- A
System Restore
Why wrong: System Restore restores system files and settings, but does not repair the MBR.
- B
Bootrec.exe /FixMbr
This command rewrites the MBR, fixing boot issues caused by MBR viruses.
- C
SFC /Scannow
Why wrong: SFC scans and repairs system files, but not the MBR.
- D
CHKDSK /F
Why wrong: CHKDSK checks disk integrity, but does not repair the MBR.
Question 91 of 750
MBR Virus: Repair with Bootrec /FixMbr
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. 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 technician is troubleshooting a Windows 10 computer that exhibits strange behavior: system files are missing, and the computer fails to boot normally. A boot-time virus scan detects a virus that infected the Master Boot Record (MBR). Which tool should the technician use to repair the MBR?
Quick Answer
The answer is Bootrec.exe /FixMbr, which is the correct tool to repair a virus-infected Master Boot Record in Windows 10. The MBR is the first sector of the hard drive that contains boot code and the partition table; when a virus corrupts it, the system cannot locate or load the operating system, leading to missing system files and boot failures. The /FixMbr switch specifically rewrites this boot code without altering the partition table, making it the precise solution for MBR virus damage. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between repair utilities—a common trap is confusing Bootrec with System Restore, SFC, or CHKDSK, which address system files, file integrity, or disk errors but not the MBR itself. To remember this, think of “MBR” as “Master Boot Repair”—the /FixMbr switch is the only one that directly targets that boot sector.
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
✓
Bootrec.exe /FixMbr
The Bootrec.exe /FixMbr command writes a new Master Boot Record (MBR) to the system partition, overwriting the infected boot code without affecting the existing partition table. This is the correct tool for repairing a virus-compromised MBR that prevents normal booting on Windows 10.
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.
- ✗
System Restore
Why it's wrong here
System Restore restores system files and settings, but does not repair the MBR.
- ✓
Bootrec.exe /FixMbr
Why this is correct
This command rewrites the MBR, fixing boot issues caused by MBR viruses.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
SFC /Scannow
Why it's wrong here
SFC scans and repairs system files, but not the MBR.
- ✗
CHKDSK /F
Why it's wrong here
CHKDSK checks disk integrity, but does not repair the MBR.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse SFC /Scannow with a boot repair tool, but SFC only works on the installed OS and cannot touch the MBR, which is outside the file system.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The MBR is the first 512 bytes of the disk (sector 0), containing boot code and the partition table. Bootrec.exe /FixMbr rewrites only the boot code portion (bytes 0–445) without altering the partition table, making it safe to use even on disks with non-standard layouts. In real-world scenarios, a rootkit that hooks the MBR can survive a simple format, so using Bootrec.exe /FixMbr from the Windows Recovery Environment is essential before reinstalling the OS.
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.
- →
Malware Types and Removal — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Malware Types and Removal 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?
Malware Types and Removal — This question tests Malware Types and Removal — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Bootrec.exe /FixMbr — The Bootrec.exe /FixMbr command writes a new Master Boot Record (MBR) to the system partition, overwriting the infected boot code without affecting the existing partition table. This is the correct tool for repairing a virus-compromised MBR that prevents normal booting on Windows 10.
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.