The answer is the System Preparation Tool (Sysprep) because it generalizes a Windows installation by stripping out unique system identifiers like the computer SID, machine name, and driver caches, making the image safe to capture and deploy across multiple identical workstations. After running Sysprep with the /generalize option, you use DISM or ImageX to capture the custom image, then deploy it to all 200 machines so each one generates its own unique SID and settings on first boot. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of automated deployment workflows; a common trap is confusing Sysprep with imaging tools like DISM or third-party cloning software, but remember Sysprep is the prerequisite that prepares the OS for imaging. Memory tip: think “Sysprep to strip, then DISM to grip”—the generalization step must happen before capture to avoid SID conflicts on the network.
220-1202 Windows OS Features and Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows os features and tools. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company is migrating from Windows 7 to Windows 10 and needs to automate the installation of 200 workstations with identical software and settings. They have a reference computer already configured. Which Windows tool should they use to capture and deploy a custom system image?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
System Preparation Tool (Sysprep)
Sysprep is the correct tool because it generalizes a Windows installation by removing unique system identifiers (such as the computer SID, computer name, and driver caches) so that the reference computer’s image can be safely captured and deployed to multiple workstations. After Sysprep runs with the /generalize option, the image is captured using a tool like DISM or ImageX, then deployed to 200 identical workstations, ensuring each machine generates its own unique SID and settings on first boot.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM)
Why it's wrong here
Windows SIM creates answer files for unattended installations, but it does not capture or deploy the actual image.
✓
System Preparation Tool (Sysprep)
Why this is correct
Sysprep prepares the reference installation for imaging by generalizing it, which is the first step in creating a deployable image.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
Why it's wrong here
WinRE is used for troubleshooting and recovery, not for capturing and deploying custom images to multiple workstations.
✗
Windows Backup and Restore
Why it's wrong here
Backup and Restore creates backups for individual machines, not generalized images suitable for mass deployment.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse Sysprep with Windows SIM, thinking that creating an answer file is the same as capturing an image, but Sysprep is the prerequisite generalization step that makes the image safe for cloning, while Windows SIM only creates automation scripts.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Sysprep works by processing the generalize.xml configuration file and clearing the Security ID (SID), event logs, and other unique data; it also runs the 'auditSystem' and 'auditUser' passes to prepare the OS for imaging. A common real-world pitfall is forgetting to run Sysprep before capturing the image, which results in duplicate SIDs across the network, causing domain join issues and profile conflicts. The /oobe switch is typically combined with /generalize to force the Out-of-Box Experience on first boot, allowing each workstation to run Windows Setup mini-wizard.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Windows OS Features and Tools — This question tests Windows OS Features and Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: System Preparation Tool (Sysprep) — Sysprep is the correct tool because it generalizes a Windows installation by removing unique system identifiers (such as the computer SID, computer name, and driver caches) so that the reference computer’s image can be safely captured and deployed to multiple workstations. After Sysprep runs with the /generalize option, the image is captured using a tool like DISM or ImageX, then deployed to 200 identical workstations, ensuring each machine generates its own unique SID and settings on first boot.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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