Question 28 of 144
SK0-005 server-administration Practice Question
A small law firm has a single Windows Server 2016 Essentials server that functions as a domain controller and file server. After a sudden power outage over the weekend, the server does not boot normally. Instead, it displays a black screen with the message: 'BOOTMGR is missing. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart.' The IT support specialist arrives on Monday morning to find the server in this state. The firm's operations are at a standstill because all case files and email archives are inaccessible. The specialist has access to the Windows Server 2016 installation media and a recent system state backup stored on an external drive. The server hardware passed POST, and all disks are detected in the BIOS. The specialist needs to restore the server's ability to boot into Windows as quickly as possible, with minimal risk to existing data. Which of the following procedures should the specialist perform FIRST?
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
✓
Boot from the installation media, select 'Repair your computer', and from the Command Prompt run 'bootrec /fixmbr' and 'bootrec /fixboot'.
Option C is correct because the 'BOOTMGR is missing' error typically indicates a corrupt master boot record or boot sector. Using bootrec /fixmbr and /fixboot from the installation media repairs the boot files without affecting data. Option A is a full system restore, which risks data loss and is overkill. Option B is hardware reseating, unnecessary since POST passed. Option D, Last Known Good Configuration, does not fix missing boot manager files.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Connect the external backup drive, boot from the installation media, and perform a full system restore from the backup.
Why it's wrong here
A full system restore would overwrite all data since the last backup, potentially losing recent files, and is a last resort.
- ✗
Open the server case, reseat the RAM modules and SATA cables, and then attempt to boot again.
Why it's wrong here
Since POST passed and disks are detected, hardware reseating is unlikely to resolve the boot manager error.
- ✓
Boot from the installation media, select 'Repair your computer', and from the Command Prompt run 'bootrec /fixmbr' and 'bootrec /fixboot'.
Why this is correct
This procedure directly repairs the master boot record and boot sector, addressing the 'BOOTMGR is missing' error with minimal data risk.
- ✗
Press F8 during startup to access Advanced Boot Options and select 'Last Known Good Configuration'.
Why it's wrong here
Last Known Good Configuration only reverts registry and driver changes, not missing boot files, and may not even be accessible if the boot manager is missing.
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Last reviewed: Jul 26, 2026
This SK0-005 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 SK0-005 exam.
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