- A
Safe Mode
Why wrong: Safe Mode without networking does not allow internet access, which may be needed to update antivirus definitions.
- B
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Why wrong: This mode is useful for advanced troubleshooting but lacks network access and a graphical interface for most antivirus tools.
- C
Safe Mode with Networking
This mode provides network access, allowing the technician to download updated tools while keeping malware disabled.
- D
Last Known Good Configuration
Why wrong: This option reverts to the last successful boot configuration but does not provide a safe environment for malware removal.
Question 524 of 750
Safe Mode with Networking for Malware Removal
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. 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 computer is infected with a virus and they have been trying to remove it using a free online scanner, but the problem persists. The technician suspects the malware may have disabled the antivirus software. Which safe mode should the technician use to run a full system scan?
Quick Answer
The correct choice is Safe Mode with Networking because it boots Windows with only essential drivers and services while retaining network functionality, which is critical for downloading updated antivirus definitions or specialized removal tools that the infected system may lack. Standard Safe Mode disables all network access, making it impossible to fetch the latest malware signatures or cloud-based scanners, whereas Safe Mode with Networking preserves the network stack so the technician can connect to the internet and retrieve the necessary resources. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how malware often disables antivirus software and why booting into a stripped-down environment prevents the malware from loading, giving you a clean platform for removal. A common trap is choosing Safe Mode alone, forgetting that without network access you cannot update definitions or download tools. Memory tip: think “Networking = New definitions” — you need the network to get the latest fixes.
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
✓
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Networking (C) is correct because it loads only essential drivers and services, including network components, which allows the technician to run a full system scan while the malware is likely inactive. Since the malware may have disabled the antivirus software in normal mode, booting into Safe Mode with Networking ensures the antivirus can run and still access the internet for signature updates or cloud-based scanning.
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.
- ✗
Safe Mode
Why it's wrong here
Safe Mode without networking does not allow internet access, which may be needed to update antivirus definitions.
- ✗
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Why it's wrong here
This mode is useful for advanced troubleshooting but lacks network access and a graphical interface for most antivirus tools.
- ✓
Safe Mode with Networking
Why this is correct
This mode provides network access, allowing the technician to download updated tools while keeping malware disabled.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Last Known Good Configuration
Why it's wrong here
This option reverts to the last successful boot configuration but does not provide a safe environment for malware removal.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking, where candidates mistakenly choose Safe Mode without realizing that antivirus software often requires network access to download updated signatures for effective malware removal.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Safe Mode with Networking loads only critical system services (e.g., Plug and Play, Event Log) and network stack components (e.g., TCP/IP, DHCP client) while bypassing startup programs and non-essential drivers. This prevents most malware from executing, as many viruses hook into the Windows shell or load via Run registry keys, which are ignored in Safe Mode. In real-world scenarios, rootkits that hide from the file system may still be active in Safe Mode, requiring offline scanning tools like Windows Defender Offline or a bootable rescue disk.
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.
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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: Safe Mode with Networking — Safe Mode with Networking (C) is correct because it loads only essential drivers and services, including network components, which allows the technician to run a full system scan while the malware is likely inactive. Since the malware may have disabled the antivirus software in normal mode, booting into Safe Mode with Networking ensures the antivirus can run and still access the internet for signature updates or cloud-based scanning.
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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