- A
Boot to Recovery mode and run Disk Utility First Aid
This is the standard method to check and repair the startup disk's file system structure, which can resolve the missing boot volume issue.
- B
Use the Terminal command 'sudo fsck -fy' at boot
Why wrong: While fsck can repair filesystems, modern macOS uses Disk Utility First Aid; the old fsck command is not recommended and may not work on APFS volumes.
- C
Reinstall macOS from Internet Recovery
Why wrong: Reinstalling is a more drastic step; you should first attempt to repair the existing volume with Disk Utility.
- D
Enable Target Disk Mode on the Mac
Why wrong: Target Disk Mode makes the Mac act as an external drive, which is useful for data recovery but does not repair the boot volume.
Question 410 of 750
How to Fix a Mac with a Flashing Question Mark Folder
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of macos features and tools. 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 calls the help desk because their MacBook Pro running macOS Sonoma suddenly shows a folder with a flashing question mark when booting. They were not performing any system updates. Which macOS tool or feature should you use to attempt to repair the startup volume?
Quick Answer
The answer is to boot into macOS Recovery mode and run Disk Utility First Aid. This is correct because a flashing question mark folder on a Mac indicates that the system cannot locate a valid startup volume, often due to directory corruption or a failing drive. First Aid scans and repairs the disk’s file system structure, addressing the root cause without needing a full reinstall. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of macOS startup troubleshooting and Recovery mode tools; a common trap is confusing this with Target Disk Mode (for file transfers) or immediately reinstalling macOS, which should only follow a failed repair. Remember the mnemonic “Flash First” — when you see the flashing folder, your first step is First Aid in Recovery.
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 to Recovery mode and run Disk Utility First Aid
A flashing question mark folder at boot on a Mac indicates that the startup volume is not found or is corrupt. Booting to Recovery mode (by holding Command-R at startup) and running Disk Utility First Aid allows you to verify and repair the volume's directory structure and file system, which is the appropriate first step to resolve this issue without reinstalling macOS.
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 to Recovery mode and run Disk Utility First Aid
Why this is correct
This is the standard method to check and repair the startup disk's file system structure, which can resolve the missing boot volume issue.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use the Terminal command 'sudo fsck -fy' at boot
Why it's wrong here
While fsck can repair filesystems, modern macOS uses Disk Utility First Aid; the old fsck command is not recommended and may not work on APFS volumes.
- ✗
Reinstall macOS from Internet Recovery
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling is a more drastic step; you should first attempt to repair the existing volume with Disk Utility.
- ✗
Enable Target Disk Mode on the Mac
Why it's wrong here
Target Disk Mode makes the Mac act as an external drive, which is useful for data recovery but does not repair the boot volume.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that 'fsck' is the modern repair tool for macOS, but candidates must know that Disk Utility First Aid is the correct GUI tool for APFS volumes, and the deprecated 'fsck -fy' command is no longer the standard approach.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
While fsck can repair filesystems, modern macOS uses Disk Utility First Aid; the old fsck command is not recommended and may not work on APFS volumes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When a Mac shows a flashing question mark folder, the firmware (EFI) cannot locate a valid bootable volume with a proper bless record or booter file. Disk Utility First Aid runs the fsck_apfs tool (for APFS volumes) or fsck_hfs (for HFS+), which checks the container's object map, snapshots, and volume superblock for corruption. In real-world scenarios, this can occur due to sudden power loss, disk directory corruption, or a failing SSD, and First Aid can often resolve minor inconsistencies without data loss.
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.
Visual reference
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.
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macOS Features and Tools — study guide chapter
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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: Boot to Recovery mode and run Disk Utility First Aid — A flashing question mark folder at boot on a Mac indicates that the startup volume is not found or is corrupt. Booting to Recovery mode (by holding Command-R at startup) and running Disk Utility First Aid allows you to verify and repair the volume's directory structure and file system, which is the appropriate first step to resolve this issue without reinstalling macOS.
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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