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220-1102 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a Windows 10…
A technician is troubleshooting a Windows 10 computer that exhibits strange behavior: system files are missing, and the computer fails to boot normally. A boot-time virus scan detects a virus that infected the Master Boot Record (MBR). Which tool should the technician use to repair the MBR?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse SFC /Scannow with a boot repair tool, but SFC only works on the installed OS and cannot touch the MBR, which is outside the file system.
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
✓
Bootrec.exe /FixMbr
The Bootrec.exe /FixMbr command writes a new Master Boot Record (MBR) to the system partition, overwriting the infected boot code without affecting the existing partition table. This is the correct tool for repairing a virus-compromised MBR that prevents normal booting on Windows 10.
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 is designed to revert the operating system's configuration, registry settings, and critical system files to a previous point in time. While it can resolve issues caused by recent software installations or driver updates, it operates at a higher level within the Windows environment and does not directly interact with or repair the Master Boot Record (MBR) on the hard drive. Therefore, it cannot fix boot problems stemming from a corrupted or incorrect MBR.
- ✓
Bootrec.exe /FixMbr
Why this is correct
The Bootrec.exe /FixMbr command is specifically used from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to write a new Master Boot Record to the system partition without overwriting the existing partition table. This action effectively repairs corruption or damage to the MBR, which is crucial for the system to locate and load the operating system. It is particularly effective against boot sector viruses or other MBR-related boot failures, making the drive bootable again.
- ✗
SFC /Scannow
Why it's wrong here
The System File Checker (SFC) utility, executed with the /Scannow parameter, is designed to scan all protected system files for corruption and replace incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions. While vital for maintaining the integrity of the Windows operating system files, SFC operates within the context of the installed OS and does not address issues with the Master Boot Record. The MBR is a critical boot-time component residing outside the scope of the protected system files SFC monitors.
- ✗
CHKDSK /F
Why it's wrong here
The CHKDSK /F command is primarily used to check the integrity of a file system on a volume and attempt to fix logical file system errors, such as lost clusters or cross-linked files. It ensures that data can be read and written correctly within the file system structure. However, CHKDSK focuses on the file system itself and the data stored within it, not the Master Boot Record, which is a separate, foundational component responsible for initiating the boot process before the file system is even accessed.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Editions and Features
Key term
GUID Partition Table
A GUID Partition Table (GPT) is a modern standard for organizing and managing partitions on a storage drive, replacing the older Master Boot Record (MBR) system.
Key term
Virus
A virus is a malicious software program that attaches itself to legitimate files or programs and spreads to other systems, often causing damage or stealing information.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.