- A
Perform a standard format of each hard drive.
Why wrong: A standard format only removes the file system pointers; data remains on the drive and can be recovered with software.
- B
Use a degausser on each hard drive.
Degaussing uses a powerful magnetic field to scramble the magnetic domains on the platters, rendering data permanently unrecoverable.
- C
Delete all files and empty the Recycle Bin.
Why wrong: Deleting files and emptying the Recycle Bin only marks the space as available; data remains until overwritten and is easily recoverable.
- D
Run a quick disk cleanup utility.
Why wrong: Disk cleanup removes temporary files but does not securely erase sensitive data; it is not a destruction method.
Question 103 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 small business is retiring 20 old desktop PCs that contain sensitive customer data. The IT manager wants to ensure the data is unrecoverable before donating the computers to a local school. 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
✓
Use a degausser on each hard drive.
A degausser generates a strong magnetic field that disrupts the magnetic domains on a hard drive's platters, rendering all stored data permanently unrecoverable. This is the only method listed that meets the requirement for complete data destruction before donating the computers, as it physically alters the storage medium.
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.
- ✗
Perform a standard format of each hard drive.
Why it's wrong here
A standard format only removes the file system pointers; data remains on the drive and can be recovered with software.
- ✓
Use a degausser on each hard drive.
Why this is correct
Degaussing uses a powerful magnetic field to scramble the magnetic domains on the platters, rendering data permanently unrecoverable.
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 and emptying the Recycle Bin only marks the space as available; data remains until overwritten and is easily recoverable.
- ✗
Run a quick disk cleanup utility.
Why it's wrong here
Disk cleanup removes temporary files but does not securely erase sensitive data; it is not a destruction method.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a standard format or file deletion permanently removes data, when in fact these methods only alter file system pointers and leave the raw data recoverable with simple software tools.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Degaussing works by exposing the hard drive to a magnetic field of sufficient strength (typically over 1,000 Oersteds) to randomize the magnetic orientation of the platters, effectively destroying both the data and the drive's servo tracks, often rendering the drive unusable. This method is specified in NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 1 as a 'Clear' or 'Purge' technique for magnetic media, depending on the field strength and certification. In real-world scenarios, degaussing is preferred for bulk retirement of drives containing PII or financial data because it is faster than cryptographic erase or overwriting multiple passes.
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: Use a degausser on each hard drive. — A degausser generates a strong magnetic field that disrupts the magnetic domains on a hard drive's platters, rendering all stored data permanently unrecoverable. This is the only method listed that meets the requirement for complete data destruction before donating the computers, as it physically alters the storage medium.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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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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