- A
Run a memory diagnostic to check for faulty RAM.
Why wrong: RAM issues typically cause random crashes across multiple applications, not a single program, so this is less likely.
- B
Update the graphics card driver.
Why wrong: While outdated drivers can cause crashes, a driver issue would likely affect more than one application or cause display-related errors.
- C
Reinstall the video editing application.
Reinstalling the application replaces corrupted files that are specific to that program, which is the most direct solution for an app-specific crash.
- D
Perform a system restore to a point before the issue started.
Why wrong: System restore could help, but it is a broader solution that may not address the specific app corruption and could revert other settings; reinstalling the app is more targeted.
Quick Answer
The answer is to reinstall the video editing application. This is correct because a CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED error that only occurs when launching a specific program indicates that a critical system process, such as a driver or service dependency, has been terminated due to corruption within that application’s own files or its supporting libraries. Since other programs work fine, the issue is isolated to the application, not the operating system or hardware. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between system-wide crashes and application-specific failures; a common trap is to immediately run SFC or DISM, but those fix OS corruption, not a single app’s files. The best first step is always to repair or reinstall the offending software, as it replaces any corrupted components without risking data loss. Remember the memory tip: “One app, one reinstall” — if the error is tied to a single program, don’t fix the whole system first.
220-1102 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 customer complains that their Windows 11 desktop suddenly shows a blue screen with the error 'CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED' every time they try to launch a specific video editing application. Other programs work fine. What is the most likely cause and the best first troubleshooting step?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 video editing application.
A 'CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED' error that occurs only with one application suggests a problem with that application's files or its dependencies. The best first step is to reinstall the application, as this will replace any corrupted files that may be causing the crash.
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.
- ✗
Run a memory diagnostic to check for faulty RAM.
Why it's wrong here
RAM issues typically cause random crashes across multiple applications, not a single program, so this is less likely.
- ✗
Update the graphics card driver.
Why it's wrong here
While outdated drivers can cause crashes, a driver issue would likely affect more than one application or cause display-related errors.
- ✓
Reinstall the video editing application.
Why this is correct
Reinstalling the application replaces corrupted files that are specific to that program, which is the most direct solution for an app-specific crash.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "first", "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Perform a system restore to a point before the issue started.
Why it's wrong here
System restore could help, but it is a broader solution that may not address the specific app corruption and could revert other settings; reinstalling the app is more targeted.
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.
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: Reinstall the video editing application. — A 'CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED' error that occurs only with one application suggests a problem with that application's files or its dependencies. The best first step is to reinstall the application, as this will replace any corrupted files that may be causing the crash.
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: "best", "first", "most likely". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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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