2.3System Recovery Options

Practice this topic

Short questions

1. 1.Define the use of Safe Mode in system recovery.2 marks

   Answer

   Safe Mode starts Windows with only the most fundamental drivers and services. It disables unnecessary background programs and startup software, making it easier to fix problems caused by faulty apps or settings. Safe Mode is useful when the system keeps crashing or restarting, a program or driver is causing the computer to freeze, or you need to scan for malware or uninstall a recent app.

2. 2.List the steps to create a bootable USB using Rufus.2 marks

   Answer

   Download the system image or installer from the official website of your operating system provider (e.g., Windows ISO, Linux ISO, or macOS installer). Download Rufus (a free USB tool) from its official site (https://rufus.ie/en/(opens in a new tab)). Plug in a USB drive (16 GB or more). Open Rufus, select the USB and the ISO file. Choose GUID Partition Table (GPT) for modern PCs and Master Boot Record (MBR) for older systems. Then click Start to create the bootable USB.

3. 3.What is a restore point? How is it made?3 marks

   Answer

   A restore point is like a saved snapshot of your system's settings and files. It helps you return your computer to an earlier, working condition if something goes wrong, such as after installing a faulty program or driver. Restore points are made automatically before system updates or driver installations, or manually by the user when it is needed.

4. 4.Write the steps to create a restore point manually.4 marks

   Answer

   Click the Start button and open the Control Panel. Go to System and Security, then click System. On the left, click System Protection. In the new window, under the System Protection tab, click the Create button. Type a name for your restore point (e.g., "Before installing printer driver") and click Create. Wait a few seconds for confirmation. Your restore point is now saved.

5. 5.What is Safe Mode with Networking? When is it helpful?3 marks

   Answer

   This version of Safe Mode includes network drivers, so you can access the internet. It is helpful when you need to download updates or drivers, you want to use online help tools, or you want to run a cloud-based antivirus scan. To enter it, follow the same steps as for Safe Mode and press F5 instead of F4.

6. 6.What is bootable recovery media? When do we use it?3 marks

   Answer

   Bootable recovery media is a USB flash drive or DVD that contains important system files. It helps start the computer from an external device instead of the built-in storage. We use it when Safe Mode is not accessible, or when you need to repair or reinstall the operating system.

7. 7.Differentiate between MBR and GPT.4 marks

   Answer

   GPT and MBR are two different ways of organizing data on a storage drive (Hard drive or SSD). MBR is the older system. It supports up to 2 TB of disk size and a maximum of 4 primary partitions. GPT is the modern standard. It supports disks larger than 2 TB, allows over 100 partitions, and is required for UEFI-based systems.

8. 8.How can you check the partition style (MBR or GPT) of your computer?3 marks

   Answer

   Press Win + X and select Disk Management. Find the drive where Windows is installed (usually Disk 0). Right-click on the disk label (e.g., Disk 0), then choose Properties. Go to the Volumes tab and look at Partition Style. It will show either GUID Partition Table (GPT) or Master Boot Record (MBR).

Long questions

1. 1.Your computer is not starting properly due to a system issue. Describe how System Restore or a bootable recovery USB can be used to fix the problem without deleting personal files.8 marks

   Answer

   Cover three parts, using the book's wording:

   1. System Restore (verbatim): "System Restore allows you to take your computer back to an earlier state without deleting personal files. It works by using restore points, which are saved versions of your system created before major changes." Restore point: "A restore point is like a saved snapshot of your system's settings and files. It helps you return your computer to an earlier, working condition if something goes wrong, such as after installing a faulty program or driver."

   2. Steps to Use a Restore Point (book list): Open the Control Panel. Go to Recovery and click Open System Restore. A window will appear showing available restore points. Select the most recent restore point when your system was working fine. Click Next, then Finish. Your system will restart and restore the selected settings.

   3. Bootable recovery USB, when the computer fails to start (verbatim): "Sometimes, a computer may stop working completely and fail to start. In such cases, normal recovery options like Safe Mode and Restore Points may not work. So, in this case, we use bootable recovery media to recover the system." "Bootable recovery media is a USB flash drive or DVD that contains important system files. It helps start the computer from an external device instead of the built-in storage." After starting from the USB, use the built-in tools: "Startup Repair to fix problems that prevent Windows from loading" and "System Restore to go back to a working state using a restore point". The book also lists Command Prompt for advanced troubleshooting, and System Reset or Reinstallation to reinstall the operating system if needed.

   Note for the student: the book says System Restore works "without deleting personal files". It does not say this about System Reset or Reinstallation, so for this question focus on Startup Repair and System Restore.

   Aim for 200-300 words.

2. 2.What is Safe Mode? Explain when it is useful, how to open it, and how Safe Mode with Networking is different. Also write the precautions to follow while using Safe Mode.8 marks

   Answer

   Cover five parts:

   1. Definition (verbatim): "Safe Mode starts Windows with only the most fundamental drivers and services. It disables unnecessary background programs and startup software, making it easier to fix problems caused by faulty apps or settings."

   2. When it is useful (book list): The system keeps crashing or restarting. A program or driver is causing the computer to freeze. You need to scan for malware or uninstall a recent app.

   3. How to open Safe Mode (book steps):

      • On most systems: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart Now. Then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart > Press F4.
      • On some older systems: Restart and press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo appears. Select safe mode, press enter.

   4. Safe Mode with Networking (verbatim): "This version of Safe Mode includes network drivers, so you can access the internet." Helpful when you need to download updates or drivers, use online help tools, or run a cloud-based antivirus scan. Press F5 instead of F4.

   5. Precautions (SMART TIPS box): Do not change settings unless you understand their purpose. Avoid deleting system files; they may be important for Windows to work properly. Use only built-in or trusted tools to fix issues. Restart your computer normally after finishing the task. Ask for help from your teacher or IT expert if unsure. "Safe Mode is powerful, but it should be used carefully."

   Aim for 200-300 words.

3. 3.What is bootable recovery media? Explain how to create a bootable USB, how to choose between GPT and MBR, and how to check the partition style of your computer.10 marks

   Answer

   Cover four parts:

   1. Definition and uses (verbatim): "Bootable recovery media is a USB flash drive or DVD that contains important system files. It helps start the computer from an external device instead of the built-in storage." Built-in tools: Startup Repair, System Restore, Command Prompt, System Reset or Reinstallation. We use it when Safe Mode is not accessible or you need to repair or reinstall the operating system.

   2. Create a bootable USB (book list): Download the system image or installer (e.g., Windows ISO, Linux ISO, or macOS installer). Download Rufus (a free USB tool) from its official site. Plug in a USB drive (16 GB or more). Open Rufus, select the USB and the ISO file. Choose GPT for modern PCs and MBR for older systems. Then click Start.

   3. GPT and MBR (DO YOU KNOW box): "MBR is the older system. It supports up to 2 TB of disk size and a maximum of 4 primary partitions." "GPT is the modern standard. It supports disks larger than 2 TB, allows over 100 partitions, and is required for UEFI-based systems." SMART TIPS: "If your computer uses GPT, but you create the USB in MBR format, it might not boot at all. The same happens if your system uses MBR and you use a GPT USB."

   4. Check the partition style (book steps): Press Win + X and select Disk Management. Find the drive where Windows is installed (usually Disk 0). Right-click on the disk label, then choose Properties. Go to the Volumes tab. Partition Style will show either GUID Partition Table (GPT) or Master Boot Record (MBR).

   Aim for 250-350 words.