The answer is netstat -an, as this command-line tool is the correct choice for identifying which processes are listening on specific network ports during a security incident on a Windows server. The -a flag displays all active connections and listening ports, while the -n flag forces numerical addresses and port numbers, bypassing DNS resolution for faster, cleaner output. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to perform basic security analysis and network troubleshooting; a common trap is confusing netstat with nslookup (DNS resolution) or ipconfig (IP configuration). To remember it, think of netstat -an as your “all numbers” view—showing every port numerically, which is exactly what you need when listing listening ports on a Windows system.
220-1202 Windows Command-Line Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows command-line tools. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
During a security incident, you need to identify which processes are listening on specific network ports on a Windows server. Which command-line tool should you use?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
netstat -an
The netstat command with the -a (all connections) and -n (numerical addresses) options shows all listening ports and their associated processes. This is essential for security analysis. Other tools like nslookup resolve DNS, tracert trace routes, and ipconfig show IP configuration.
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.
✗
nslookup
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. nslookup queries DNS servers, it does not show listening ports.
✗
tracert
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. tracert traces the route packets take to a destination, not listening ports.
✓
netstat -an
Why this is correct
Correct. netstat -an displays all active connections and listening ports with numerical addresses, helping identify suspicious services.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
ipconfig /all
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. ipconfig /all shows detailed IP configuration, not port or process information.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. nslookup queries DNS servers, it does not show listening ports.
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 220-1202 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 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 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.
Windows Command-Line Tools — This question tests Windows Command-Line Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: netstat -an — The netstat command with the -a (all connections) and -n (numerical addresses) options shows all listening ports and their associated processes. This is essential for security analysis. Other tools like nslookup resolve DNS, tracert trace routes, and ipconfig show IP configuration.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 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: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.