The answer is xcopy /y, as this command is specifically designed to copy files silently and overwrite existing files without prompting for confirmation. The /y switch suppresses the overwrite confirmation prompt, making it ideal for automated scripts or deployments where user interaction is unacceptable. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of command-line file management utilities, often appearing in questions about silent software deployments or batch file operations. A common trap is confusing xcopy with copy or robocopy—copy lacks the /y switch for silent overwrite, while robocopy uses /is or /it for similar behavior but is more complex. Remember the memory tip: “xcopy /y says ‘yes’ to overwrite without asking,” which helps you recall that the /y flag answers “yes” to all overwrite prompts automatically.
220-1102 Windows Command-Line Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows command-line tools. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 software deployment, you need to copy a configuration file from a network share to multiple workstations. The command must run silently and overwrite existing files. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
xcopy /y
The xcopy command with the /y switch suppresses the prompt to confirm overwriting, and /s copies directories and subdirectories (if needed). It is designed for file copying with advanced options like silent overwrite. Other commands either do not copy files or lack the silent overwrite feature.
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.
✗
copy /y
Why it's wrong here
copy /y can overwrite silently but does not support copying from network shares as robustly as xcopy and lacks directory recursion.
✓
xcopy /y
Why this is correct
xcopy /y copies files and directories, suppressing confirmation prompts to overwrite, ideal for silent deployment.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
move /y
Why it's wrong here
move /y moves files, not copies, and would remove the source file, which is not desired.
✗
robocopy /mir
Why it's wrong here
robocopy /mir mirrors entire directory trees, which is overkill for a single file and may delete destination files not in the source.
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.
Windows Command-Line Tools — This question tests Windows Command-Line Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: xcopy /y — The xcopy command with the /y switch suppresses the prompt to confirm overwriting, and /s copies directories and subdirectories (if needed). It is designed for file copying with advanced options like silent overwrite. Other commands either do not copy files or lack the silent overwrite feature.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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