220-1102 Operational Procedures Practice Question
A technician is preparing to replace a failed hard drive in a user's desktop PC. The drive contains sensitive company data. The technician wants to ensure proper disposal of the old drive and maintain data security. Which of the following TWO actions should the technician take? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that deleting partitions or performing a standard format is sufficient to protect data, when in fact those methods leave recoverable data on the drive.
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
✓
Use a software tool to perform a secure erase or wipe.
The correct actions are to physically destroy the drive or use a software tool to perform a secure erase/wipe. Both methods ensure that sensitive data cannot be recovered. Standard format, partition deletion, or storage alone do not provide adequate data sanitization. These steps align with data security best practices for storage media disposal.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use a software tool to perform a secure erase or wipe.
Why this is correct
A secure erase or wipe overwrites the entire drive with random data, making recovery extremely difficult. This is a valid method for sanitizing storage media before disposal or reuse. It complies with data security policies and is appropriate when physical destruction is not feasible. The technician should verify the wipe completed successfully.
- ✗
Run a standard format on the drive before disposal.
Why it's wrong here
A standard format does not securely erase data; it only removes file system pointers. Data can still be recovered with forensic tools. For sensitive company data, a more robust method like physical destruction or secure wipe is required. Standard format is insufficient for data security and does not meet disposal policies.
- ✗
Delete all partitions and recreate a single empty partition.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting partitions and recreating one does not erase the data; it merely alters the partition table. The underlying data remains on the disk and can be recovered. This method is inadequate for protecting sensitive information and does not meet secure disposal requirements. It should not be used for drives containing confidential data.
- ✓
Physically destroy the drive by shredding or degaussing.
Why this is correct
Physical destruction ensures that data cannot be recovered, which is critical for sensitive company data. Shredding or degaussing renders the drive unusable and is a recommended method for end-of-life storage media. This action aligns with data security policies and prevents data remanence. It is especially important if the drive is not being reused or if encryption was not employed.
- ✗
Store the drive in a secure cabinet until it can be reused.
Why it's wrong here
Storing the drive does not address data security if the drive is eventually disposed of or stolen. The question asks about disposal and maintaining data security. Simply storing it delays the problem and does not sanitize the data. The technician must either destroy or securely wipe the drive before disposal or reuse.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Troubleshoot: Corrupt User Profile
Key term
Proper disposal
Proper disposal is the secure and environmentally responsible process of destroying, recycling, or discarding IT equipment and data-bearing devices to prevent data breaches and comply with regulations.
Key term
Security
Security in IT is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.