- A
Reset this PC with the 'Keep my files' option.
Why wrong: This is a more drastic step that reinstalls Windows and may remove installed applications, not a quick fix for layout issues.
- B
System Restore from the System Protection tab.
System Restore reverts system files and registry to a prior state, which can fix application-induced problems without affecting personal data.
- C
Refresh the desktop by right-clicking and selecting 'Refresh'.
Why wrong: This only redraws the icons temporarily and does not fix the underlying taskbar issue.
- D
Use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair the system image.
Why wrong: DISM is for repairing corrupted system files, not for restoring personal settings or layouts.
Question 178 of 750
How to Use System Restore to Fix Desktop and Taskbar Problems
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows os 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 customer calls saying that after installing a new application, their Windows 11 desktop icons are scattered and the taskbar keeps disappearing. They need a quick way to restore the default desktop layout and taskbar behavior without affecting personal files. Which built-in tool should you guide them to use?
Quick Answer
The answer is System Restore from the System Protection tab. This built-in tool is the correct choice because it rolls back system files, registry settings, and installed drivers to a previous restore point, effectively undoing the configuration changes that caused the scattered desktop icons and disappearing taskbar—all without affecting personal documents or user data. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between recovery tools: System Restore targets system-level changes, whereas Reset This PC or a full reinstall are too drastic, and tools like System File Checker only repair corrupted files, not registry or layout settings. A common trap is confusing System Restore with backup utilities; remember that System Restore is a snapshot of system state, not user files. For a quick memory tip, think “Restore rolls back the registry and system files, not your files.”
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
✓
System Restore from the System Protection tab.
System Restore reverts system files, registry settings, and installed applications to a previous restore point without affecting personal files. Since the issue began after installing a new application, rolling back to a point before that installation will restore the default desktop layout and taskbar behavior. This is the quickest built-in tool for undoing system changes while preserving user data.
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.
- ✗
Reset this PC with the 'Keep my files' option.
Why it's wrong here
This is a more drastic step that reinstalls Windows and may remove installed applications, not a quick fix for layout issues.
- ✓
System Restore from the System Protection tab.
Why this is correct
System Restore reverts system files and registry to a prior state, which can fix application-induced problems without affecting personal data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Refresh the desktop by right-clicking and selecting 'Refresh'.
Why it's wrong here
This only redraws the icons temporarily and does not fix the underlying taskbar issue.
- ✗
Use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair the system image.
Why it's wrong here
DISM is for repairing corrupted system files, not for restoring personal settings or layouts.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CompTIA A+ exam often tests the distinction between 'System Restore' and 'Reset this PC' — the trap here is that candidates may choose 'Reset this PC with Keep my files' because it sounds like a safe option, but it is actually a full OS reinstallation that removes all apps and settings, whereas System Restore is a targeted rollback that preserves installed applications and user data.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
System Restore works by creating snapshots of the registry and critical system files, stored in the System Volume Information folder. When a restore point is applied, the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) is used to revert those files, effectively undoing registry modifications made by the new application that likely corrupted the Explorer shell settings (e.g., HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags and taskbar registry keys). In real-world scenarios, this is the go-to tool when a recent driver or application breaks shell behavior, as it avoids the overhead of a full reset or image repair.
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.
- →
Windows OS Features and Tools — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Windows OS Features and Tools 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?
Windows OS Features and Tools — This question tests Windows OS Features and Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: System Restore from the System Protection tab. — System Restore reverts system files, registry settings, and installed applications to a previous restore point without affecting personal files. Since the issue began after installing a new application, rolling back to a point before that installation will restore the default desktop layout and taskbar behavior. This is the quickest built-in tool for undoing system changes while preserving user data.
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.