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An Introduction to the 70-687 Exam: Configuring Windows 8.1

The Microsoft 70-687 exam, officially titled Configuring Windows 8.1, is a cornerstone examination for IT professionals who specialize in the Windows desktop environment. This test is designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to configure, manage, and maintain a Windows 8.1 system in a corporate or small to medium-sized business setting. Passing this exam demonstrates that a candidate can handle the core services of a modern Windows client operating system, from installation and configuration to networking and security. It is intended for individuals who work as IT administrators or support technicians.

Successfully completing the 70-687 exam is a critical step towards earning the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows 8 certification. This certification is a prerequisite for more advanced credentials, such as the MCSE. Therefore, the exam serves as a foundational benchmark, proving that an individual has the essential skills to work with Windows clients before moving on to more complex server or enterprise desktop administration roles. The exam assumes a baseline understanding of computing fundamentals and focuses specifically on the features and administrative tasks associated with Windows 8.1.

The target audience for the 70-687 exam includes enterprise desktop support technicians (EDSTs) and IT generalists who provide support for Windows 8.1 computers, devices, users, and associated network and security resources. Candidates should have at least one year of experience in an IT support role. The exam content is structured to reflect the real-world tasks that these professionals perform daily, such as installing and upgrading the operating system, configuring hardware and applications, setting up network connectivity, and securing corporate data. It is a practical exam focused on application of knowledge.

Preparation for the 70-687 exam requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and extensive hands-on practice. Simply memorizing facts from a textbook is not a viable strategy for success. The questions are often scenario-based, requiring you to analyze a problem and determine the best course of action. This necessitates a deep, practical understanding of the Windows 8.1 operating system, which can only be gained by spending significant time working with it in a lab environment. The exam is a true test of a technician's ability to configure and troubleshoot the system effectively.

Core Skills for Windows 8.1 Configuration

The 70-687 exam is organized around several key objective domains, each representing a critical area of Windows 8.1 administration. The first major domain is installing and upgrading to Windows 8.1. This includes performing clean installations, upgrading from previous Windows versions, and migrating user profiles and data. Candidates are expected to know the different installation methods, including installing from a virtual hard disk (VHD), and how to use tools like the User State Migration Tool (USMT) to ensure a smooth transition for users.

Another crucial skill area is the configuration of hardware and applications. This section of the 70-687 exam tests a candidate's ability to install and configure devices, manage device drivers, and ensure application compatibility. It also covers the management of both traditional desktop applications and the newer Modern UI apps, including sideloading and managing access to the Windows Store. This domain ensures that a technician can set up a computer with all the necessary peripherals and software needed by the end-user, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Configuring network connectivity is also a fundamental part of the exam. This involves setting up and troubleshooting both wired and wireless network connections, configuring IP addressing for both IPv4 and IPv6, and implementing network security features like the Windows Firewall. Candidates should also be familiar with remote access technologies such as VPN and the basic concepts of DirectAccess. In today's interconnected world, the ability to securely connect a client computer to the corporate network and the internet is a non-negotiable skill for any desktop support professional.

Finally, the 70-687 exam places a strong emphasis on configuring access to resources and securing the operating system. This domain covers a wide range of topics, including configuring shared folders, managing NTFS permissions, setting up printers, and implementing authentication and authorization. It also includes technologies for data protection, such as BitLocker drive encryption and the Encrypting File System (EFS). A thorough understanding of these security and access control features is essential for protecting sensitive corporate data and maintaining a secure computing environment.

Planning and Performing a Windows 8.1 Installation

A core competency tested in the 70-687 exam is the ability to plan and execute a successful Windows 8.1 installation. Before beginning the installation, a candidate must be able to assess hardware requirements. This includes verifying that the CPU, RAM, and graphics card meet the minimum specifications for the chosen edition of Windows 8.1. For example, features like Client Hyper-V have specific processor requirements, such as Second Level Address Translation (SLAT). Verifying these prerequisites is the first step to avoiding installation failures and performance issues down the line.

The 70-687 exam requires knowledge of the different installation methods available. The most common method is a clean installation, where you install Windows 8.1 on a new computer or an empty partition, erasing any previous data. Candidates should be proficient in performing an installation from bootable media like a DVD or a USB flash drive. An alternative method is an image-based installation, which is common in enterprise environments for deploying a standardized configuration to multiple computers. Understanding the pros and cons of each method is crucial.

A more advanced installation topic covered in the exam is installing Windows 8.1 to a virtual hard disk (VHD). This feature, known as native boot from VHD, allows you to have multiple, isolated installations of Windows on a single computer without creating separate disk partitions. A candidate needs to know the steps to create a VHD file, attach it using Disk Management or DiskPart, and then target it during the Windows installation process. This is a powerful technique for testing and development environments, as it allows for easy rollback and management of different operating system configurations.

After the installation is complete, the initial configuration is critical. This includes tasks such as setting the computer name, configuring the time zone, and connecting to a network. The 70-687 exam expects you to be familiar with the out-of-box experience (OOBE) and the various settings that can be configured at this stage. You should also know how to perform post-installation tasks like activating Windows, installing essential drivers, and configuring Windows Update to ensure the system is secure and up-to-date from the very beginning.

Upgrading and Migrating to Windows 8.1

In many real-world scenarios, you will not be performing a clean installation but rather upgrading an existing computer. The 70-687 exam thoroughly tests your knowledge of the supported upgrade paths to Windows 8.1. You must know which versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8 can be directly upgraded while preserving user data, settings, and applications. For example, you can perform an in-place upgrade from Windows 7 Professional to Windows 8.1 Pro. Understanding these paths and the limitations is key to planning a successful enterprise-wide deployment.

When a direct upgrade is not possible or desired, a migration is the alternative. A migration involves installing a fresh copy of Windows 8.1 and then transferring user data and settings from the old installation. The primary tool for this process, and a major topic on the 70-687 exam, is the User State Migration Tool (USMT). USMT is a command-line utility that allows you to capture a user's state (files, folders, and specific application settings) from a source computer and then restore it to a destination computer.

Using USMT requires an understanding of its two main components: ScanState and LoadState. ScanState.exe is used to collect the user data from the source computer and save it to a migration store. LoadState.exe is then used on the destination computer to apply the data from the migration store to the new Windows 8.1 installation. Candidates for the 70-687 exam must be familiar with the basic syntax and command-line switches for both of these tools. They should also understand the role of the XML configuration files that control exactly what data is migrated.

Another tool that can be used for simpler migration scenarios is Windows Easy Transfer. While USMT is the more powerful and scriptable tool for large-scale deployments, Windows Easy Transfer provides a user-friendly, wizard-based interface for migrating files and settings from one computer to another. The 70-687 exam expects you to know the capabilities of both tools and be able to choose the appropriate one for a given situation. Whether upgrading or migrating, the goal is always to provide a seamless transition for the end-user with minimal disruption.

Creating and Managing System Images

In enterprise environments, manually installing Windows 8.1 on every computer is not feasible. The preferred method is to use a standardized system image for deployment. The 70-687 exam requires a comprehensive understanding of how to create and manage these images. The process typically starts with building a reference computer. This involves performing a clean installation of Windows 8.1, installing all necessary applications and drivers, and configuring the system according to company standards. This reference computer becomes the master template for all other deployments.

Once the reference computer is prepared, you must generalize it using the System Preparation Tool (Sysprep). Sysprep removes computer-specific information, such as the computer name and security identifier (SID), so that the image can be safely deployed to multiple computers without conflicts. The 70-687 exam expects you to know the different options for Sysprep, particularly the /generalize and /oobe switches. Running Sysprep is a mandatory step before capturing an image for deployment. After running Sysprep, the computer is shut down and should not be rebooted until after the image is captured.

The primary tool for capturing, modifying, and applying Windows images is the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. DISM is a powerful command-line utility that works with Windows Imaging (WIM) files. To pass the 70-687 exam, you must be proficient with DISM. This includes using it to capture an image of the prepared reference computer, mounting a WIM file to an offline directory, and then servicing the offline image by adding or removing drivers, updates, or packages.

Managing images with DISM is a key skill. For example, you might need to update an image with the latest security patches without having to rebuild the entire reference computer from scratch. You can do this by mounting the WIM file, using DISM to apply the update packages, and then committing the changes and unmounting the image. This process, known as offline servicing, is a highly efficient way to maintain your deployment images. Mastery of DISM is essential for any administrator responsible for large-scale Windows deployments and is a critical topic for the 70-687 exam.

Configuring Virtualization with Client Hyper-V

Windows 8.1 Pro and Enterprise editions include a built-in hypervisor called Client Hyper-V. This feature allows you to run multiple operating systems in virtual machines directly on your desktop or laptop. The 70-687 exam tests your ability to install, configure, and manage Client Hyper-V. Before you can use it, you must ensure your hardware supports it. This includes having a 64-bit processor that supports Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) and enabling virtualization technology in the computer's BIOS or UEFI.

Once the prerequisites are met, you can install the Hyper-V feature through the Programs and Features control panel. The installation process adds the Hyper-V Manager console, which is the primary tool for managing your virtual machines. A key part of the initial configuration, and a topic for the 70-687 exam, is setting up virtual networking. This is done by creating a virtual switch. You need to understand the three types of virtual switches: external, internal, and private, and be able to choose the correct type based on the required network connectivity for your virtual machines.

After configuring the virtual switch, you can create virtual machines. The 70-687 exam expects you to know how to use the New Virtual Machine Wizard in Hyper-V Manager to define the properties of a VM. This includes specifying the amount of memory, the number of virtual processors, and creating or attaching a virtual hard disk (VHD or VHDX). You also need to know the difference between the two generations of virtual machines (Generation 1 and Generation 2) and their respective features and limitations.

Managing virtual machines involves more than just creating them. You need to know how to start, stop, and connect to a VM. You should also be familiar with creating and managing checkpoints, which allow you to save the state of a virtual machine at a specific point in time and revert to it later. This is incredibly useful for testing software or configuration changes. A solid understanding of the entire lifecycle of a virtual machine in Client Hyper-V is a key competency for the 70-687 exam.

Initial Device and Driver Configuration

A freshly installed operating system is of little use until its hardware devices are properly configured. A significant part of the 70-687 exam focuses on device and driver management. Windows 8.1 has excellent support for Plug and Play, which automatically detects new hardware and attempts to install the appropriate driver. In many cases, Windows will have a suitable driver in its built-in driver store, or it can download one from Windows Update. A candidate should understand this process and how to verify that devices have been installed correctly using Device Manager.

Device Manager is the central utility for managing all hardware devices in Windows, and you must be proficient with it for the 70-687 exam. It allows you to view the status of all devices, update drivers, disable or uninstall devices, and troubleshoot hardware conflicts. You should be able to identify devices that are not working correctly (often marked with a yellow exclamation point) and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue, which usually involves finding and installing the correct driver.

Driver signing is an important security feature in Windows. By default, 64-bit versions of Windows 8.1 require all drivers to be digitally signed by the manufacturer. This helps to protect the system from malware that might disguise itself as a device driver. The 70-687 exam expects you to understand the concept of driver signing and the implications of trying to install an unsigned driver. You should also be familiar with the Driver Store, which is a secure location in Windows where all trusted driver packages are stored.

Sometimes, you may need to manually install or update a driver provided by the hardware manufacturer. This often comes as an executable setup file or as a set of INF, SYS, and CAT files. You need to know how to use the "Update Driver Software" wizard in Device Manager to install a driver from a specific location. Managing drivers, dealing with signed and unsigned drivers, and using Device Manager to troubleshoot hardware issues are all fundamental, day-to-day tasks for a desktop support technician and are therefore essential skills for the 70-687 exam.

Configuring Hardware and Devices for the 70-687 Exam

A deep dive into hardware configuration is essential for success on the 70-687 exam. Beyond the initial driver installation, you are expected to manage the ongoing settings and properties of various devices. This is primarily done through Device Manager, but also through the Control Panel and the modern PC settings interface. For example, you might need to configure power management options for a network adapter to prevent it from going to sleep, or adjust the settings for a display adapter to optimize performance. Knowing where to find and how to configure these device-specific settings is a key skill.

The 70-687 exam also requires an understanding of how to manage driver updates and rollbacks. Sometimes a new driver can cause instability or compatibility issues. In such cases, you need to know how to use the "Roll Back Driver" feature in Device Manager to revert to the previously installed version. This is a critical troubleshooting step. Conversely, you should also be proficient in updating drivers to the latest version to gain new features or performance improvements. This involves checking the manufacturer's support site and using the "Update Driver Software" wizard.

Managing device installation policies is another important topic, especially in a corporate environment. Using Group Policy, an administrator can control which types of devices users are allowed to install. For instance, you could create a policy to block the installation of all USB storage devices to prevent data theft. The 70-687 exam expects you to be familiar with these policy settings and how to apply them to prevent the installation of unauthorized hardware. This is a crucial aspect of maintaining a secure and standardized desktop environment.

Troubleshooting hardware issues is a practical skill that is heavily tested. This involves more than just looking for yellow exclamation points in Device Manager. You need to be able to interpret error codes, check the event logs for hardware-related events, and use the built-in troubleshooters in Windows 8.1. A methodical approach to diagnosing hardware problems, from checking physical connections to analyzing driver conflicts, is a hallmark of a proficient technician and is vital for anyone preparing for the 70-687 exam.

Managing Hard Disks and Storage Volumes

Effective storage management is a fundamental administrative task and a core component of the 70-687 exam. The primary tool for this is the Disk Management console. Candidates must be proficient in using this tool to perform tasks such as initializing new disks, creating and formatting partitions, and assigning drive letters. You are expected to understand the difference between the Master Boot Record (MBR) and GUID Partition Table (GPT) partition styles and know the advantages and limitations of each. For example, GPT is required for disks larger than 2 TB.

The 70-687 exam requires a solid understanding of the different file systems available in Windows 8.1. NTFS (New Technology File System) is the standard file system for the operating system partition and provides features like file and folder permissions, compression, and encryption. You should also be familiar with ReFS (Resilient File System), a newer file system designed for high availability and data integrity, though it is more commonly used for data volumes in conjunction with Storage Spaces. Knowing which file system to choose for a given scenario is an important skill.

Managing existing volumes is also a key topic. This includes tasks such as extending a simple volume to use unallocated space on the same disk, or shrinking a volume to create new unallocated space. These operations can be performed directly from the Disk Management console without data loss. The 70-687 exam may present scenarios where you need to resize partitions to meet changing storage requirements. You should also be familiar with command-line tools like DiskPart for scripting and automating disk management tasks.

Beyond basic disks, you should have a conceptual understanding of dynamic disks. While less common on client computers today, dynamic disks offer features like spanned and striped volumes that are not available on basic disks. The exam may require you to know the characteristics of these volume types. However, the modern approach to storage management in Windows 8.1 is Storage Spaces, which has largely superseded dynamic disks for creating resilient and flexible storage solutions on client machines.

Implementing and Managing Storage Spaces

Storage Spaces is a powerful feature in Windows 8.1 that allows you to group multiple physical disks together into a storage pool and then create virtual disks, called spaces, from that pool. This technology provides storage flexibility and resiliency that was previously only available with expensive RAID hardware. The 70-687 exam requires a thorough understanding of how to implement and manage Storage Spaces. This begins with creating a storage pool by selecting two or more physical disks. These disks can be of different sizes and types (e.g., HDD and SSD).

Once a storage pool is created, you can create spaces. When creating a space, you must choose a resiliency type, which is a key concept for the 70-687 exam. A simple space provides no resiliency but offers the best performance and capacity. A two-way mirror provides data redundancy by writing two copies of your data, protecting you from a single disk failure. A three-way mirror writes three copies, protecting against two simultaneous disk failures. A parity space uses parity information for resiliency, which is more space-efficient than mirroring but has lower write performance.

Another important feature of Storage Spaces is thin provisioning. When you create a space, you can specify a logical size that is much larger than the actual physical capacity available in the pool. The space only consumes physical capacity as data is written to it. The 70-687 exam expects you to understand the concept of thin provisioning and how to monitor the pool's capacity to ensure you add more physical disks before it runs out of space. This feature allows for flexible, on-demand storage allocation.

Managing Storage Spaces involves monitoring the health of the physical disks in the pool and responding to failures. If a disk in a mirror or parity space fails, the space will become degraded but will remain accessible. You must know how to identify the failed disk, remove it from the pool, and add a replacement disk to begin the repair process. This ability to easily manage and repair resilient storage using commodity hardware is a major benefit of Storage Spaces and a critical skill for the 70-687 exam.

Configuring Application Compatibility and Deployment

Ensuring that applications, especially older legacy applications, run correctly on Windows 8.1 is a common challenge in corporate environments. The 70-687 exam tests your knowledge of the tools and techniques available to address application compatibility issues. The primary toolkit for this is the Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT). Candidates should understand the purpose of ACT, which is to help inventory applications, analyze them for potential compatibility problems, and apply compatibility fixes, known as shims.

A shim is a small piece of code that intercepts API calls from an application and redirects them to a function that works correctly in the new operating system. For the 70-687 exam, you don't need to be a developer who writes shims, but you do need to know how to use the Compatibility Administrator tool within ACT to find and apply pre-existing shims to a problematic application. This can often resolve issues with applications that were designed for older versions of Windows without requiring any changes to the application's source code.

Beyond compatibility fixes, the exam covers application deployment. In a managed environment, software is rarely installed manually by the user. Instead, it is deployed centrally by IT administrators. Group Policy is a common method for this. You should understand how to use the Software Installation settings in Group Policy to either assign an application (which makes it mandatory) or publish an application (which makes it available for users to install on-demand from the Programs and Features control panel). This method typically uses Windows Installer (MSI) packages.

For more robust application deployment and management, enterprises often use solutions like Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager. While the 70-687 exam is focused on the Windows client itself, you should have a conceptual understanding of how these larger management systems are used to deploy, update, and inventory software across thousands of desktops. The exam's focus will remain on the client-side technologies, such as Group Policy software installation and the use of AppLocker to restrict which applications are allowed to run.

Managing Modern UI Applications

Windows 8.1 introduced a new type of application, originally known as Metro-style apps and now referred to as Modern UI apps or Windows Store apps. These apps are typically acquired through the Windows Store and run in a sandboxed environment for enhanced security. The 70-687 exam requires you to know how to manage these new applications in a corporate setting. This includes controlling access to the Windows Store itself. Using Group Policy, you can disable the store completely to prevent users from installing unauthorized applications.

In many cases, an organization will have its own custom line-of-business (LOB) applications developed as Modern UI apps. These apps are not published in the public Windows Store. To deploy them, you must use a process called sideloading. The 70-687 exam expects you to know the requirements and procedures for sideloading. This includes enabling the "Allow all trusted apps to install" Group Policy setting and ensuring the application package is digitally signed by a trusted certificate authority. The app can then be installed using PowerShell cmdlets like Add-AppxPackage.

Another method for deploying Modern UI apps is through offline servicing of a Windows image. Using the DISM command-line tool, an administrator can provision a Modern UI app directly into a WIM image. When a user logs on for the first time to a computer deployed with this image, the provisioned app will be installed automatically. This is an efficient way to ensure that all users in an organization receive a standard set of required Modern UI applications as part of the base operating system deployment.

Managing the lifecycle of these applications is also important. You need to know how to update and uninstall Modern UI apps. For sideloaded applications, updates must be deployed manually by installing a newer version of the app package. You should also be familiar with the PowerShell cmdlets for inventorying and removing apps, such as Get-AppxPackage and Remove-AppxPackage. A comprehensive understanding of both acquiring and managing Modern UI applications is a key requirement for the 70-687 exam.

Configuring Internet Explorer 11 Settings

Internet Explorer 11 is the web browser included with Windows 8.1, and its configuration is a significant topic on the 70-687 exam. As a desktop administrator, you will be responsible for managing its settings to ensure a secure and consistent browsing experience for your users. A key concept is the use of security zones: Internet, Local intranet, Trusted sites, and Restricted sites. You must understand the purpose of each zone and how to add or remove sites from them to control the security settings that are applied when browsing.

Many organizations rely on older web applications that were designed for previous versions of Internet Explorer. To ensure these applications function correctly, you may need to use Compatibility View. The 70-687 exam requires you to know how to configure Compatibility View settings, either manually in the browser or centrally through Group Policy. This feature instructs IE11 to render a specific web page as if it were an older version of the browser, which can resolve many common rendering and functionality issues with legacy web apps.

Managing add-ons is another critical security and performance task. Browser add-ons, such as toolbars and ActiveX controls, can sometimes be a source of malware or cause the browser to become slow and unstable. You should be familiar with the "Manage add-ons" tool in Internet Explorer, which allows you to view, disable, or remove installed add-ons. In a corporate environment, you can use Group Policy to control which add-ons are permitted to run, providing a centralized way to enforce company policy and maintain a secure browsing environment.

The 70-687 exam also covers other advanced settings, such as configuring proxy server settings for accessing the internet, managing cookies and privacy settings, and using the pop-up blocker. Many of these settings can be configured through Group Policy, which is the preferred method for applying consistent settings across an organization. A thorough knowledge of the various configuration options available for Internet Explorer 11, and how to manage them both locally and centrally, is essential for the exam.

Configuring IPv4 and IPv6 Network Settings

A fundamental skill for any IT professional, and a core topic on the 70-687 exam, is configuring IP network settings. You must have a solid understanding of both Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) and version 6 (IPv6). This includes knowing how to manually configure an IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server settings for a network adapter. While automatic configuration via DHCP is common, you must be able to perform manual configuration for servers, network devices, or for troubleshooting purposes.

For IPv4, the 70-687 exam requires you to understand the basics of IP addressing and subnetting. You should be able to identify the network ID and host ID portion of an IP address based on its subnet mask. This knowledge is crucial for troubleshooting connectivity issues and ensuring that a computer is configured correctly for the network it is connected to. You should also understand the purpose of a default gateway, which is the router that a computer uses to send traffic to other networks, including the internet.

IPv6 is the next generation of the Internet Protocol and is an increasingly important topic. The 70-687 exam expects you to be familiar with the format of IPv6 addresses and the different types of addresses, such as link-local, unique local, and global unicast. Windows 8.1 has IPv6 enabled by default and will use it preferentially if the network supports it. You should know how to view the IPv6 configuration of a computer and perform basic configuration tasks, even though stateless address autoconfiguration (SLAAC) is more common than manual configuration for IPv6 clients.

Troubleshooting incorrect IP configurations is a key practical skill. If a user reports they cannot access the network, checking their IP settings is one of the first steps. You must be proficient with the ipconfig command-line tool to view the current IP configuration, release and renew a DHCP lease, and flush the DNS resolver cache. The ability to quickly diagnose and resolve IP addressing issues is a critical competency tested by the 70-687 exam.

Implementing Automatic IP Address Allocation

While manual IP configuration is an important skill, most client computers in a corporate network receive their IP address settings automatically. The primary protocol for this is the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). The 70-687 exam requires a complete understanding of the DHCP process. You should know the four-step DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge) by which a client obtains an IP address lease from a DHCP server. This knowledge helps in troubleshooting situations where a client is failing to get a valid IP address.

In the absence of a DHCP server, a Windows client will use Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA). APIPA automatically assigns an IP address from the special range of 169.254.0.0 to 169.254.255.255 with a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0. For the 70-687 exam, you must be able to recognize an APIPA address. If you see a computer with an address in this range, it is a clear indication that it was unable to contact a DHCP server. This allows devices on a small network to communicate with each other without a DHCP server, but it does not provide a default gateway for internet access.

Windows 8.1 also features an Alternate Configuration tab in the network adapter's IP properties. This allows you to configure a static IP address that the computer will use only if a DHCP server cannot be found. This feature is particularly useful for laptops that move between different networks. For example, a user might need a specific static IP address when at a client site but use DHCP when in the office. The 70-687 exam may present scenarios where configuring an alternate configuration is the appropriate solution.

Understanding how to troubleshoot automatic IP allocation is critical. This involves using the ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew commands to force the client to obtain a new DHCP lease. You should also know how to check the DHCP server to see if it is functioning correctly and has available leases in its scope. The ability to diagnose and resolve issues with DHCP is a day-to-day task for a desktop support technician and an essential skill for the 70-687 exam.

Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Issues

A significant portion of a desktop support technician's role involves troubleshooting, and network connectivity problems are among the most common issues. The 70-687 exam heavily tests your ability to use a systematic approach and the correct tools to diagnose and resolve these problems. A fundamental tool for this is ping. You must be proficient in using ping to test basic connectivity to another device by its IP address or hostname. A successful reply from a destination confirms that a network path exists between your computer and the target.

If a ping to an IP address is successful but a ping to a hostname fails, this points to a name resolution problem, which is a separate area of troubleshooting. Another key tool is tracert (or pathping, which provides more detail). Tracert shows the path, or sequence of routers, that packets take to reach a destination. This is extremely useful for identifying where a failure is occurring along the network path. The 70-687 exam expects you to be able to interpret the output of both ping and tracert to diagnose connectivity issues.

The ipconfig command is your primary tool for verifying the local computer's network configuration. Using ipconfig /all provides detailed information about all network adapters, including the physical (MAC) address, DHCP server, lease duration, and DNS servers. Verifying that this information is correct is a crucial first step in any network troubleshooting process. The 70-687 exam will expect you to know what correct and incorrect configurations look like and how to use this tool effectively.

Beyond these command-line tools, Windows 8.1 includes a built-in Network and Sharing Center with graphical troubleshooting wizards. While command-line tools offer more detailed control, these wizards can often automatically diagnose and fix common problems, such as a misconfigured firewall or an issue with a network adapter. A proficient technician should be familiar with both the command-line and graphical tools and know when to use each to resolve network connectivity problems efficiently, a skill that is vital for the 70-687 exam.

Configuring Wireless Network Connectivity

In today's mobile world, wireless networking is ubiquitous, and its configuration and troubleshooting are key topics for the 70-687 exam. You must be familiar with the process of connecting a Windows 8.1 computer to a wireless network. This includes viewing available networks, entering the correct security key (passphrase), and verifying the connection. You should also understand the different wireless security standards, such as WEP, WPA, and WPA2, and know that WPA2 is the current standard for secure wireless communication.

In a corporate environment, wireless network settings are often deployed centrally to ensure that all computers use the correct configuration. The 70-687 exam requires you to know how to manage wireless network profiles. You can create and configure these profiles manually, specifying the network name (SSID), security type, and authentication method. You can also export a wireless profile from one computer and import it to another, which is a simple way to standardize configurations. For larger deployments, wireless network policies can be configured in Group Policy.

Troubleshooting wireless connectivity is a common task. This can involve issues with signal strength, incorrect security keys, or driver problems with the wireless adapter. You should know how to use the "Diagnose" feature for a wireless connection, which can often identify the root cause of a problem. You should also be able to check the properties of the wireless adapter in Device Manager and view the status of the wireless connection in the Network and Sharing Center to gather more information.

For corporate networks that use 802.1X authentication, the configuration is more complex. This often involves authenticating the computer or user against a RADIUS server using credentials or certificates. While the 70-687 exam is unlikely to require you to set up a RADIUS server, it does expect you to know how to configure a Windows 8.1 client to connect to such a network. This involves specifying the correct EAP method and other advanced security settings in the wireless network profile.

Implementing Network Security with Windows Firewall

Network security is paramount, and the Windows Firewall is the first line of defense for a Windows 8.1 client. The 70-687 exam requires a deep understanding of how to configure and manage the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. You must understand the concept of firewall profiles: Domain, Private, and Public. These profiles allow the firewall to apply different sets of rules depending on the type of network the computer is connected to, providing a balance between security and usability.

The core of firewall management is creating and configuring rules. A firewall rule defines what traffic is allowed or blocked. For the 70-687 exam, you must be proficient in using the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security console to create inbound and outbound rules. You should know how to create rules based on various criteria, such as a specific program, a port number, a predefined service, or even a custom protocol. The ability to create granular rules is essential for securing a computer while still allowing legitimate applications to function.

You should also understand the difference between inbound and outbound rules. By default, the Windows Firewall blocks unsolicited inbound connections and allows all outbound connections. In a high-security environment, you might need to change the default behavior to block all outbound traffic and then create specific "allow" rules only for the applications that need network access. The 70-687 exam will test your ability to configure the firewall to meet specific security requirements described in a scenario.

In a domain environment, Windows Firewall settings are typically managed centrally using Group Policy. This ensures that all client computers have a consistent and compliant firewall configuration. An administrator can define firewall rules and profile settings in a Group Policy Object (GPO) and link it to the appropriate organizational unit. You are expected to know that Group Policy is the preferred method for enterprise firewall management and understand how policy-enforced rules interact with locally configured rules on the client.

Configuring Remote Network Access

Providing secure remote access to the corporate network is a common requirement, and the 70-687 exam covers the client-side configuration of these technologies. The most common method for remote access is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). You must know how to create and configure a VPN connection in Windows 8.1. This involves using the wizard in the Network and Sharing Center to specify the VPN server's address, the VPN protocol to use (such as PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, or IKEv2), and the authentication method.

Troubleshooting VPN connectivity is also a key skill. Common issues include incorrect server addresses, blocked firewall ports, or authentication failures. You should be able to check the VPN connection's status and logs for error messages that can help diagnose the problem. For the 70-687 exam, you should be familiar with the common ports used by different VPN protocols, as firewall misconfiguration is a frequent cause of VPN connection failures. For example, L2TP/IPsec requires UDP ports 500 and 4500.

Another important remote access technology is Remote Desktop. This allows you to connect to and control a remote computer as if you were sitting in front of it. The 70-687 exam requires you to know how to enable Remote Desktop connections on a host computer and how to use the Remote Desktop Connection client to connect to it. This includes configuring security settings, such as requiring Network Level Authentication (NLA), and specifying which users are allowed to connect remotely.

A more advanced and seamless remote access solution is DirectAccess. DirectAccess provides an "always-on" connection to the corporate network whenever the user has an internet connection, without the need to manually start a VPN. While the full implementation of DirectAccess is a server-side task, the 70-687 exam expects you to have a conceptual understanding of what it is and how it benefits mobile users. You should know that it uses IPv6 and IPsec to establish a secure connection automatically in the background.

Configuring Shared Resources

The ability to share files and folders across a network is a fundamental aspect of collaborative work, and its configuration is a key topic in the 70-687 exam. You must be proficient in creating and managing shared folders. This can be done through the "Advanced Sharing" properties of a folder, where you can define a share name and set basic share permissions. It is crucial to understand that share permissions control access to the folder over the network, and they work in conjunction with NTFS permissions.

When configuring a share, you can set share permissions for specific users or groups. The three available permissions are Full Control, Change, and Read. For the 70-687 exam, you need to understand what each of these permission levels allows a user to do. For example, a user with Read permission can view file names and open files, but cannot modify or delete them. A best practice is to keep share permissions relatively simple (for example, giving "Authenticated Users" the Change permission) and use the more granular NTFS permissions to control access.

A common point of confusion, and therefore a likely topic for the 70-687 exam, is how share permissions and NTFS permissions combine. When a user accesses a folder over the network, the most restrictive of the two sets of permissions is applied. For instance, if a user has Full Control in the share permissions but only Read in the NTFS permissions for a particular file, they will only be able to read that file. Understanding this interaction is essential for correctly troubleshooting access-denied errors.

Windows 8.1 also includes a Public folder sharing feature, which provides a simple way to share files with other people on the same network. You should know how to enable or disable public folder sharing through the Network and Sharing Center. Additionally, you should be familiar with administrative shares, which are hidden shares (with a $ sign at the end of the name) that are created automatically by the system for administrative purposes, such as C$ and ADMIN$.

Managing File and Folder Security with NTFS Permissions

While share permissions control network access to a folder, NTFS permissions provide granular control over what users can do with files and folders, whether they are accessing them locally or over the network. The 70-687 exam requires a deep understanding of NTFS permissions. You must be familiar with the standard permissions, such as Full Control, Modify, Read & Execute, List Folder Contents, Read, and Write, and know the specific actions that each permission allows.

A critical concept for the 70-687 exam is permission inheritance. By default, files and subfolders inherit permissions from their parent folder. This simplifies permission management, as you can set permissions on a top-level folder and have them apply automatically to its entire contents. You must also know how to disable inheritance for a specific file or folder to assign explicit permissions. When you do this, you have the option to either copy the inherited permissions as explicit permissions or remove them completely.

When a user is a member of multiple groups, and permissions are assigned to those groups for the same resource, their effective permissions are the cumulative result of all their individual and group permissions. For standard (allow) permissions, the user's effective permissions are the sum of all permissions granted. However, a "Deny" permission always overrides an "Allow" permission. The 70-687 exam will likely present scenarios where you need to calculate a user's effective permissions to determine if they can perform a specific action.

Troubleshooting permission issues often involves using the "Effective Access" tab in the advanced security settings for a file or folder. This tool allows you to select a specific user and see their calculated effective permissions for that resource. This is an invaluable tool for diagnosing why a user is being denied access when you think they should have it. A complete mastery of applying, managing, and troubleshooting NTFS permissions is essential for success on the 70-687 exam.

Final Preparation

As you conclude your studies for the 70-687 exam, your final preparation should focus on consolidation, practice, and strategy. Begin by reviewing the official Microsoft exam objectives one last time. Create a self-assessment checklist and rate your confidence level on each and every point. Devote your remaining study time to your weakest areas. Don't just re-read the material; get back into your lab environment and practice those specific tasks until you can perform them without hesitation. The goal is to eliminate any knowledge gaps.

Take as many high-quality practice exams as you can. Practice exams are invaluable for getting a feel for the types of questions you will face, the level of detail required, and the pace at which you need to work. When you review your practice test results, don't just look at the questions you got wrong. Also, review the ones you got right and make sure you understand why your answer was correct. Analyze the explanations for every question to solidify your understanding of the concepts.

Develop a time management strategy for the actual exam. When the exam starts, quickly scan the number of questions and the time limit to get a sense of how much time you can spend on each question. Don't get bogged down on a single difficult question. If you are unsure, make your best guess, mark the question for review, and move on. You can always come back to it at the end if you have time remaining. It is better to answer all the questions than to run out of time on a few hard ones.

On exam day, stay calm and confident. You have put in the hard work and built the necessary skills. Read each question carefully, paying close attention to keywords and details. Eliminate obviously incorrect answers to narrow down your choices. For the scenario-based questions, make sure you understand the problem that needs to be solved before evaluating the options. Trust your knowledge and your hands-on experience. A methodical and confident approach will be your greatest asset in passing the 70-687 exam.

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