The answer is bootrec, the command-line tool you should use from the Windows Recovery Environment to repair the boot configuration and fix a 'Bootmgr is missing' error. This tool is specifically designed to address boot-related issues by rewriting the master boot record, fixing the boot sector, or rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store, which is exactly what is needed when a new application corrupts the boot manager. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between recovery tools—a common trap is confusing bootrec with sfc or chkdsk, but remember that sfc repairs system files and chkdsk checks disk integrity, neither of which directly rebuilds the boot manager. The key options here are /fixboot to write a new boot sector and /rebuildbcd to scan for and restore missing Windows installations. A helpful memory tip: think of bootrec as the "boot repair" specialist—if the error says "Bootmgr," you bootrec it.
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 installing a new application, a user's Windows 10 system fails to boot and displays a 'Bootmgr is missing' error. Which command-line tool should you use from the Windows Recovery Environment to repair the boot configuration?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
bootrec
The bootrec tool is specifically designed to repair boot-related issues like a missing or corrupted Boot Manager. The /fixboot and /rebuildbcd options can resolve the 'Bootmgr is missing' error. Other tools like diskpart manage disks, sfc repairs system files, and chkdsk checks disk integrity.
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.
✗
diskpart
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. diskpart is used for disk and partition management, not boot repair.
✓
bootrec
Why this is correct
Correct. bootrec with /fixboot or /rebuildbcd repairs the boot configuration data (BCD) and fixes boot manager issues.
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.
✗
sfc /scannow
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. sfc scans and repairs system files, but it cannot fix boot manager corruption directly.
✗
chkdsk /f
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. chkdsk checks for file system errors but does not repair boot configuration issues.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
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 Command-Line Tools — This question tests Windows Command-Line Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: bootrec — The bootrec tool is specifically designed to repair boot-related issues like a missing or corrupted Boot Manager. The /fixboot and /rebuildbcd options can resolve the 'Bootmgr is missing' error. Other tools like diskpart manage disks, sfc repairs system files, and chkdsk checks disk integrity.
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: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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 technician is troubleshooting a Windows 10 system that fails to boot with a 'Bootmgr is missing' error. They need to repair the boot configuration data (BCD) from the Windows Recovery Environment. Which command should they use?
medium
A.bootrec /fixmbr
B.bootrec /fixboot
✓ C.bootrec /rebuildbcd
D.sfc /scannow
Why C: The bootrec /rebuildbcd command scans all drives for Windows installations and rebuilds the Boot Configuration Data store. This is the standard recovery command for missing or corrupt BCD. Other commands either fix the master boot record or system files, not the BCD specifically.
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Question Discussion
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