The correct first step is to check the VM's boot order in the BIOS and ensure the virtual hard disk is listed first. This is the most direct fix because the "Operating system not found" error typically means the VM is trying to boot from a device—such as a network adapter, CD-ROM, or floppy drive—that does not contain an OS, while the actual bootable virtual hard disk is being skipped. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of virtual machine boot configuration and BIOS settings, a common trap being that technicians often waste time checking disk connections or drivers when the boot order is the culprit. Remember that even though the virtual hard disk is attached to the IDE controller, the BIOS still controls which device the VM attempts to boot from first. A helpful memory tip: "Boot order before disk order"—always verify the sequence in the BIOS before troubleshooting the storage itself.
220-1202 Virtualization and Cloud Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization and cloud technologies. 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 technician is troubleshooting a VM that fails to boot with the error 'Operating system not found'. The VM was working yesterday. The technician checks the virtual machine settings and sees that the virtual hard disk is attached to the IDE controller. What should the technician do first?
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
✓
Check the VM's boot order in the BIOS and ensure the virtual hard disk is first
The boot order in the VM's BIOS might be set to boot from a different device (e.g., network or CD-ROM) before the hard disk. Changing the boot order to prioritize the virtual hard disk is the most direct fix. This tests knowledge of VM boot configuration and BIOS settings.
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.
✗
Reattach the virtual hard disk to the SCSI controller
Why it's wrong here
While SCSI is common, the VM worked with IDE yesterday, so the controller type is not the cause of the boot failure.
✓
Check the VM's boot order in the BIOS and ensure the virtual hard disk is first
Why this is correct
The boot order may have been changed accidentally, causing the VM to try booting from another device that has no OS.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Increase the VM's memory allocation
Why it's wrong here
Insufficient memory would cause a different error (e.g., blue screen), not 'Operating system not found'.
✗
Restore the VM from a recent snapshot
Why it's wrong here
Restoring from a snapshot is a more drastic step and should be done after simpler checks like boot order.
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.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — This question tests Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the VM's boot order in the BIOS and ensure the virtual hard disk is first — The boot order in the VM's BIOS might be set to boot from a different device (e.g., network or CD-ROM) before the hard disk. Changing the boot order to prioritize the virtual hard disk is the most direct fix. This tests knowledge of VM boot configuration and BIOS settings.
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.
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