The answer is sfc /scannow, the System File Checker command that scans and repairs system files. This tool is correct because it checks the integrity of all protected operating system files and replaces any corrupted versions with a cached copy stored in a compressed folder at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache. When an application crashes due to dependencies on core system files like DLLs or executables, sfc /scannow can restore those files without requiring a full reinstall. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between system repair tools: DISM fixes the system image itself, chkdsk addresses disk errors, and tasklist merely lists running processes. A common trap is confusing sfc with DISM, but remember that sfc works on individual files while DISM repairs the underlying image store. Memory tip: think "SFC = System File Checker, the first tool to try for file corruption."
220-1102 Windows Command-Line Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows command-line 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 a specific application crashes immediately on launch. You want to verify the integrity of the application's core files without reinstalling. Which command-line tool can you use to scan and repair system files that the application depends on?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
sfc /scannow
The System File Checker (sfc /scannow) scans protected system files and replaces corrupted ones with cached copies. If the application relies on system files, sfc can fix the issue. DISM repairs the system image itself, chkdsk checks disk errors, and tasklist lists processes.
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.
✓
sfc /scannow
Why this is correct
Correct. sfc scans and repairs corrupted system files that might cause application crashes.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "which command", "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
chkdsk /f
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. chkdsk checks for file system errors on the disk, not application file integrity.
✗
tasklist
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. tasklist lists running processes but does not repair files.
✗
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. DISM repairs the Windows system image, but it is not the first-line tool for application-specific file corruption.
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: sfc /scannow — The System File Checker (sfc /scannow) scans protected system files and replaces corrupted ones with cached copies. If the application relies on system files, sfc can fix the issue. DISM repairs the system image itself, chkdsk checks disk errors, and tasklist lists processes.
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", "immediately / without restart". 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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