20 Windows XP Quiz Questions and Answers

Question 1:
What is the default web browser included with Windows XP?
A) Internet Explorer
B) Mozilla Firefox
C) Google Chrome
D) Microsoft Edge
Answer: A
Explanation: Windows XP came pre-installed with Internet Explorer as its default web browser for accessing the internet.

Question 2:
How do you access the Task Manager in Windows XP?
A) Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete
B) Press Windows key + R
C) Right-click the desktop and select “Properties”
D) Go to Start > Programs > Accessories
Answer: A
Explanation: Pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete opens the Windows Security dialog, from which you can select Task Manager to view and manage running processes.

Question 3:
What is the primary function of the Control Panel in Windows XP?
A) To manage hardware and software settings
B) To play multimedia files
C) To browse the internet
D) To edit documents
Answer: A
Explanation: The Control Panel is a central location in Windows XP for configuring system settings, such as display, sound, and user accounts.

Question 4:
Which file system is commonly used by default in Windows XP for formatting drives?
A) NTFS
B) FAT32
C) exFAT
D) HFS+
Answer: A
Explanation: NTFS is the default file system in Windows XP for new installations, offering better security and performance compared to FAT32.

Question 5:
How do you change the desktop background in Windows XP?
A) Right-click the desktop, select “Properties,” and go to the Desktop tab
B) Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Display
C) Both A and B
D) Open Microsoft Paint and save an image
Answer: C
Explanation: You can change the desktop background by right-clicking the desktop and accessing Properties, or by navigating through the Control Panel to the Display settings.

Question 6:
What does the System Restore feature in Windows XP do?
A) Restores the system to a previous state
B) Deletes temporary files
C) Updates drivers automatically
D) Scans for viruses
Answer: A
Explanation: System Restore allows users to revert the computer’s system files and settings to an earlier point in time without affecting personal files.

Question 7:
Which key combination is used to lock the computer in Windows XP?
A) Windows key + L
B) Ctrl + Shift + Esc
C) Alt + F4
D) Ctrl + Alt + Delete
Answer: A
Explanation: Pressing Windows key + L quickly locks the workstation, requiring a password to unlock it for security purposes.

Question 8:
How can you create a new folder in Windows XP?
A) Right-click in a directory and select “New > Folder”
B) Go to Start > Run and type “mkdir”
C) Both A and B
D) Open Command Prompt and type “folder new”
Answer: C
Explanation: You can create a new folder by right-clicking in File Explorer or by using the command “mkdir” in the Run dialog or Command Prompt.

Question 9:
What is the purpose of the Recycle Bin in Windows XP?
A) To store deleted files until they are permanently removed
B) To organize files into categories
C) To run diagnostic tools
D) To store program shortcuts
Answer: A
Explanation: The Recycle Bin acts as a safety net for deleted files, allowing users to restore them before they are permanently erased.

Question 10:
How do you access the Device Manager in Windows XP?
A) Right-click My Computer and select “Manage”
B) Go to Start > Control Panel > System
C) Both A and B
D) Open Internet Explorer and search for it
Answer: C
Explanation: Device Manager can be accessed via the My Computer properties or through the System settings in the Control Panel to manage hardware devices.

Question 11:
What type of installation media was commonly used for Windows XP?
A) CD-ROM
B) Floppy disk
C) USB flash drive
D) Blu-ray disc
Answer: A
Explanation: Windows XP was typically installed using a CD-ROM, as it was the standard media format at the time of its release.

Question 12:
How do you enable the Guest account in Windows XP?
A) Go to Control Panel > User Accounts and turn it on
B) Right-click the desktop and select “User Settings”
C) Use the Command Prompt to type “guest enable”
D) It is enabled by default
Answer: A
Explanation: In the User Accounts section of the Control Panel, you can manage and enable the Guest account for limited access.

Question 13:
What is hibernation mode in Windows XP?
A) A power-saving state that saves the current session to the hard drive
B) A mode that restarts the computer
C) A screen saver option
D) A way to delete temporary files
Answer: A
Explanation: Hibernation saves the contents of RAM to the hard drive and powers off the computer, allowing it to resume exactly where it left off.

Question 14:
How do you format a drive in Windows XP?
A) Right-click the drive in My Computer and select “Format”
B) Go to Start > Run and type “format C:”
C) Both A and B, depending on the drive
D) Use Internet Explorer to download a formatting tool
Answer: C
Explanation: You can format a drive by right-clicking it in File Explorer or by using the command line via Run, though caution is needed to avoid data loss.

Question 15:
Which Windows XP edition includes features for media centers?
A) Windows XP Media Center Edition
B) Windows XP Professional
C) Windows XP Home Edition
D) Windows XP Starter Edition
Answer: A
Explanation: Windows XP Media Center Edition was designed for home entertainment, including TV recording and media playback features.

Question 16:
How do you add a printer in Windows XP?
A) Go to Control Panel > Printers and Faxes > Add a printer
B) Right-click the desktop and select “Add Hardware”
C) Both A and B
D) Open Microsoft Word and select “Print Setup”
Answer: C
Explanation: Printers can be added through the Printers and Faxes section in Control Panel or via the Add Hardware wizard.

Question 17:
What is the maximum RAM supported by Windows XP 32-bit?
A) 4 GB
B) 8 GB
C) 16 GB
D) 32 GB
Answer: A
Explanation: The 32-bit version of Windows XP supports up to 4 GB of RAM, though actual usable memory may be less due to hardware reservations.

Question 18:
How do you run a program in compatibility mode in Windows XP?
A) Right-click the program, select Properties, and choose the Compatibility tab
B) Go to Start > Programs > Compatibility Tools
C) Use the Command Prompt to type “compat run”
D) It is automatic for all programs
Answer: A
Explanation: In the Properties dialog of a program, the Compatibility tab allows you to select modes for older software to run properly.

Question 19:
What does the Windows XP firewall do?
A) Protects the computer from unauthorized network access
B) Manages email accounts
C) Optimizes disk performance
D) Updates the operating system
Answer: A
Explanation: The built-in firewall in Windows XP monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic to enhance security.

Question 20:
How do you shut down the computer in Windows XP?
A) Click Start > Turn Off Computer
B) Press the power button on the computer case
C) Both A and B
D) Use Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select “Shut Down”
Answer: C
Explanation: You can shut down via the Start menu or by using the physical power button, with options to log off, restart, or hibernate as well.