- A
System Restore
Why wrong: System Restore reverts system files and settings to an earlier point, but it requires the OS to boot or access to WinRE. While it could fix the issue, Startup Repair is more targeted for boot errors and should be tried first.
- B
Reset this PC
Why wrong: Reset this PC reinstalls Windows and can keep or remove personal files, but it is a more drastic step that should be reserved for when other repairs fail. It would erase installed applications and settings.
- C
Startup Repair
Startup Repair is designed to fix boot problems like missing or corrupted system files, driver issues, and disk errors. It is the correct first-line tool for this scenario.
- D
Command Prompt (chkdsk /f)
Why wrong: Running chkdsk from the Command Prompt can fix file system errors on the boot drive, but it does not address driver or configuration problems that often cause INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE. It is better used after Startup Repair fails.
Quick Answer
The correct first tool to use is Startup Repair, because the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error after a Windows update typically points to a corrupted or incompatible storage driver or a change in disk configuration that prevents the system from reading the boot volume. Startup Repair, accessed through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), automatically scans for these common boot failures and attempts to fix them without risking user data, making it the safest and fastest initial step. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your knowledge of the Windows recovery tools and their appropriate order of use; a common trap is jumping straight to System Restore or a command-line tool like bootrec, which are more invasive or time-consuming. Remember the memory tip: “Start with Startup” — when a boot error follows an update, let the automated repair tool take the first swing before you reach for manual fixes.
220-1202 Windows OS Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows os troubleshooting. 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.
A user reports that after a recent Windows update, their computer now boots to a blue screen with the error 'INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE'. They need to get back to work quickly. Which Windows recovery tool should you use first to attempt a repair?
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 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
Startup Repair
The 'INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE' error often indicates a driver or disk configuration issue caused by an update. The Startup Repair tool in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) can automatically diagnose and fix common boot problems like this. It is the safest and fastest initial step before trying more invasive 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.
- ✗
System Restore
Why it's wrong here
System Restore reverts system files and settings to an earlier point, but it requires the OS to boot or access to WinRE. While it could fix the issue, Startup Repair is more targeted for boot errors and should be tried first.
- ✗
Reset this PC
Why it's wrong here
Reset this PC reinstalls Windows and can keep or remove personal files, but it is a more drastic step that should be reserved for when other repairs fail. It would erase installed applications and settings.
- ✓
Startup Repair
Why this is correct
Startup Repair is designed to fix boot problems like missing or corrupted system files, driver issues, and disk errors. It is the correct first-line tool for this scenario.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Command Prompt (chkdsk /f)
Why it's wrong here
Running chkdsk from the Command Prompt can fix file system errors on the boot drive, but it does not address driver or configuration problems that often cause INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE. It is better used after Startup Repair fails.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Running chkdsk from the Command Prompt can fix file system errors on the boot drive, but it does not address driver or configuration problems that often cause INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE. It is better used after Startup Repair fails.
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: Startup Repair — The 'INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE' error often indicates a driver or disk configuration issue caused by an update. The Startup Repair tool in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) can automatically diagnose and fix common boot problems like this. It is the safest and fastest initial step before trying more invasive methods.
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: "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
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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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