easyMultiple Choice
220-1202 Practice Question: That after a recent Windows update, their…
A user reports that after a recent Windows update, their computer now boots to a blue screen with the error 'INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE'. They need to get back to work quickly. Which Windows recovery tool should you use first to attempt a repair?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is assuming System Restore is always the fastest fix for boot errors; candidates must recognize that INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE is a boot configuration/driver issue best handled by Startup Repair, not a general system rollback.
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
✓
Startup Repair
Startup Repair is the correct first tool because INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE is a boot-level failure typically caused by a missing or misconfigured boot device driver, corrupted BCD, or changed storage controller mode after an update. Startup Repair automatically scans for and fixes these boot configuration and driver issues without user intervention, making it the fastest first attempt.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
System Restore
Why it's wrong here
System Restore reverts system files and settings to an earlier point, but it requires the OS to boot or access to WinRE. While it could fix the issue, Startup Repair is more targeted for boot errors and should be tried first.
- ✗
Reset this PC
Why it's wrong here
Reset this PC reinstalls Windows and can keep or remove personal files, but it is a more drastic step that should be reserved for when other repairs fail. It would erase installed applications and settings.
- ✓
Startup Repair
Why this is correct
Startup Repair is the most appropriate initial troubleshooting step for boot failures, especially after a Windows update, as it automatically diagnoses and attempts to fix common issues preventing the operating system from loading. It scans for corrupted system files, incorrect Boot Configuration Data (BCD), problematic drivers, and disk errors that might cause stop codes like INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE. This automated tool is designed to restore boot functionality without requiring manual intervention in the command line, making it the primary first-response utility.
- ✗
Command Prompt (chkdsk /f)
Why it's wrong here
Running chkdsk from the Command Prompt can fix file system errors on the boot drive, but it does not address driver or configuration problems that often cause INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE. It is better used after Startup Repair fails.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.