- A
Pay the ransom to get the decryption key.
Why wrong: Paying the ransom is not recommended as it encourages criminal activity and does not guarantee data recovery; using a backup is the safer and more reliable method.
- B
Disconnect the computer from the network and restore files from the external backup.
Disconnecting prevents the ransomware from spreading or communicating, and restoring from an unaffected backup is the best way to recover data without paying.
- C
Run a full antivirus scan to remove the ransomware and then restore files.
Why wrong: Antivirus can remove the ransomware, but it cannot decrypt already encrypted files; the backup is still needed for recovery.
- D
Use System Restore to revert the system to a previous state.
Why wrong: System Restore does not affect user files; it only reverts system files and settings, so encrypted files would remain encrypted.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to disconnect the computer from the network and restore files from the external backup. This is the best course of action because the backup was stored on an external drive that was disconnected after creation, meaning it was not accessible to the ransomware and remains a clean, unencrypted copy. Disconnecting the infected system from the network immediately stops the ransomware from spreading to other devices or encrypting additional files, which is a critical first step in any ransomware incident response. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of containment and recovery procedures, specifically the principle that an offline backup is your safest recovery option. A common trap is to attempt decrypting the files or paying the ransom, but the exam emphasizes that a clean, disconnected backup eliminates the need for either. Remember the memory tip: “Offline backup, online attack—disconnect first, restore back.”
220-1202 Windows OS Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows os troubleshooting. 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 11 computer is infected with ransomware. Files are encrypted and a ransom note is displayed. The user has a backup from two days ago stored on an external drive that was disconnected after the backup. What is the best course of action to recover the data?
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 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 computer from the network and restore files from the external backup.
Since the backup was stored on a disconnected external drive, it is likely not encrypted by the ransomware. The best action is to disconnect the infected computer from the network to prevent further spread, then restore the files from the clean backup.
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.
- ✗
Pay the ransom to get the decryption key.
Why it's wrong here
Paying the ransom is not recommended as it encourages criminal activity and does not guarantee data recovery; using a backup is the safer and more reliable method.
- ✓
Disconnect the computer from the network and restore files from the external backup.
Why this is correct
Disconnecting prevents the ransomware from spreading or communicating, and restoring from an unaffected backup is the best way to recover data without paying.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Run a full antivirus scan to remove the ransomware and then restore files.
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus can remove the ransomware, but it cannot decrypt already encrypted files; the backup is still needed for recovery.
- ✗
Use System Restore to revert the system to a previous state.
Why it's wrong here
System Restore does not affect user files; it only reverts system files and settings, so encrypted files would remain encrypted.
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.
- →
Windows OS Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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Windows OS Troubleshooting practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Windows OS Troubleshooting — This question tests Windows OS Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disconnect the computer from the network and restore files from the external backup. — Since the backup was stored on a disconnected external drive, it is likely not encrypted by the ransomware. The best action is to disconnect the infected computer from the network to prevent further spread, then restore the files from the clean backup.
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.
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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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