The answer is to boot into macOS Recovery mode and run Disk Utility First Aid. This is correct because a flashing question mark folder on a Mac indicates that the system cannot locate a valid startup volume, often due to directory corruption or a failing drive. First Aid scans and repairs the disk’s file system structure, addressing the root cause without needing a full reinstall. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of macOS startup troubleshooting and Recovery mode tools; a common trap is confusing this with Target Disk Mode (for file transfers) or immediately reinstalling macOS, which should only follow a failed repair. Remember the mnemonic “Flash First” — when you see the flashing folder, your first step is First Aid in Recovery.
220-1102 macOS Features and Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of macos features and tools. 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 user calls the help desk because their MacBook Pro running macOS Sonoma suddenly shows a folder with a flashing question mark when booting. They were not performing any system updates. Which macOS tool or feature should you use to attempt to repair the startup volume?
Boot to Recovery mode and run Disk Utility First Aid
This is the standard method to check and repair the startup disk's file system structure, which can resolve the missing boot volume issue.
B
Use the Terminal command 'sudo fsck -fy' at boot
Why wrong: While fsck can repair filesystems, modern macOS uses Disk Utility First Aid; the old fsck command is not recommended and may not work on APFS volumes.
C
Reinstall macOS from Internet Recovery
Why wrong: Reinstalling is a more drastic step; you should first attempt to repair the existing volume with Disk Utility.
D
Enable Target Disk Mode on the Mac
Why wrong: Target Disk Mode makes the Mac act as an external drive, which is useful for data recovery but does not repair the boot volume.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Boot to Recovery mode and run Disk Utility First Aid
The flashing question mark indicates the system cannot find a valid startup volume. Booting to macOS Recovery and using Disk Utility's First Aid is the correct procedure to repair disk errors. Reinstalling macOS is a later step if repair fails. Target Disk Mode is for transferring files between Macs, not for repairing.
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.
✓
Boot to Recovery mode and run Disk Utility First Aid
Why this is correct
This is the standard method to check and repair the startup disk's file system structure, which can resolve the missing boot volume issue.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use the Terminal command 'sudo fsck -fy' at boot
Why it's wrong here
While fsck can repair filesystems, modern macOS uses Disk Utility First Aid; the old fsck command is not recommended and may not work on APFS volumes.
✗
Reinstall macOS from Internet Recovery
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling is a more drastic step; you should first attempt to repair the existing volume with Disk Utility.
✗
Enable Target Disk Mode on the Mac
Why it's wrong here
Target Disk Mode makes the Mac act as an external drive, which is useful for data recovery but does not repair the boot volume.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
While fsck can repair filesystems, modern macOS uses Disk Utility First Aid; the old fsck command is not recommended and may not work on APFS volumes.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
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.
macOS Features and Tools — This question tests macOS Features and Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Boot to Recovery mode and run Disk Utility First Aid — The flashing question mark indicates the system cannot find a valid startup volume. Booting to macOS Recovery and using Disk Utility's First Aid is the correct procedure to repair disk errors. Reinstalling macOS is a later step if repair fails. Target Disk Mode is for transferring files between Macs, not for repairing.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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