hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Configuration Manager Error 0x80070002: Boot Image Missing or Corrupted
An organization is deploying Windows 10 using Configuration Manager task sequences. During a pilot deployment, the task sequence fails with error code 0x80070002. What is the most likely cause?
Quick Answer
The answer is that a missing or corrupted boot image is the most likely cause of Configuration Manager error 0x80070002 during a task sequence deployment. This error code directly translates to “The system cannot find the file specified,” and in the context of OS deployment, the critical file is the boot image (WIM) that loads Windows PE. If that WIM file is absent from the distribution point or has become corrupted, the task sequence cannot even start the deployment environment, causing an immediate failure. On the Microsoft 365 Endpoint Administrator MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of task sequence dependencies and distribution point content validation. A common trap is to focus on driver or application packages, but the error occurs before those even load. Remember the mnemonic: “0x80070002 means the boot is missing, not the booty.”
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often associate error 0x80070002 with a network connectivity issue (Option D) or a hardware problem (Option A), but the error code specifically indicates a missing file, not a network or hardware failure.
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
✓
The boot image is missing or corrupted
Error code 0x80070002 translates to 'The system cannot find the file specified.' In the context of a Configuration Manager task sequence, this typically indicates that the boot image (WIM file) referenced by the task sequence is missing from the distribution point or is corrupted. The boot image is required to start Windows PE and initiate the OS deployment; if it cannot be located or loaded, the task sequence fails immediately.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The device does not meet minimum hardware requirements
Why it's wrong here
Would produce a different error, often related to hardware check.
- ✗
The task sequence includes a duplicate step
Why it's wrong here
Would cause a different error or behavior, not 0x80070002.
- ✓
The boot image is missing or corrupted
Why this is correct
0x80070002 indicates file not found; boot image is essential for deployment.
- ✗
The distribution point is unreachable
Why it's wrong here
Would typically result in error 0x80070035 (network path not found).
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Planning Deployment and Architecture
Key term
Configuration Manager
Configuration Manager is a systems management tool by Microsoft that helps IT administrators deploy software, enforce security policies, and manage devices across an organization.
Key term
Windows 10
Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft that combines the familiarity of Windows 7 with the modern features of Windows 8, designed to run on a wide range of devices from desktops to tablets.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on MD-102
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Variation 1. A company uses Configuration Manager to deploy Windows 11. During the deployment, several devices fail with error code 0x80070002. The administrator suspects the issue is related to missing boot images or content distribution. What should the administrator do first to resolve the issue?
hard- A.Increase the client cache size on the affected devices.
- B.Check the driver packages in the task sequence.
- ✓ C.Verify that the boot image and OS image are distributed to all distribution points.
- D.Recreate the task sequence with new OS image.
Why C: Error code 0x80070002 translates to 'The system cannot find the file specified.' In a Configuration Manager task sequence deployment, this typically indicates that the boot image or OS image content is not available on the distribution point that the client is accessing. Verifying distribution ensures the required content is present and accessible, which is the most direct and common fix for this error.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This MD-102 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 MD-102 exam.