Quick Answer
The answer is `rstrui.exe`. This command launches the System Restore wizard directly from the Windows Recovery Environment, allowing you to revert system files, settings, and registry keys to a previous restore point without needing a fully booted Windows desktop. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to recover a ransomware-infected system using built-in recovery tools, and a common trap is confusing `rstrui.exe` with `vssadmin` (which manages shadow copies but does not initiate a restore) or `wbadmin` (used for full backup and restore operations). Remember that `rstrui.exe` is the only command that launches the interactive restore wizard, while `bootrec` repairs boot configuration data. A helpful memory tip: think of “rstrui” as “restore UI” — the graphical interface that walks you through selecting and applying a restore point, even from the recovery environment.
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows command-line tools. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 user reports that their Windows 10 computer is infected with ransomware that has encrypted their files. The technician boots into the Windows Recovery Environment and wants to restore the system to a previous restore point. Which command should be used?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
rstrui.exe
Launches the System Restore utility, allowing restoration to a previous point.
vssadmin list shadows
Why wrong: Lists existing shadow copies but does not restore them.
wbadmin start recovery
Why wrong: Used for full system backup recovery, not restore points.
bootrec /fixboot
Why wrong: Repairs boot sector, not system files.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
rstrui.exe
The correct answer is `rstrui.exe`, which launches the System Restore wizard. This can revert system files and settings to a previous state. `vssadmin` manages shadow copies but does not directly restore, `wbadmin` is for backup and restore, and `bootrec` repairs boot issues.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
rstrui.exe
Why this is correct
Launches the System Restore utility, allowing restoration to a previous point.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
vssadmin list shadows
Why it's wrong here
Lists existing shadow copies but does not restore them.
wbadmin start recovery
Why it's wrong here
Used for full system backup recovery, not restore points.
bootrec /fixboot
Why it's wrong here
Repairs boot sector, not system files.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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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FAQ
Windows Command-Line Tools — This question tests Windows Command-Line Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: rstrui.exe — The correct answer is `rstrui.exe`, which launches the System Restore wizard. This can revert system files and settings to a previous state. `vssadmin` manages shadow copies but does not directly restore, `wbadmin` is for backup and restore, and `bootrec` repairs boot issues.
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.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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