Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the DHCP server is unavailable. When a computer receives an IP address starting with 169.254, it has been assigned an APIPA address, which stands for Automatic Private IP Addressing. This is a built-in fallback mechanism in Windows that activates when a device configured for DHCP cannot reach a DHCP server to obtain a proper lease, so the operating system self-assigns an address from the 169.254.0.0/16 range to allow local link-only communication. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DHCP failure symptoms and the APIPA address meaning, often appearing as a troubleshooting question where other options like a bad DNS server or incorrect subnet mask are common traps. A reliable memory tip is to think of “169.254” as “I’m 169 percent sure I’m 254nally alone”—meaning the device is isolated because it couldn’t reach the DHCP server.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. 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 setting up a new computer on a network. The computer receives an IP address of 169.254.1.5. Which of the following 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.
The network cable is faulty
Why wrong: A faulty cable would show no connectivity.
The DNS server is unreachable
Why wrong: DNS failure does not cause APIPA.
The gateway is misconfigured
Why wrong: Gateway misconfiguration does not cause APIPA.
The DHCP server is unavailable
APIPA is assigned when DHCP is not available.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The DHCP server is unavailable
The IP address 169.254.1.5 falls within the Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) range (169.254.0.0/16), which Windows automatically assigns when a DHCP client fails to receive an IP lease from a DHCP server. This indicates that the DHCP server is either unreachable or not responding, making D the correct answer.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The network cable is faulty
Why it's wrong here
A faulty cable would show no connectivity.
The DNS server is unreachable
Why it's wrong here
DNS failure does not cause APIPA.
The gateway is misconfigured
Why it's wrong here
Gateway misconfiguration does not cause APIPA.
The DHCP server is unavailable
Why this is correct
APIPA is assigned when DHCP is not available.
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.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse APIPA with a DNS or gateway problem, but APIPA is a direct indicator of DHCP failure, not name resolution or routing issues.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
A faulty cable would show no connectivity.
Detailed technical explanation
APIPA is defined in RFC 3927 and uses a link-local address block (169.254.0.0/16) with automatic subnet mask 255.255.0.0. The client performs Duplicate Address Detection (DAD) via ARP probes before assigning the address to ensure no other host on the local link uses it. In enterprise environments, APIPA can be masked by DHCP failover or relay agents, so seeing a 169.254.x.x address often points to a Layer 2 isolation issue or DHCP server outage rather than a simple cable fault.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 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.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The DHCP server is unavailable — The IP address 169.254.1.5 falls within the Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) range (169.254.0.0/16), which Windows automatically assigns when a DHCP client fails to receive an IP lease from a DHCP server. This indicates that the DHCP server is either unreachable or not responding, making D the correct answer.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This FC0-U61 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 FC0-U61 exam.
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