CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71)Applications and SoftwareEasy
A user reports that they can no longer open their word processing documents, which have a .docx extension. Other applications seem to be working fine. What is the MOST likely cause of this issue?
- AThe hard drive is full, preventing file access.
- BThe network connection is down, preventing document loading.
- CThe operating system has been corrupted.
- DThe default application for .docx files has been changed or uninstalled.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The default application for .docx files has been changed or uninstalled.
If only .docx files are affected and other applications work, it strongly suggests an issue with the specific application associated with that file type, or the association itself.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A full hard drive might prevent saving or opening new files, but typically doesn't selectively affect one file type's ability to open existing documents unless the application itself cannot launch due to lack of space, which is not indicated here.
- B. Local document access does not typically rely on a network connection unless the files are stored on a network share, which is not specified.
- C. Operating system corruption would likely affect more than just one file type.
File Association
A mapping within an operating system that links a specific file extension (e.g., .docx) to the application designed to open or handle that file type.
- Defines which program launches when a file is double-clicked.
- Can be changed by the user or by installing/uninstalling software.
- Incorrect associations can prevent files from opening or open them in the wrong program.
Memory trick: When a file won't open, think about its assigned opener.