The answer is a DNS server that is not responding or is misconfigured. This is correct because when you can reach a website by its IP address but not by its domain name, the core issue is a DNS resolution failure—your computer can connect to the server once it knows the numeric address, but it cannot translate the human-friendly domain name into that address. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the DNS client-server relationship and how automatic configuration via DHCP still depends on a functional DNS server. A common trap is assuming the problem is with the website itself or the user’s network cable, but the key clue is the contrast between IP and domain access. Remember the memory tip: “IP works, name fails—DNS is the missing link.”
220-1201 IP Addressing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ip addressing. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A user complains that they cannot access a website by its domain name, but they can access it by typing the IP address directly. The user's computer is configured to obtain DNS automatically. What is the most likely issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The DNS server is not responding or is misconfigured.
When a user can access a site by IP but not by domain name, it indicates a DNS resolution problem. The DNS server may be unreachable or not configured correctly.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The user's computer has a static IP address that conflicts with another device.
Why it's wrong here
An IP conflict would cause connectivity issues overall, not just with DNS resolution.
✓
The DNS server is not responding or is misconfigured.
Why this is correct
Since the user can reach the site by IP, the network connection is fine. The problem is with DNS, which translates domain names to IP addresses.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The user's browser cache is corrupted.
Why it's wrong here
A corrupted browser cache might cause issues loading a page, but it would not prevent DNS resolution entirely.
✗
The website's IP address has changed.
Why it's wrong here
If the IP address changed, the user would not be able to access it by the old IP either.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
IP Addressing — This question tests IP Addressing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DNS server is not responding or is misconfigured. — When a user can access a site by IP but not by domain name, it indicates a DNS resolution problem. The DNS server may be unreachable or not configured correctly.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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