- A
Set the boot to 'Safe boot' with 'Network' selected under Boot options.
Why wrong: This is a valid way to boot into Safe Mode with Networking, but it is not a 'minimal set of drivers'—Safe Mode loads a standard set. Also, the question asks for msconfig settings, which this is, but it's not the best fit for 'minimal'.
- B
Under the General tab, select 'Diagnostic startup'.
Diagnostic startup loads only basic devices and services, and it does not disable networking entirely, allowing remote support.
- C
Under the General tab, select 'Selective startup' and uncheck 'Load system services'.
Why wrong: Unchecking system services would disable critical services including networking, making remote support impossible.
- D
Under the Boot tab, check 'No GUI boot' and set the timeout to 0.
Why wrong: This only removes the Windows splash screen and speeds boot slightly; it does not minimize drivers or services.
Quick Answer
The answer is to select Diagnostic startup under the General tab in msconfig. This boot configuration loads only the most basic drivers and services, stripping away third-party software and non-essential Windows components, which directly addresses the need to boot with minimal drivers and services using msconfig to isolate a driver conflict. Crucially, unlike Safe Mode, Diagnostic startup still loads network drivers, giving the user the required remote support access. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between Diagnostic startup and Selective startup; a common trap is choosing Selective startup, which allows you to manually disable services but does not automatically enforce a minimal boot. Remember the memory tip: "Diagnostic is drastic—it drops everything but the network," while "Selective is surgical—you pick what to keep."
220-1102 Windows OS Features and Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows os 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 reports that their Windows 10 laptop is running very slowly after a recent software installation. You suspect a driver conflict. You need to boot the system with a minimal set of drivers and services to troubleshoot, but you must not use Safe Mode because the user needs network access for remote support. Which boot configuration should you set using the System Configuration tool?
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
Under the General tab, select 'Diagnostic startup'.
The System Configuration (msconfig) tool allows you to enable 'Selective startup' and load only essential services and startup items, while still allowing network drivers to load. Safe Mode with Networking would also work but is not a msconfig setting; the question specifies using msconfig.
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.
- ✗
Set the boot to 'Safe boot' with 'Network' selected under Boot options.
Why it's wrong here
This is a valid way to boot into Safe Mode with Networking, but it is not a 'minimal set of drivers'—Safe Mode loads a standard set. Also, the question asks for msconfig settings, which this is, but it's not the best fit for 'minimal'.
- ✓
Under the General tab, select 'Diagnostic startup'.
Why this is correct
Diagnostic startup loads only basic devices and services, and it does not disable networking entirely, allowing remote support.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Under the General tab, select 'Selective startup' and uncheck 'Load system services'.
Why it's wrong here
Unchecking system services would disable critical services including networking, making remote support impossible.
- ✗
Under the Boot tab, check 'No GUI boot' and set the timeout to 0.
Why it's wrong here
This only removes the Windows splash screen and speeds boot slightly; it does not minimize drivers or services.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Windows OS Features and Tools — This question tests Windows OS Features and Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Under the General tab, select 'Diagnostic startup'. — The System Configuration (msconfig) tool allows you to enable 'Selective startup' and load only essential services and startup items, while still allowing network drivers to load. Safe Mode with Networking would also work but is not a msconfig setting; the question specifies using msconfig.
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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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.
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