Quick Answer
The answer is `taskkill /IM malware.exe /F`, which forcefully terminates the process by its image name from the command line. This command works by using the `/IM` flag to specify the process name and the `/F` flag to force termination, ensuring the application is killed even if it is unresponsive or has open handles. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to manage processes via the command line, a key troubleshooting skill for security incidents. A common trap is confusing `taskkill` with `tasklist`, which only displays processes, or with `net stop`, which is for services only. Remember the mnemonic “Kill It Manually” for `/IM` — image name — and “Force” for `/F` to lock in the correct syntax.
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows command-line tools. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
During a security audit, you discover that a user's workstation has an unauthorized application running. You need to terminate the process immediately from the command line. The process name is 'malware.exe'. Which command should you use?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Clue: "immediately / without restart"
Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
tasklist /FI "IMAGENAME eq malware.exe"
Why wrong: Lists the process but does not terminate it.
taskkill /IM malware.exe /F
Forcefully terminates the specified process.
net stop malware
Why wrong: Stops a service, not a process; also the service name may differ.
shutdown /r /t 0
Why wrong: Restarts the computer, which is unnecessary and disruptive.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
taskkill /IM malware.exe /F
The correct answer is `taskkill /IM malware.exe /F`. This forcefully terminates the process by image name. `tasklist` only lists processes, `net stop` stops services (not processes), and `shutdown` restarts the computer.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
tasklist /FI "IMAGENAME eq malware.exe"
Why it's wrong here
Lists the process but does not terminate it.
taskkill /IM malware.exe /F
Why this is correct
Forcefully terminates the specified process.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "which command", "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
net stop malware
Why it's wrong here
Stops a service, not a process; also the service name may differ.
shutdown /r /t 0
Why it's wrong here
Restarts the computer, which is unnecessary and disruptive.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Windows Command-Line Tools — This question tests Windows Command-Line Tools — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: taskkill /IM malware.exe /F — The correct answer is `taskkill /IM malware.exe /F`. This forcefully terminates the process by image name. `tasklist` only lists processes, `net stop` stops services (not processes), and `shutdown` restarts the computer.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Yes — watch for: "which command", "immediately / without restart". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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