hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: A user's Windows 10 PC is experiencing random…
A user's Windows 10 PC is experiencing random freezes and application crashes. You suspect a corrupted system file. You run sfc /scannow but it reports that it cannot repair some files. What is the next best step to repair the system files using a DISM command?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often assume SFC is the ultimate repair tool and overlook that DISM must fix the underlying component store first, leading them to choose chkdsk or System Restore as a quick fix.
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
✓
Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
The correct next step is to run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth because SFC (System File Checker) relies on a healthy component store (WinSxS) to replace corrupted files. When SFC cannot repair files, it indicates the component store itself may be damaged. DISM repairs the component store by using Windows Update as the source, or a specified repair source, thereby enabling SFC to succeed on a subsequent scan.
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 chkdsk /f
Why it's wrong here
Running chkdsk /f primarily checks and repairs errors within the file system structure on a disk volume, such as corrupted entries in the Master File Table (MFT) or bad sectors. While essential for maintaining disk health and integrity, it does not scan for or repair corrupted Windows operating system files or the underlying component store that DISM targets. Therefore, it would not directly address random freezes caused by system file integrity issues.
- ✓
Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Why this is correct
The DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command is the correct solution because it scans the Windows component store for corruption and repairs it using healthy files from Windows Update or a specified source. This process ensures the integrity of the system image, which is crucial for the proper functioning of system files and often resolves deep-seated instability like random freezes. Repairing the component store also enables the System File Checker (sfc /scannow) to successfully replace corrupted system files.
- ✗
Run System Restore
Why it's wrong here
System Restore reverts the operating system's system files, registry settings, and installed applications to a previous point in time, effectively undoing recent changes that might have introduced instability. However, it operates by replacing files from a snapshot and does not actively repair deep-seated corruption within the Windows component store itself. If the underlying system image is corrupted, System Restore might revert to a state that still contains or quickly re-develops the same fundamental issue, making it less effective than a direct repair.
- ✗
Run Windows Update
Why it's wrong here
Running Windows Update primarily serves to download and install the latest security patches, bug fixes, and feature enhancements for the operating system. While updates can resolve known issues and improve system stability, they are not designed to actively scan for and repair existing corruption within the Windows component store or individual system files. Therefore, relying solely on Windows Update would not directly address a scenario where random freezes are caused by a damaged system image.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Editions and Features
Key term
Windows
Windows is a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft that manages computer hardware and software, providing a graphical user interface for users to interact with their devices.
Key term
Image
An image is a complete snapshot of a system's operating system, applications, and settings, used to deploy or restore computing environments quickly.
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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.