- A
Use the Terminal command 'fs_usage' to locate the deleted files
Why wrong: fs_usage monitors file system activity in real time; it cannot recover deleted files.
- B
Restore from a Time Machine backup
If Time Machine was enabled, you can browse backups and restore the deleted files from before they were deleted.
- C
Run Disk Utility First Aid on the SSD
Why wrong: First Aid repairs file system structure but does not recover deleted files.
- D
Use a third-party file recovery tool immediately
Why wrong: While possible, attempting recovery without checking Time Machine first could overwrite data; Time Machine is the safer first step.
Question 230 of 750
Recovering Deleted Files on macOS SSD for CompTIA A+ Core 2
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of macos features and tools. 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.
During a forensic investigation, a technician needs to recover files that a user deleted from their Mac's internal SSD several days ago. The Trash has been emptied. Which macOS feature or tool should be attempted first to recover these files?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Quick Answer
The answer is to restore from a Time Machine backup. This is the correct first step because Time Machine is macOS’s built-in backup utility that creates incremental snapshots of the entire system, including deleted files, even after the Trash has been emptied. On a modern Mac with an internal SSD, the TRIM command immediately marks deleted data blocks for overwriting, making traditional file recovery nearly impossible without a pre-existing backup. For the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of macOS data recovery limitations and the importance of backup verification in forensic scenarios. A common trap is assuming Terminal commands like `fs_usage` or third-party tools can recover SSD data, but the exam emphasizes that Time Machine is the only reliable, non-destructive method. Memory tip: “Time Machine turns back the clock—TRIM wipes the slate clean.”
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
✓
Restore from a Time Machine backup
Time Machine is the built-in macOS backup feature that automatically creates incremental backups of the system. If a Time Machine backup was made before the files were deleted, the user can browse the backup timeline and restore the deleted files directly, even after the Trash has been emptied. This is the simplest and most reliable first step because it does not require specialized tools or risk overwriting data.
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 the Terminal command 'fs_usage' to locate the deleted files
Why it's wrong here
fs_usage monitors file system activity in real time; it cannot recover deleted files.
- ✓
Restore from a Time Machine backup
Why this is correct
If Time Machine was enabled, you can browse backups and restore the deleted files from before they were deleted.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Run Disk Utility First Aid on the SSD
Why it's wrong here
First Aid repairs file system structure but does not recover deleted files.
- ✗
Use a third-party file recovery tool immediately
Why it's wrong here
While possible, attempting recovery without checking Time Machine first could overwrite data; Time Machine is the safer first step.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The exam often tests the misconception that a built-in utility like Disk Utility First Aid can recover deleted files, when in fact it only repairs volume metadata and has no file recovery capability.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Time Machine uses hard links and a local snapshot store (on APFS volumes) to preserve file versions without duplicating unchanged data. When a file is deleted, the snapshot still holds the data blocks until the snapshot is purged, allowing recovery even after the Trash is emptied. On SSDs, TRIM commands can erase deleted data blocks quickly, making third-party recovery less effective, so Time Machine is especially critical for macOS SSD forensics.
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.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
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.
- →
macOS Features and Tools — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1202 questions
750 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1202 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1202 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Windows OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows OS Features and Tools.
Windows Settings and Control Panel practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Settings and Control Panel.
Windows Command-Line Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Command-Line Tools.
Windows Administrative Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Administrative Tools.
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to macOS Features and Tools.
Linux Commands and File Permissions practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Linux Commands and File Permissions.
Mobile OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Mobile OS Features and Tools.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Virtualization and Cloud Technologies.
Physical Security Controls practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Physical Security Controls.
Logical Security Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Logical Security Concepts.
Wireless Security Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Wireless Security Protocols.
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Malware Types and Removal.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1202 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
macOS Features and Tools — This question tests macOS Features and Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Restore from a Time Machine backup — Time Machine is the built-in macOS backup feature that automatically creates incremental backups of the system. If a Time Machine backup was made before the files were deleted, the user can browse the backup timeline and restore the deleted files directly, even after the Trash has been emptied. This is the simplest and most reliable first step because it does not require specialized tools or risk overwriting data.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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 →
Keep practising
More 220-1202 practice questions
- During a Windows 10 deployment, you need to ensure that a specific Group Policy setting is applied to a computer before…
- After installing a new printer driver, a user's Windows 11 computer crashes with a blue screen error every time they try…
- A user reports that their Windows 10 computer is infected with a virus that keeps reinstalling itself after removal. Wha…
- A customer reports that their Windows 10 laptop is displaying pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They suspect a ma…
- A technician is configuring a new Windows 10 workstation for a user who handles sensitive financial data. The company po…
- A technician is responding to a security incident where an employee's credentials were used to access a server without a…
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.