This browser is no longer supported.
Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(275.2, 76%, 36%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EGP%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Background: I received an "Access Denied. Contact Administrator" error message before submitting my final answers during a remote secured online exam. Everything on the test started to run very slow. I had problems opening pdf files or clicking back to review unanswered questions. The exam was completed on a desktop computer that was given access to the institutions servers for the examination process. The computer required a hard reset.
Question: Would any answers after the error message and reset still go to the institution?
Their explanation was that a Microsoft program running the background that caused the bug. I may have worried the initial question incorrectly. I believe the old stuff was submitted my question was about the questions I answered after the shut down of the computer. The questions I answered after the error message. I have a family member that is also IT and said that once I lost the security key my new answers may not have been recorded. Do you disagree?
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(60.8, 33%, 15%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ELN%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Hi, it depends on the system. If your school set up that the answer can only be recorded in one session, the second session (you answer after) might not be recorded. But if the setup was that your answers are automatically saved, it'd possibly be counted. It's better to expect the prior, and act accordingly.
Hi Guin P,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!
From your description, I can imagine how unsettling it must have been to see an error right before submitting your final answers, especially during a high-stakes remote exam. You have a very understandable question, and it's wise to be skeptical after such a stressful experience. And to answer it directly: Yes, it is totally possible that your assignment was still submitted.
The key concept here is the difference between what you see on your screen (the client-side) and what is recorded on the exam server (the server-side). Your computer might crash, but it didn't mean the "destination" computer also crashed — it could very well still be functioning in the virtual environment. Since your desktop was connected to the institution’s servers, and the system resumed to the last screen without requiring a new login, it’s likely your session remained active.
In addition, many secure online exam platforms automatically save answers in real time or at regular intervals. Even if your system slowed down or crashed, the server may have already received your responses. If the institution confirmed they received your responses without error, they likely have server logs showing successful submission or a record of your session activity.
The “Access Denied” message might have been caused by a temporary permission issue with the exam portal, a timeout or security policy triggered by system lag. While those behaviors were concerning, it’s reassuring that the institution confirmed receipt of your answers. If you’re still worried, you should ask them for an explanation of the issue or a copy of your responses for peace of mind.
If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".
Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.
