220-1102 Software Troubleshooting Practice Question
A user reports that a 64-bit application on Windows 10 Pro crashes immediately with the error '0xc000007b'. The technician has already run System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) with no issues found, and has reinstalled the application multiple times. The error started after a recent Windows Update. Which of the following should the technician do NEXT to resolve the issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates choose System Restore (Option C) as a quick fix, but the question emphasizes that the error started after a Windows Update and that SFC/DISM found no issues, indicating the problem is a runtime dependency mismatch rather than system file corruption, making targeted VC++ reinstallation the correct next step.
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
✓
Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages
The error 0xc000007b typically indicates a corrupted or missing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable runtime library, often caused by a Windows Update that replaces or breaks these components. Since SFC, DISM, and reinstallation of the application have not resolved the issue, reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributable packages directly addresses the root cause by restoring the necessary 64-bit and 32-bit runtime DLLs.
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 Windows Memory Diagnostic to test for faulty RAM
Why it's wrong here
Memory errors can cause crashes but typically produce different stop codes (like 0x0000001A). Error 0xc000007b is a software compatibility error, not a hardware issue. Memory testing should be done if other symptoms suggest hardware faults.
- ✓
Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages
Why this is correct
This error often occurs when the Visual C++ runtime is missing or corrupted. Reinstalling the appropriate package (both x86 and x64 versions) can resolve many 0xc000007b errors. Since SFC and DISM did not find corruption, the runtime files may not be part of Windows system files.
- ✗
Perform a System Restore to a point before the Windows Update
Why it's wrong here
While this might remove the update that triggered the error, it may not directly fix the underlying runtime issue. System Restore is a viable option if the problem started with a specific update, but reinstallng the VC++ runtimes is a more targeted and typically faster fix.
- ✗
Check the Application event log for more detailed error information
Why it's wrong here
Checking the event log is a good troubleshooting step, but it is more of an initial diagnostic action. Since the error code is well-known and the problem is likely the VC++ runtime, the technician should take corrective action rather than further investigate. The event log might confirm the runtime fault, but the next step is to fix it.
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Key term
Windows 10
Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft that combines the familiarity of Windows 7 with the modern features of Windows 8, designed to run on a wide range of devices from desktops to tablets.
Key term
Windows
Windows is a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft that manages computer hardware and software, providing a graphical user interface for users to interact with their devices.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1102 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 220-1102 exam.