CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) — Question 41

A Windows user reported that a pop-up indicated a security issue. During inspection, an antivirus system identified malware from a recent download, but it was unable to remove the malware. Which of the following actions would be BEST to remove the malware while also preserving the user's files?

Answer options

• A. Run the virus scanner in an administrative mode.
• B. Reinstall the operating system.
• C. Reboot the system in safe mode and rescan.
• D. Manually delete the infected files.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The best action is to reboot the system in safe mode and rescan (C), as this environment prevents most malware from running, allowing the antivirus to remove it effectively. Running the virus scanner in administrative mode (A) might not address the issue if the malware is still active, while reinstalling the OS (B) is a last resort that can lead to data loss. Manually deleting infected files (D) may not fully eradicate the malware, as it could leave remnants behind.