- A
Use a degausser to erase the drives.
Why wrong: Degaussing destroys the magnetic structure, making the drive unusable for donation.
- B
Physically drill holes through the drive platters.
Why wrong: Physical destruction prevents reuse, which is not the goal since the drives need to be functional.
- C
Perform a full overwrite with zeros using disk-wiping software.
A full overwrite ensures data is unrecoverable while keeping the drive fully functional for the school.
- D
Delete all files and empty the recycle bin.
Why wrong: Deleting files does not remove the data; it only removes pointers, leaving donor information recoverable.
Question 73 of 750
220-1202 Data Destruction and Disposal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of data destruction and disposal. 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.
A non-profit organization is upgrading its computers and wants to donate the old ones to a local school. The HDDs contain donor information that must be kept confidential. The organization wants the drives to be reusable. Which method should be used?
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
✓
Perform a full overwrite with zeros using disk-wiping software.
Option C is correct because performing a full overwrite with zeros using disk-wiping software ensures that all data on the HDDs is irrecoverably destroyed while leaving the drives functional for reuse. This method meets the organization's need for confidentiality (donor information) and reusability, as it overwrites every sector of the drive, including hidden areas like the HPA and DCO, with a known pattern (e.g., zeros or random data), making data recovery infeasible with standard tools.
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.
- ✗
Use a degausser to erase the drives.
Why it's wrong here
Degaussing destroys the magnetic structure, making the drive unusable for donation.
- ✗
Physically drill holes through the drive platters.
Why it's wrong here
Physical destruction prevents reuse, which is not the goal since the drives need to be functional.
- ✓
Perform a full overwrite with zeros using disk-wiping software.
Why this is correct
A full overwrite ensures data is unrecoverable while keeping the drive fully functional for the school.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Delete all files and empty the recycle bin.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting files does not remove the data; it only removes pointers, leaving donor information recoverable.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A+ often tests the misconception that deleting files or using a degausser is sufficient for data confidentiality while maintaining reusability, but degaussing destroys the drive's functionality and deleting files leaves recoverable data, so candidates must recognize that only a full overwrite balances security and reuse.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A full overwrite with zeros (or other patterns) using disk-wiping software like DBAN or dd writes to every Logical Block Address (LBA) on the drive, including the Host Protected Area (HPA) and Device Configuration Overlay (DCO) if properly addressed. Modern HDDs may use shingled magnetic recording (SMR) or advanced format (4K sectors), but a properly executed overwrite still renders data unrecoverable because the magnetic domains are physically altered; however, for SSDs, a secure erase command (ATA SECURITY ERASE UNIT) is recommended instead of overwriting due to wear leveling and over-provisioning.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Data Destruction and Disposal — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Data Destruction and Disposal — This question tests Data Destruction and Disposal — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Perform a full overwrite with zeros using disk-wiping software. — Option C is correct because performing a full overwrite with zeros using disk-wiping software ensures that all data on the HDDs is irrecoverably destroyed while leaving the drives functional for reuse. This method meets the organization's need for confidentiality (donor information) and reusability, as it overwrites every sector of the drive, including hidden areas like the HPA and DCO, with a known pattern (e.g., zeros or random data), making data recovery infeasible with standard tools.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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