domain or workgroup."

4. Join the domain: Select "Domain" and enter the domain name you wish to join. Click "OK."

5. Authenticate: You will be prompted to enter the credentials of a user with permission to join the computer to the
domain (usually a domain administrator’s credentials).

6. Restart: After authentication, you will be prompted to restart the computer. Click "OK" and restart.

7. Log in with domain credentials: Once the computer restarts, you can log in with domain credentials.

7. What are the different types of RAM, and how do they differ?

- SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM): Older type of RAM that operates synchronously with the system clock.

- DDR (Double Data Rate SDRAM): Transfers data twice per clock cycle, effectively doubling the data rate of SDRAM.
Versions include DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5, each offering higher speed, bandwidth, and lower power
consumption than the previous one.

- SRAM (Static RAM): Faster than DRAM, doesn’t need to be refreshed, and is used in cache memory, but it is more
expensive and consumes more power.

- ECC RAM (Error-Correcting Code RAM): Used in servers and critical systems, ECC RAM can detect and correct memory
errors, providing higher data reliability.

- LPDDR (Low Power DDR): Used in mobile devices, this type of RAM consumes less power while still providing decent
performance.

Differences:

- Speed and Performance: Newer versions (like DDR4, DDR5) are faster and more efficient than older ones (DDR, DDR2).

- Voltage and Power Consumption: DDR versions progressively require less voltage and consume less power.

- Physical Form: Each type of RAM has a unique pin configuration and physical size, making them incompatible with each
other’s slots.
8. How do you install and update drivers for hardware devices?

Installing drivers:

1. Automatic installation: Most operating systems automatically detect new hardware and install drivers through
Windows Update or built-in databases.

2. Manual installation: If the OS doesn’t automatically install the driver:

- Download the driver from the manufacturer’s website.

- Run the installer or manually install it via Device Manager.

- In Device Manager, right-click the device, select "Update driver," and choose the driver file or let Windows search for
it.

Updating drivers:

1. Using Windows Update: Check for updates via Windows Update, which may include new drivers.

2. Manufacturer’s website: Regularly check the hardware manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.

3. Device Manager:

- Open Device Manager.

- Right-click the device and select "Update driver."

- Choose to search automatically for updated driver software.

- If you have a downloaded driver, select "Browse my computer for driver software" and navigate to the driver
location.

9. What steps would you take to resolve a network connectivity issue?

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Check physical connections: Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely connected and the network devices (like the router)
are powered on.

2. Check network settings: Verify that the computer is configured to obtain an IP address automatically or that the static
IP settings are correct.

3. Restart network devices: Restart the router, modem, and computer to reset the network connection.
4. Run network diagnostics: Use built-in Windows network diagnostics to automatically detect and fix issues.

. Check IP address: Run `ipconfig` in the Command Prompt to check the IP address. If the IP starts with 169.x.x.x, it
indicates a problem with DHCP.

6. Ping test: Use `ping` to test connectivity to the router, DNS server, and external websites (e.g., `ping google.com`).

7. Check firewall settings: Ensure that the firewall is not blocking the network connection.

8. Disable and re-enable the network adapter: In the Network and Sharing Center, disable and re-enable the network
adapter.

9. Update or reinstall network drivers: In Device Manager, update or reinstall the network adapter drivers.

10. Check for ISP issues: If all local checks fail, contact the Internet Service Provider to see if there are any outages or
issues on their end.

10. Explain how to set up a new printer on a network.

Steps to set up a network printer:

1. Connect the printer to the network:

- For wired printers, connect the printer to the router using an Ethernet cable.

- For wireless printers, use the printer’s control panel to connect to the Wi-Fi network by entering the network SSID
and password.

2. Install printer drivers:

- Install the printer’s software and drivers on your computer using the provided CD or by downloading the latest
version from the manufacturer’s website.

3. Add the printer to your computer:

- On Windows, go to "Settings" > "Devices" > "Printers & scanners" > "Add a printer or scanner."

- Windows will search for available printers on the network. Select the printer and follow the prompts to install it.

- If Windows doesn’t find the printer, select "The printer that I want isn’t listed" and choose "Add a printer using a
TCP/IP address or hostname." Enter the printer’s IP address to add it manually.

4. Test the printer: Once installed, print a test page to confirm that the printer is working correctly on the network.

5. Set as default printer (optional): In "Printers & scanners," select the printer and click "Set as default" to make it the
default printer for your computer.
These detailed answers should help you prepare thoroughly for your Desktop Support Engineer interview.