The answer is degaussing, or using a bulk eraser, because magnetic tape stores data by aligning microscopic magnetic domains, and a powerful degausser disrupts those domains into a random pattern, making the data completely unrecoverable. This method is the most appropriate for destroying data on magnetic tape backup cartridges because it is fast, effective, and ensures no residual magnetic signature remains, though it does render the tape unusable. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of proper disposal methods for magnetic media versus optical or solid-state drives, and a common trap is choosing physical shredding—while acceptable, degaussing is the preferred answer for tape because it is quicker and specifically designed for magnetic media. Remember the mnemonic “Degauss the Tape” to link the disposal method directly to the media type, avoiding confusion with overwriting, which is impractical for tape.
220-1202 Data Destruction and Disposal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of data destruction and disposal. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 to a new cloud-based system and needs to dispose of old tape backup cartridges that contain years of financial data. The tapes are magnetic media. Which disposal method is most appropriate for this media type?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Overwrite the tapes with a bulk eraser.
Magnetic tape is best destroyed by degaussing, which disrupts the magnetic domains, or by physical shredding. Degaussing is fast and effective for tape, but it renders the tape unusable. Shredding is also acceptable.
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.
✓
Overwrite the tapes with a bulk eraser.
Why this is correct
A bulk eraser (degausser) is designed for magnetic tape and will completely erase the data. This is the standard method for tape disposal.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reformat the tapes using a tape drive.
Why it's wrong here
Reformatting a tape does not guarantee all previous data is overwritten; residual data may remain in gaps.
✗
Incinerate the tapes in a certified facility.
Why it's wrong here
Incineration is effective but is more costly and environmentally regulated. Degaussing is simpler and more common for tape.
✗
Delete the files from the tape catalog.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting the catalog only removes the index; the actual data remains on the tape and can be recovered.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Data Destruction and Disposal — This question tests Data Destruction and Disposal — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Overwrite the tapes with a bulk eraser. — Magnetic tape is best destroyed by degaussing, which disrupts the magnetic domains, or by physical shredding. Degaussing is fast and effective for tape, but it renders the tape unusable. Shredding is also acceptable.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An organization is moving to a cloud-based system and needs to dispose of several tape backup cartridges that contain years of financial data. The tapes are LTO-5 and are still readable. Which destruction method is most appropriate?
medium
✓ A.Overwrite the tapes with a bulk eraser or degausser.
B.Perform a quick format of the tapes using a tape drive.
C.Reuse the tapes for non-sensitive data after deleting the files.
D.Burn the tapes in an industrial incinerator.
Why A: The correct answer is to use a degausser rated for magnetic tape, which will erase the data by randomizing the magnetic particles. Physical destruction (shredding) is also effective but may be more costly. This question tests knowledge that tape media requires specialized degaussers.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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