The Exam 70-271 is also known as the Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System exam. This is a complementary exam with Exam 272 which covers applications exams about Desktop technical support. The people eligible to take the exam are those who have experience in running Windows XP Professional on a working environment. The Exam 70-271 is also available for people using Microsoft XP Home Edition in home areas. The examinee is required to have experience in using applications such as Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft Outlook Express. Knowledge in using productivity applications such as Microsoft Office suite is also a requirement for the exam.

The Exam 70-271 is also open for candidates who have extensive knowledge in resolving operating system problems over the phone, by remotely accessing the user’s system or by visiting the Desktop of the user. Knowledge in workgroups and Active Directory domains which affects the end users is also used in the exam.

Skills Measured in Exam 70-271

Different skills and expertise of the candidate is tested in this exam. The main portion of the Exam 271 is about installation of Windows operating system for Desktop. This major section of the test is about performing and troubleshooting an installation of the Windows XP. The exam measures the ability of the examinee to handle attended and unattended installation procedures of the Windows XP operating system. This also covers upgrading of a lower version of Windows operating system to Microsoft Windows XP.

Management of files used in Microsoft Windows XP is also included in Exam 70-271. The test also determines the capabilities of the candidate in troubleshooting access to data files and configuring network connections on the system. It also covers synchronization of offline files and establishing connection to printer devices.

The exam also measures the examinee’s skill in troubleshooting and configuring hardware devices and drivers for Microsoft Windows XP. This section of the exam covers configuration of storage devices, input and output (I/O) devices, display devices and Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). The exam also tests the candidate’s knowledge in Desktop and user environments.

The last section of the exam is about troubleshooting network services and protocols. This involves setting configurations to be used in connecting to the Internet.

Credits Earned from Passing Exam 70-271

Passing the Exam 70-271 would entitle you as a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). It also enables you to take other certification exams such as the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) on Microsoft Windows XP certification.