The answer is to restart the computer and press F8 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking, then run a malware scan. This is the correct removal approach because scareware—a type of tech support scam—loads a persistent pop-up that cannot be closed in normal Windows; Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services, preventing the rogue process from starting and allowing the technician to run an anti-malware tool without interference. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of malware removal procedures and the specific use of Safe Mode with Networking to both isolate the threat and access updated virus definitions online. A common trap is attempting to close the pop-up or run a scan in normal mode, which fails because the scareware maintains top-level window priority. Remember the memory tip: “F8 for Fake, then Scan in Safe.”
220-1202 Malware Types and Removal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. 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 technician is troubleshooting a computer that displays a fake security alert claiming the system is infected and urging the user to call a toll-free number. The alert cannot be closed and appears on top of all other windows. What is the best removal approach?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Restart the computer and press F8 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking, then run a malware scan.
This is a tech support scam, a form of scareware that uses a persistent pop-up. Booting into Safe Mode with Networking allows the technician to run an anti-malware scan without the rogue process interfering. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, preventing the scareware from starting.
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.
✗
End the process 'svchost.exe' in Task Manager.
Why it's wrong here
The fake alert process is likely not named 'svchost.exe'; ending that may harm system stability.
✓
Restart the computer and press F8 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking, then run a malware scan.
Why this is correct
Safe Mode loads minimal drivers and services, preventing the scareware from running and allowing removal.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Call the toll-free number to get help removing the alert.
Why it's wrong here
Calling the number connects to scammers who may demand payment or install more malware.
✗
Use System Restore to revert to a previous restore point.
Why it's wrong here
System Restore may remove the malware but is not always effective if the restore point is also infected.
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.
Malware Types and Removal — This question tests Malware Types and Removal — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Restart the computer and press F8 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking, then run a malware scan. — This is a tech support scam, a form of scareware that uses a persistent pop-up. Booting into Safe Mode with Networking allows the technician to run an anti-malware scan without the rogue process interfering. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, preventing the scareware from starting.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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. A user calls the help desk because their computer is running slowly and they see a fake antivirus program warning that their system is infected. The user cannot close the warning window. Which type of malware is this, and what is the best removal approach?
medium
A.Ransomware; pay the fee to remove the warning.
B.Spyware; run a full scan in normal mode.
✓ C.Rogue antivirus; boot into Safe Mode with Networking and run Malwarebytes.
D.Adware; uninstall the program from Control Panel.
Why C: Rogue antivirus (scareware) displays fake warnings to trick users into paying for unnecessary software. The best approach is to boot into Safe Mode with Networking and run a legitimate malware removal tool, as the malware may block normal mode.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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