220-1102 Question 39
Single answerRepair installationA user's Windows 10 laptop began crashing after a failed feature update. The system now boots to the desktop, but several built-in Windows components are unstable, and normal app troubleshooting has not resolved the issue. The user needs to keep installed applications, personal files, and domain settings intact. As the technician, which action should you take NEXT to repair Windows with the least disruption?
- A
Perform an in-place upgrade repair installation using Windows installation media that matches the installed edition and version as closely as possible
- B
Boot from installation media and delete the existing Windows partition before reinstalling Windows
- C
Run a clean installation from USB and restore the user's files from backup after setup completes
- D
Use a manufacturer recovery image to return the laptop to factory condition
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best next step is an in-place upgrade repair installation. In Windows 10, this is commonly used when the OS can still boot but system components are damaged or unstable. It reinstalls Windows over the existing installation while preserving user data, installed programs, and many settings, making it less disruptive than a reset, factory recovery, or clean install. Microsoft documentation and common enterprise support practice distinguish this process from booting to installation media for a wipe-and-load deployment. A repair install generally requires launching setup from within Windows and using compatible installation media for the same edition, language, and architecture; technicians should also verify sufficient disk space and recommend a backup before proceeding.
- A. Correct.
Correct. A repair installation in Windows is typically performed as an in-place upgrade from within the running OS. This method is designed to repair system files and Windows components while preserving user data, installed applications, and most settings. Using installation media that matches the currently installed edition and is as close as possible to the installed build helps avoid compatibility issues and aligns with Microsoft best practices for in-place repair.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Deleting the Windows partition and reinstalling is a clean installation, not a repair installation. It would remove installed applications, user profiles unless backed up separately, and many configuration settings. This does not meet the requirement to preserve apps, files, and domain-related configuration with minimal disruption.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A clean installation can resolve severe OS corruption, but it is more disruptive than a repair installation because applications must be reinstalled and settings reconfigured. Restoring user files from backup does not preserve the full working environment the scenario specifically says must remain intact.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A manufacturer recovery image typically restores the system to factory defaults. While it may fix software issues, it usually removes installed applications and custom settings and may also revert the OS to an older build. This is useful in some recovery cases, but it is not the least disruptive option when the goal is to retain the current environment.