220-1102 Question 115
Single answerFile managementA user on a Windows 11 laptop accidentally deleted a project folder from the Desktop earlier the same day. The folder was deleted using File Explorer, not Shift+Delete, and no cloud backup is configured. The user needs the folder restored as quickly as possible with the original filenames and folder structure intact. Which action should the technician take FIRST?
- A
Open Recycle Bin and restore the project folder
- B
Run Disk Cleanup to recover recently deleted files
- C
Use the format command on the drive and then attempt file recovery
- D
Create a new folder on the Desktop with the same name and ask the user to recreate the files
- E
Use chkdsk /f to repair the file system and restore the missing folder
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best first action is to check the Recycle Bin because the scenario states the folder was deleted through File Explorer and not with Shift+Delete. In Windows, standard deletions usually move items to the Recycle Bin, where they can be restored to their original location quickly and with minimal risk. This aligns with normal Windows file management and recovery best practices: use the least invasive recovery method first. Microsoft documentation for Windows Recycle Bin behavior and file restoration supports this approach. Tools such as Disk Cleanup and chkdsk serve maintenance and repair roles, not routine deleted-file recovery. More advanced recovery methods would only be considered if the folder were not in the Recycle Bin.
- A. Correct.
Correct. In Windows, files deleted through File Explorer without using Shift+Delete are typically moved to the Recycle Bin. Restoring the folder from Recycle Bin is the fastest and least disruptive method, and it preserves the original filenames, folder structure, and original location.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Disk Cleanup is used to remove unnecessary files such as temporary files, thumbnails, and system cleanup items. It does not recover deleted user data. A candidate might choose this option by confusing cleanup and maintenance tools with recovery tools.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Formatting a drive erases file system metadata and significantly increases the risk of permanent data loss. It is the opposite of an appropriate first step when trying to restore recently deleted files.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Recreating the folder manually does not restore the deleted contents and would waste time while failing to meet the user's requirement to recover the original files and structure. This is a plausible distractor because it seems practical, but it does not solve the data recovery problem.
- E. Incorrect.
Incorrect. chkdsk /f is used to check file system integrity and repair logical disk errors. It is not a standard first-line tool for recovering a folder that was intentionally deleted through File Explorer. Someone might pick this if they mistakenly associate missing files with file system corruption.