- A
Boot from the USB, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt, and run 'bootrec /rebuildbcd' and 'bootrec /fixmbr'.
These bootrec commands are specifically designed to rebuild the BCD and repair the master boot record, fixing the 'Bootmgr is missing' error.
- B
Boot from the USB and select 'Repair your computer' > 'Startup Repair'.
Why wrong: Startup Repair can fix some boot issues, but for a missing bootmgr, the bootrec commands are more targeted and often required; Startup Repair may not always resolve this specific error.
- C
Boot from the USB and run 'sfc /scannow' from the Command Prompt.
Why wrong: SFC scans system files, but it does not repair the boot manager or BCD; it is ineffective for this specific error.
- D
Boot from the USB and perform a system restore to a previous point.
Why wrong: System restore might work if a restore point exists, but it is not the most direct method; bootrec commands are the standard fix for bootmgr issues.
Repairing Boot Manager with bootrec /rebuildbcd
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows os troubleshooting. 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.
A user reports that their Windows 10 laptop will not boot and displays the error 'Bootmgr is missing'. They have a valid Windows installation USB. Which steps should you take to repair the boot manager?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to boot from the Windows installation USB, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt, and run 'bootrec /rebuildbcd' followed by 'bootrec /fixmbr'. This works because the 'Bootmgr is missing' error in Windows 10 typically means the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is corrupted or missing, preventing the boot manager from locating the operating system. The bootrec tool is designed to scan for Windows installations and rebuild that configuration data, while the /fixmbr switch repairs the master boot record to ensure the boot sector points correctly. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to troubleshoot boot failures using the Windows Recovery Environment, a common performance-based question. A frequent trap is forgetting to boot from the USB first or trying to run bootrec from within Windows itself, which won’t work. Remember the mnemonic: “USB first, then rebuild and fix” to keep the order straight.
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 USB, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt, and run 'bootrec /rebuildbcd' and 'bootrec /fixmbr'.
The 'Bootmgr is missing' error indicates that the Boot Manager (bootmgr) is either corrupted or missing, or the BCD (Boot Configuration Data) store is damaged. Booting from a Windows installation USB and using the Command Prompt via Troubleshoot > Advanced Options allows you to run 'bootrec /rebuildbcd' to scan for Windows installations and rebuild the BCD store, and 'bootrec /fixmbr' to repair the Master Boot Record (MBR) on the system partition. This directly addresses the boot manager issue by restoring the boot configuration and ensuring the MBR points to the correct boot sector.
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.
- ✓
Boot from the USB, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt, and run 'bootrec /rebuildbcd' and 'bootrec /fixmbr'.
Why this is correct
These bootrec commands are specifically designed to rebuild the BCD and repair the master boot record, fixing the 'Bootmgr is missing' error.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Boot from the USB and select 'Repair your computer' > 'Startup Repair'.
Why it's wrong here
Startup Repair can fix some boot issues, but for a missing bootmgr, the bootrec commands are more targeted and often required; Startup Repair may not always resolve this specific error.
- ✗
Boot from the USB and run 'sfc /scannow' from the Command Prompt.
Why it's wrong here
SFC scans system files, but it does not repair the boot manager or BCD; it is ineffective for this specific error.
- ✗
Boot from the USB and perform a system restore to a previous point.
Why it's wrong here
System restore might work if a restore point exists, but it is not the most direct method; bootrec commands are the standard fix for bootmgr issues.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between automated tools like Startup Repair and manual command-line utilities, leading candidates to choose the simpler option (B) without realizing that specific boot manager errors require targeted commands like 'bootrec' to rebuild the BCD and repair the MBR.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Startup Repair can fix some boot issues, but for a missing bootmgr, the bootrec commands are more targeted and often required; Startup Repair may not always resolve this specific error.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'bootrec /rebuildbcd' command scans all disks for Windows installations and prompts you to add them to the BCD store, effectively rebuilding the boot configuration database. The 'bootrec /fixmbr' command writes a new Master Boot Record to the system partition, which is essential for the BIOS to locate the active partition and load bootmgr. In UEFI systems, 'bootrec /fixmbr' is less relevant, but the same principle applies to repairing the EFI System Partition (ESP) using 'bootrec /fixboot' or 'bcdboot' commands, which a technician should also consider if the system uses GPT partitioning.
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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Windows OS Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Windows OS Troubleshooting — This question tests Windows OS Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Boot from the USB, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt, and run 'bootrec /rebuildbcd' and 'bootrec /fixmbr'. — The 'Bootmgr is missing' error indicates that the Boot Manager (bootmgr) is either corrupted or missing, or the BCD (Boot Configuration Data) store is damaged. Booting from a Windows installation USB and using the Command Prompt via Troubleshoot > Advanced Options allows you to run 'bootrec /rebuildbcd' to scan for Windows installations and rebuild the BCD store, and 'bootrec /fixmbr' to repair the Master Boot Record (MBR) on the system partition. This directly addresses the boot manager issue by restoring the boot configuration and ensuring the MBR points to the correct boot sector.
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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