The answer is to run System File Checker (SFC) from an elevated Command Prompt. This is the correct first step because the slow boot and 'Preparing Automatic Repair' loop are classic symptoms of corrupted system files or a damaged Boot Configuration Data (BCD), and SFC is designed to scan and repair these protected files without risking data loss. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to prioritize non-destructive troubleshooting—many students mistakenly jump to bootrec commands or a full reset, but SFC is the first-line tool for boot integrity issues. A common trap is forgetting that SFC requires an elevated prompt, not a standard one, and that it must be run from the Windows Recovery Environment if the system won't boot normally. Memory tip: think "SFC First" for system file corruption—if the boot loop is due to file damage, SFC is your safest and quickest fix.
220-1202 Windows OS Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows os troubleshooting. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 laptop takes an unusually long time to boot and frequently shows a 'Preparing Automatic Repair' screen before finally loading the desktop. Which Windows tool should be used first to diagnose and potentially fix the boot process?
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
✓
Run the System File Checker (SFC) from an elevated Command Prompt.
The 'Preparing Automatic Repair' loop and slow boot often indicate corruption in critical boot files, such as the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) or system files. Running System File Checker (SFC) from an elevated Command Prompt scans and repairs protected system files, addressing the root cause without data loss. This is the first-line diagnostic tool for boot integrity issues before escalating to more destructive methods.
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.
✓
Run the System File Checker (SFC) from an elevated Command Prompt.
Why this is correct
SFC scans and repairs corrupted system files, which can resolve boot delays and automatic repair loops.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Perform a full system restore from a backup made last month.
Why it's wrong here
System restore is more drastic and not the first step; it may erase recent changes and is not targeted at file corruption.
✗
Use the Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files.
Why it's wrong here
Disk Cleanup frees space but does not address corrupted system files causing boot issues.
✗
Reinstall Windows using the 'Reset this PC' option.
Why it's wrong here
Resetting the PC is a last resort; it removes apps and settings, and should not be used before simpler diagnostic tools.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that Disk Cleanup or a full restore is the appropriate first step for boot issues, when in fact SFC is the correct initial diagnostic tool for file corruption without data loss.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SFC (sfc /scannow) works by comparing each protected system file against a cached copy in the %WinDir%\System32\dllcache directory, replacing any mismatched or missing files. The 'Preparing Automatic Repair' screen is triggered by the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) when the boot manager detects a failed boot, often due to a corrupted BCD store or missing bootmgr file. SFC can repair these indirectly by restoring the underlying system files that the boot process depends on, such as winload.exe.
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.
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: Run the System File Checker (SFC) from an elevated Command Prompt. — The 'Preparing Automatic Repair' loop and slow boot often indicate corruption in critical boot files, such as the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) or system files. Running System File Checker (SFC) from an elevated Command Prompt scans and repairs protected system files, addressing the root cause without data loss. This is the first-line diagnostic tool for boot integrity issues before escalating to more destructive methods.
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.
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?
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 user reports that their Windows 10 laptop takes a very long time to boot and shows a 'Preparing Automatic Repair' message before eventually loading the desktop. They mention this started after a power outage. Which Windows tool should you use first to diagnose and attempt to fix the boot issue?
easy
A.System Restore
✓ B.Startup Repair
C.Reset this PC
D.System File Checker (sfc /scannow)
Why B: The 'Preparing Automatic Repair' loop often indicates a corrupted boot configuration or system file. Using the Startup Repair tool from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is the first recommended step, as it can automatically fix many common boot problems without needing to reinstall the OS.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.