- A
rstrui.exe
Launches the System Restore utility, allowing restoration to a previous point.
- B
vssadmin list shadows
Why wrong: Lists existing shadow copies but does not restore them.
- C
wbadmin start recovery
Why wrong: Used for full system backup recovery, not restore points.
- D
bootrec /fixboot
Why wrong: Repairs boot sector, not system files.
Question 374 of 750
How to Restore Windows to a Previous Restore Point Using rstrui.exe
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows command-line 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.
A user reports that their Windows 10 computer is infected with ransomware that has encrypted their files. The technician boots into the Windows Recovery Environment and wants to restore the system to a previous restore point. Which command should be used?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"which command"Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Quick Answer
The answer is `rstrui.exe`. This command launches the System Restore wizard directly from the Windows Recovery Environment, allowing you to revert system files, settings, and registry keys to a previous restore point without needing a fully booted Windows desktop. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to recover a ransomware-infected system using built-in recovery tools, and a common trap is confusing `rstrui.exe` with `vssadmin` (which manages shadow copies but does not initiate a restore) or `wbadmin` (used for full backup and restore operations). Remember that `rstrui.exe` is the only command that launches the interactive restore wizard, while `bootrec` repairs boot configuration data. A helpful memory tip: think of “rstrui” as “restore UI” — the graphical interface that walks you through selecting and applying a restore point, even from the recovery environment.
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
✓
rstrui.exe
The correct command is `rstrui.exe`, which launches the System Restore utility. In the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), this command allows you to revert the system to a previous restore point, effectively undoing the ransomware encryption if a restore point was created before the infection. This is the standard tool for restoring system files and settings without affecting personal files, assuming the restore point predates the attack.
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.
- ✓
rstrui.exe
Why this is correct
Launches the System Restore utility, allowing restoration to a previous point.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
vssadmin list shadows
Why it's wrong here
Lists existing shadow copies but does not restore them.
- ✗
wbadmin start recovery
Why it's wrong here
Used for full system backup recovery, not restore points.
- ✗
bootrec /fixboot
Why it's wrong here
Repairs boot sector, not system files.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse `vssadmin list shadows` (a query command) with an actual restoration command, or they mistakenly think `wbadmin start recovery` is for System Restore points when it is specifically for full server backups.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
System Restore relies on Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to create snapshots of system files and registry keys. When you run `rstrui.exe` in WinRE, it accesses these shadow copies to roll back the system state, but it does not affect user data files (like documents or photos), which is why ransomware that encrypts user files may not be fully remediated by this alone. In practice, if the ransomware also corrupts the shadow copies (e.g., by deleting them via `vssadmin delete shadows`), System Restore may fail, requiring alternative recovery methods like file recovery from backups.
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Windows Command-Line Tools — This question tests Windows Command-Line Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: rstrui.exe — The correct command is `rstrui.exe`, which launches the System Restore utility. In the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), this command allows you to revert the system to a previous restore point, effectively undoing the ransomware encryption if a restore point was created before the infection. This is the standard tool for restoring system files and settings without affecting personal files, assuming the restore point predates the attack.
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: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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
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