220-1102 Operating Systems Practice Question
A Windows 10 Pro workstation is stuck in a boot loop: it powers on, attempts to start Windows, and then restarts repeatedly. The technician can interrupt the boot process and access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Which built-in tool should the technician use FIRST to automatically attempt to fix the startup issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to choose Safe Mode (option D) because they associate it with troubleshooting boot problems, but they fail to recognize that Safe Mode requires the boot process to at least partially succeed, whereas a boot loop prevents Safe Mode from loading entirely.
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
✓
Startup Repair
Startup Repair (option B) is the correct first tool because it is specifically designed to automatically diagnose and fix common boot issues such as missing or corrupted system files, boot configuration data (BCD) errors, or master boot record (MBR) problems. Since the technician can access WinRE, running Startup Repair is the quickest and most appropriate step before attempting manual or more invasive recovery methods.
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 available from WinRE, but it reverts the system to a previously saved restore point, potentially undoing recent driver or software changes. It only works if a valid restore point exists and may fail if the boot files themselves are corrupted. Startup Repair should be tried first because it non-destructively attempts to fix the boot process without relying on restore points or altering user-installed applications.
- ✓
Startup Repair
Why this is correct
Startup Repair is the designated Windows Recovery Environment tool that automatically diagnoses and repairs common boot problems, such as corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD), missing system files, or problematic drivers. It is the recommended first step for boot loop scenarios because it is designed to be non-destructive and requires no user intervention; it attempts to restore normal boot functionality without risking user data or requiring advanced knowledge.
- ✗
Command Prompt
Why it's wrong here
Command Prompt is a manual, non-automated repair environment within Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). While you can execute advanced commands like bootrec /fixmbr, /fixboot, or /rebuildbcd to address specific boot failures, this requires knowing the precise underlying cause and carries risk of making the problem worse if used incorrectly. It should be reserved for after Startup Repair has been attempted or for expert troubleshooting, not as the first step in a boot loop.
- ✗
Safe Mode
Why it's wrong here
Safe Mode is a diagnostic boot configuration that loads only minimal drivers, but it is not a repair tool and does not automatically fix the underlying boot issue. Even if you could initiate Safe Mode from WinRE via Startup Settings, a boot loop caused by corrupt boot files or a failing driver will likely prevent Safe Mode from loading successfully. Furthermore, Safe Mode does not scan or repair system integrity, so it is unsuitable as the first recovery action when Windows will not boot normally.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Installation Methods
Key term
Startup repair
Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that automatically diagnoses and fixes common problems that prevent the operating system from booting properly.
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.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1102 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 220-1102 exam.