The answer is an incorrect DNS A record, because the hostname resolves to the wrong IP address. When a user types the server’s hostname, the DNS lookup returns 10.0.0.10 instead of the actual server IP of 10.0.0.5, so traffic never reaches the intended resource. This is a classic DNS misconfiguration scenario on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, where you must distinguish between a connectivity problem and a name resolution problem—since pinging the correct IP works, the issue is clearly with the record, not the network or server itself. A common trap is assuming the server is down or that a firewall is blocking traffic, but the symptom of internet access working while a specific internal hostname fails points directly to a bad A record. Memory tip: “A record, A match”—the A record must match the actual server IP for hostname resolution to succeed.
220-1101 Network Services Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network services. 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 technician is troubleshooting a network where users can access the internet but cannot reach a specific internal web server by its hostname. The server's IP is 10.0.0.5, and pinging 10.0.0.5 works. The technician checks the DNS server and finds an A record for the server's name pointing to 10.0.0.10. 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 A record is incorrect
The DNS A record points to the wrong IP address (10.0.0.10 instead of 10.0.0.5), causing hostname resolution to fail for that server. This is a common DNS misconfiguration where the record does not match the actual server IP. Correcting the A record resolves the issue.
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 DHCP server assigned the wrong IP to the server
Why it's wrong here
The server's IP is 10.0.0.5 and is reachable; DHCP assignment is not the problem since the server is working.
✓
The DNS A record is incorrect
Why this is correct
The A record points to 10.0.0.10 instead of 10.0.0.5, so DNS resolves to the wrong IP, preventing access by hostname.
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 router's port forwarding is misconfigured
Why it's wrong here
Port forwarding is for external access; internal users don't use it, and the server is reachable by IP.
✗
The server's firewall is blocking DNS queries
Why it's wrong here
DNS queries go to the DNS server, not the web server; the server's firewall wouldn't affect hostname resolution.
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.
Network Services — This question tests Network Services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DNS A record is incorrect — The DNS A record points to the wrong IP address (10.0.0.10 instead of 10.0.0.5), causing hostname resolution to fail for that server. This is a common DNS misconfiguration where the record does not match the actual server IP. Correcting the A record resolves the issue.
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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