The correct answer is to boot from a rescue disc or USB and run an antivirus scan. This is the only reliable method when a virus keeps reinstalling after removal, because the malware likely includes a rootkit that hides its processes and hooks into the operating system at a deep level, allowing it to re-infect the system the moment Windows loads. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of persistent malware removal and the principle of scanning from a trusted, offline environment—a common trap is trying to remove the virus while Windows is running, which fails because the rootkit actively protects itself. Remember the memory tip: “Offline to offline the rootkit’s line”—boot from external media to cut off the malware’s ability to run, ensuring a clean removal.
220-1102 PC Security Issue Remediation Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of pc security issue remediation. 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 reports that their Windows 10 computer is infected with a virus that keeps reinstalling itself after removal. What should you do to remediate this persistent infection?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Boot from a rescue disc or USB and run an antivirus scan
A virus that reinstalls itself likely has a rootkit or persistent mechanism. Booting from trusted media and scanning the offline system ensures the malware cannot run, allowing complete removal.
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 system restore to a previous restore point
Why it's wrong here
System Restore may not remove all components, and the virus could persist in restore points or system files.
✓
Boot from a rescue disc or USB and run an antivirus scan
Why this is correct
Booting from trusted media bypasses the infected OS, enabling thorough removal without the virus interfering.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable System Restore and then run an antivirus scan in normal mode
Why it's wrong here
While disabling System Restore helps, scanning in normal mode may still allow the virus to hide or reinfect.
✗
Reinstall Windows from the recovery partition
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling is a last resort; booting from rescue media is less disruptive and often effective.
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.
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.
PC Security Issue Remediation — This question tests PC Security Issue Remediation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Boot from a rescue disc or USB and run an antivirus scan — A virus that reinstalls itself likely has a rootkit or persistent mechanism. Booting from trusted media and scanning the offline system ensures the malware cannot run, allowing complete removal.
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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Question Discussion
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