easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A customer reports that their new laptop can…
A customer reports that their new laptop can connect to websites using IP addresses but cannot resolve domain names like 'www.example.com'. Which networking tool should be used to verify the DNS server configuration on the laptop?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between testing DNS resolution (nslookup) and verifying DNS configuration (ipconfig /all), trapping candidates who confuse the symptom-checking tool with the configuration-verification tool.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ipconfig /all
The ipconfig /all command displays the full TCP/IP configuration, including the DNS server addresses assigned to the laptop's network adapter. Since the user can reach websites by IP address but not by domain name, the issue is likely with DNS resolution; ipconfig /all allows verification of whether the DNS server is correctly configured or pointing to an unreachable server.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ping 8.8.8.8
Why it's wrong here
Ping tests basic connectivity to an IP address, not DNS configuration. It would succeed here, confirming the issue is DNS, not general connectivity.
- ✓
ipconfig /all
Why this is correct
This command displays all network adapter details, including DNS server addresses. It is the correct tool to check if the laptop has a valid DNS server configured.
- ✗
nslookup www.example.com
Why it's wrong here
Nslookup directly queries a DNS server for a domain. While useful for testing DNS resolution, it does not show the laptop's configured DNS servers unless you run it without arguments.
- ✗
tracert 8.8.8.8
Why it's wrong here
Tracert traces the route to an IP address, which is unrelated to DNS configuration. It would not reveal the DNS server settings.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.