220-1101 Question 453
Single answerAuthentication failuresA technician is troubleshooting a Windows 11 laptop that can browse the internet successfully but cannot access a shared folder on the company domain file server. When the user opens the mapped drive, they receive an "Access denied" message and are repeatedly prompted to enter domain credentials. Other employees can access the same share without issue. The user recently changed their domain password from another workstation earlier that morning. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this authentication failure?
- A
The laptop is still using cached credentials from the previous password for the mapped network resource
- B
The file server's NIC duplex setting is mismatched with the switch port
- C
The workstation's display scaling is preventing the credential prompt from accepting input
- D
The shared folder has failed due to insufficient disk space on the local laptop
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The key clue is that the user changed their domain password earlier that day and only this user is affected, while network connectivity and server availability are confirmed because internet access works and other employees can open the same share. In Windows environments, saved credentials, mapped drives, or active sessions to SMB network resources may continue using older cached authentication data until the session is refreshed. Best practice is to verify the username format, clear stored credentials in Credential Manager if applicable, disconnect and remap the drive, and have the user sign out and back in so Kerberos/NTLM authentication can use the updated password. This aligns with standard Microsoft troubleshooting guidance for Windows credential and mapped drive access issues.
- A. Correct.
This is correct. A recently changed domain password can cause authentication failures to mapped drives or saved network resources if the workstation or credential manager is still attempting to use the old cached password. In a real environment, removing and recreating the mapped drive, clearing stored credentials, locking/signing out and back in, or rebooting can refresh the authentication token and prompt the user for the updated password.
- B. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. A duplex mismatch can cause slow performance, collisions, or intermittent connectivity issues, but it would not specifically explain repeated credential prompts and an access denied error when the user can otherwise browse the internet and other users can access the same share.
- C. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Display scaling can affect usability of an interface, but it does not cause a true authentication failure. The scenario describes repeated credential prompts and access denied messages tied to a recent password change, which points to credentials rather than a display issue.
- D. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Free space on the local laptop does not determine whether the user can authenticate to a remote file share. A full local disk might affect offline files, local applications, or updates, but it would not be the most likely cause of a domain authentication prompt loop for one user's mapped network drive.