CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)Software TroubleshootingMedium
A user's PC displays the error 'Operating System not found' after a failed Windows update. Which of the following should the technician attempt FIRST to resolve the boot issue?
- ABoot from Windows recovery media and run Startup Repair
- BReformat the hard drive and restore from image
- CReplace the motherboard battery
- DReinstall Windows using a clean installation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Boot from Windows recovery media and run Startup Repair
Startup Repair, accessed through Windows Recovery Environment, is designed to automatically diagnose and fix common boot problems such as corrupted boot files from a failed update, without the data loss risk of reinstalling or reformatting.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Reformatting destroys all data and is unnecessary before trying repair options.
- C. A dead CMOS battery causes clock/BIOS setting issues, not this type of boot error.
- D. A clean install is more drastic and results in data loss; it should not be the first attempt.
Startup Repair (WinRE)
An automated Windows Recovery Environment tool that scans for and fixes common problems preventing Windows from starting, such as corrupted boot files or BCD errors.
- Accessed via Advanced Startup Options or recovery media.
- Attempts fixes before manual tools like bootrec are needed.
- Does not erase user data.
Memory trick: 'Start with Startup Repair before Nuking the Drive'