The answer is to run the System File Checker (SFC) tool using the 'sfc /scannow' command. This is the correct next step because a rootkit infection often corrupts critical Windows system files to hide its presence, and even after successful removal, those damaged files remain, causing system instability. The SFC utility directly addresses this by scanning all protected system files and replacing any corrupted versions with cached copies from the Windows side-by-side store, thereby restoring file integrity. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of post-malware remediation procedures, where a common trap is assuming removal alone is sufficient—the exam emphasizes verifying system stability through file repair. A helpful memory tip is to think of SFC as the "cleanup crew" after the rootkit eviction: removal gets the intruder out, but SFC fixes the broken windows left behind.
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 technician is troubleshooting a Windows 10 PC that was infected with a rootkit. After booting from a rescue disk and running a scan, the rootkit is removed, but the system is still unstable. What should the technician do next to ensure the system is fully remediated?
Why wrong: While a clean install ensures removal, it is a last resort; the technician should first attempt to repair system files and check for remaining issues.
B
Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair corrupted files.
SFC scans and repairs protected system files that may have been damaged by the rootkit, addressing the instability without a full reinstall.
C
Disable System Restore and delete all restore points.
Why wrong: This is a good practice to remove any infected restore points, but it does not fix current file corruption or instability.
D
Perform a disk cleanup to remove temporary files.
Why wrong: Disk cleanup frees up space but does not repair system files damaged by malware.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair corrupted files.
After removing a rootkit, the system may have corrupted system files that cause instability. Running the System File Checker (SFC) tool with the 'sfc /scannow' command scans protected system files and replaces corrupted versions with cached copies from the Windows side-by-side store, directly addressing file integrity issues left by the rootkit.
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.
✗
Reinstall the operating system from scratch.
Why it's wrong here
While a clean install ensures removal, it is a last resort; the technician should first attempt to repair system files and check for remaining issues.
✓
Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair corrupted files.
Why this is correct
SFC scans and repairs protected system files that may have been damaged by the rootkit, addressing the instability without a full reinstall.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable System Restore and delete all restore points.
Why it's wrong here
This is a good practice to remove any infected restore points, but it does not fix current file corruption or instability.
✗
Perform a disk cleanup to remove temporary files.
Why it's wrong here
Disk cleanup frees up space but does not repair system files damaged by malware.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may choose to reinstall the OS (Option A) because they assume any rootkit infection requires a full wipe, but the question specifies the rootkit is already removed and the remaining issue is instability from file corruption, making SFC the targeted remediation step.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SFC works by comparing each protected file against a known good version stored in the %WinDir%\WinSxS\Backup directory (or the component store). It uses the Windows Resource Protection (WRP) mechanism to detect and replace files that have been tampered with, which is critical after a rootkit infection because rootkits often modify kernel-mode files or system DLLs to hide their presence. In real-world scenarios, even after removal, remnants like altered registry keys or file permissions may require additional steps such as running DISM to repair the component store before SFC can succeed.
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.
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: Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair corrupted files. — After removing a rootkit, the system may have corrupted system files that cause instability. Running the System File Checker (SFC) tool with the 'sfc /scannow' command scans protected system files and replaces corrupted versions with cached copies from the Windows side-by-side store, directly addressing file integrity issues left by the rootkit.
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.
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 security analyst discovers that a user's workstation has been compromised by a rootkit that hides its processes from Task Manager. The rootkit is not detected by the installed antivirus. Which step is most effective for remediation?
hard
A.Run a full antivirus scan in Safe Mode.
B.Use System Restore to revert to a previous state.
✓ C.Boot from a rescue disk and perform an offline antivirus scan.
D.Reinstall the operating system from the recovery partition.
Why C: Option C is correct because a rootkit that hides its processes from Task Manager and evades the installed antivirus operates at a deep level within the operating system, often in kernel mode. Booting from a rescue disk (e.g., a live CD/USB with an offline scanner) loads a clean operating system environment, preventing the rootkit from loading and allowing the antivirus to scan the infected system's files without interference. This offline approach is the most effective remediation step when the rootkit is actively hiding from the installed AV in the normal OS context.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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