The answer is net stop wuauserv, followed by clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder. This is correct because the Windows Update service (wuauserv) must be halted before you can delete the temporary update files stored in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution; attempting to remove them while the service is running will result in file-locking errors. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this sequence tests your ability to troubleshoot a failed update loop using command-line tools, a common performance-based scenario. A frequent trap is choosing sfc /scannow or DISM commands, which repair system corruption but do not stop the update service or clear its cache. Remember the order: stop the service first, then delete the cache—think “stop, then drop.” A useful mnemonic is “Stop the WU, then nuke the cache.”
220-1202 Windows Command-Line Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows command-line tools. 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.
After a failed Windows Update, a Windows 10 system repeatedly attempts to install the update and fails. You need to stop the Windows Update service and delete the temporary update files from the command line. Which two commands, in order, should you use? (Select the first command from the options.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
net stop wuauserv
First, you must stop the Windows Update service using net stop wuauserv. Then, delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder (e.g., del /f /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\*). Other commands like sfc repair system files, dism repair the image, and taskkill terminate processes but are not the correct sequence.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
net stop wuauserv
Why this is correct
Correct. net stop wuauserv stops the Windows Update service, allowing deletion of its temporary files.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
sfc /scannow
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. sfc scans system files but does not stop the update service or delete its cache.
✗
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. DISM repairs the system image but does not stop the update service or clear its cache.
✗
taskkill /IM svchost.exe /F
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Killing svchost.exe could crash critical services, and it does not specifically target the Windows Update service.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Windows Command-Line Tools — This question tests Windows Command-Line Tools — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: net stop wuauserv — First, you must stop the Windows Update service using net stop wuauserv. Then, delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder (e.g., del /f /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\*). Other commands like sfc repair system files, dism repair the image, and taskkill terminate processes but are not the correct sequence.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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