Quick Answer
The answer is Bootrec.exe /FixMbr, which is the correct tool to repair a virus-infected Master Boot Record in Windows 10. The MBR is the first sector of the hard drive that contains boot code and the partition table; when a virus corrupts it, the system cannot locate or load the operating system, leading to missing system files and boot failures. The /FixMbr switch specifically rewrites this boot code without altering the partition table, making it the precise solution for MBR virus damage. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between repair utilities—a common trap is confusing Bootrec with System Restore, SFC, or CHKDSK, which address system files, file integrity, or disk errors but not the MBR itself. To remember this, think of “MBR” as “Master Boot Repair”—the /FixMbr switch is the only one that directly targets that boot sector.
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. 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 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?
System Restore
Why wrong: System Restore restores system files and settings, but does not repair the MBR.
Bootrec.exe /FixMbr
This command rewrites the MBR, fixing boot issues caused by MBR viruses.
SFC /Scannow
Why wrong: SFC scans and repairs system files, but not the MBR.
CHKDSK /F
Why wrong: CHKDSK checks disk integrity, but does not repair the MBR.
Answer choices
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 tool with the /FixMbr switch is used to repair the Master Boot Record in Windows. System Restore, SFC, and CHKDSK do not specifically repair the MBR.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
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 restores system files and settings, but does not repair the MBR.
Bootrec.exe /FixMbr
Why this is correct
This command rewrites the MBR, fixing boot issues caused by MBR viruses.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SFC /Scannow
Why it's wrong here
SFC scans and repairs system files, but not the MBR.
CHKDSK /F
Why it's wrong here
CHKDSK checks disk integrity, but does not repair the MBR.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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.
Malware Types and Removal — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 220-1202 questions
750 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
220-1202 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows OS Features and Tools.
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Settings and Control Panel.
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Command-Line Tools.
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Administrative Tools.
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to macOS Features and Tools.
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Linux Commands and File Permissions.
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Mobile OS Features and Tools.
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Virtualization and Cloud Technologies.
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Physical Security Controls.
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Logical Security Concepts.
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Wireless Security Protocols.
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Malware Types and Removal.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Malware Types and Removal — This question tests Malware Types and Removal — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Bootrec.exe /FixMbr — The Bootrec.exe tool with the /FixMbr switch is used to repair the Master Boot Record in Windows. System Restore, SFC, and CHKDSK do not specifically repair the MBR.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.