The answer is Safe Mode. This is the correct choice because Safe Mode loads only the essential drivers and services required for Windows 10 to run, deliberately preventing most malware from automatically starting or interfering with removal tools. By booting into this minimal environment, you can run antivirus scans without the malware actively hiding, reinstalling, or blocking the cleaning process. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Windows startup options and their role in malware remediation—a common trap is confusing Safe Mode with Safe Mode with Networking, which loads network drivers and could allow persistent malware to phone home or re-download. Remember the memory tip: “Safe Mode strips the stage, so malware can’t engage.”
220-1202 Windows Administrative Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows administrative 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 PC is infected with malware that keeps reinstalling after removal. You need to boot into a minimal environment to run antivirus scans without malware interference. Which advanced startup option should you use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services, preventing most malware from running. This allows antivirus tools to clean infections more effectively. It is accessed via advanced startup options.
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.
✗
Enable Boot Logging
Why it's wrong here
Boot logging creates a log of drivers loaded during boot, but does not prevent malware from loading.
✓
Safe Mode
Why this is correct
Safe Mode loads only minimal drivers and services, preventing malware from starting, making it ideal for scanning.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Last Known Good Configuration
Why it's wrong here
Last Known Good Configuration reverts to the last successful boot, but does not prevent malware from running.
✗
Debugging Mode
Why it's wrong here
Debugging Mode is for advanced troubleshooting, not for malware removal.
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 Administrative Tools — This question tests Windows Administrative Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Safe Mode — Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services, preventing most malware from running. This allows antivirus tools to clean infections more effectively. It is accessed via advanced startup options.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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