- A
Delete all files and empty the Recycle Bin.
Why wrong: Deleting files only removes pointers; data remains on the flash memory and can be recovered.
- B
Use a diskpart clean all command to overwrite every sector.
The 'clean all' command writes zeros to every sector, making data unrecoverable while preserving the drive's functionality.
- C
Microwave the flash drives to destroy the chips.
Why wrong: Microwaving is unsafe and may damage the drives, but it is not a standard or reliable disposal method.
- D
Reformat the drives with a quick format.
Why wrong: A quick format does not overwrite data; it only creates a new file system, leaving old data intact.
Question 650 of 750
220-1202 Data Destruction and Disposal Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of data destruction and disposal. 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.
During a routine hardware refresh, a technician finds a box of old USB flash drives that were used to store temporary project files. The drives are to be given to employees for personal use. What is the most practical way to ensure no project data remains?
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 diskpart clean all command to overwrite every sector.
Option B is correct because the 'diskpart clean all' command writes zeros or other patterns to every sector of the drive, ensuring that all previously stored data, including temporary project files, is overwritten and cannot be recovered using standard file recovery tools. This is the most practical method for sanitizing USB flash drives before repurposing them for personal use, as it meets the data destruction requirements without physically destroying the media.
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.
- ✗
Delete all files and empty the Recycle Bin.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting files only removes pointers; data remains on the flash memory and can be recovered.
- ✓
Use a diskpart clean all command to overwrite every sector.
Why this is correct
The 'clean all' command writes zeros to every sector, making data unrecoverable while preserving the drive's functionality.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Microwave the flash drives to destroy the chips.
Why it's wrong here
Microwaving is unsafe and may damage the drives, but it is not a standard or reliable disposal method.
- ✗
Reformat the drives with a quick format.
Why it's wrong here
A quick format does not overwrite data; it only creates a new file system, leaving old data intact.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a quick format or file deletion is sufficient for data removal, when in fact these methods leave data recoverable and only the 'clean all' command (or similar overwrite) ensures proper sanitization for repurposed media.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'diskpart clean all' command performs a low-level overwrite by writing zeros to every sector of the storage device, which is equivalent to a single-pass overwrite as specified in NIST SP 800-88 for sanitization of magnetic and flash media. Unlike a standard format or delete, this command ensures that the original data is irrecoverable even with advanced forensic techniques, as the physical bits are altered. In real-world scenarios, this is often used for repurposing drives within an organization where physical destruction is not required, but data confidentiality must be maintained.
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.
- →
Data Destruction and Disposal — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Data Destruction and Disposal 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?
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 diskpart clean all command to overwrite every sector. — Option B is correct because the 'diskpart clean all' command writes zeros or other patterns to every sector of the drive, ensuring that all previously stored data, including temporary project files, is overwritten and cannot be recovered using standard file recovery tools. This is the most practical method for sanitizing USB flash drives before repurposing them for personal use, as it meets the data destruction requirements without physically destroying the media.
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 →
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.