- A
Run a full antivirus scan while the system is connected to the internet.
Why wrong: Running a scan while connected may allow malware to communicate with its source, potentially downloading more payloads or evading detection.
- B
Disconnect the network cable, boot into Safe Mode, then run a full antivirus scan.
This is the correct sequence: disconnecting the network stops remote communication, Safe Mode limits malware activity, and scanning identifies and removes the threat.
- C
Perform a System Restore to a point before the pop-ups started.
Why wrong: System Restore may not remove all malware, especially if it has infected system restore points or persists in user data.
- D
Immediately reinstall Windows 10 to ensure complete removal.
Why wrong: Reinstalling is a last resort after less drastic remediation steps have failed or if the infection is severe; it is not the first step.
220-1202 PC Security Issue Remediation Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of pc security issue remediation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 customer reports that their Windows 10 laptop is displaying pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They suspect a malware infection. Which of the following should you do first to remediate this issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Disconnect the network cable, boot into Safe Mode, then run a full antivirus scan.
The first step in malware remediation is to disconnect from the network to prevent further communication with command-and-control servers. Then boot into Safe Mode to prevent malicious processes from loading, and run a full antivirus scan. This isolates the threat before attempting removal.
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.
- ✗
Run a full antivirus scan while the system is connected to the internet.
Why it's wrong here
Running a scan while connected may allow malware to communicate with its source, potentially downloading more payloads or evading detection.
- ✓
Disconnect the network cable, boot into Safe Mode, then run a full antivirus scan.
Why this is correct
This is the correct sequence: disconnecting the network stops remote communication, Safe Mode limits malware activity, and scanning identifies and removes the threat.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Perform a System Restore to a point before the pop-ups started.
Why it's wrong here
System Restore may not remove all malware, especially if it has infected system restore points or persists in user data.
- ✗
Immediately reinstall Windows 10 to ensure complete removal.
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling is a last resort after less drastic remediation steps have failed or if the infection is severe; it is not the first step.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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PC Security Issue Remediation — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
PC Security Issue Remediation — This question tests PC Security Issue Remediation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disconnect the network cable, boot into Safe Mode, then run a full antivirus scan. — The first step in malware remediation is to disconnect from the network to prevent further communication with command-and-control servers. Then boot into Safe Mode to prevent malicious processes from loading, and run a full antivirus scan. This isolates the threat before attempting removal.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
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