Quick Answer
The answer is execute backup config tftp mybackup.conf 10.0.0.10. This command is correct because it follows the standard FortiOS CLI syntax for backing up the full configuration to a remote TFTP server: the verb "execute" initiates the action, "backup config tftp" specifies the protocol and target, the filename comes next, and the server IP ends the command. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional NSE4 exam, this question tests your ability to recall the precise order of arguments in the backup command—a common trap is reversing the filename and IP address or using "copy" instead of "execute". Remember that TFTP is a connectionless protocol, so the server must be reachable and the filename must be writable on the server's root directory. A helpful memory tip: think "Backup to TFTP: File first, then IP"—just like saying "send this file to that server."
This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of system and network administration. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
An administrator needs to back up the FortiGate configuration to a TFTP server at 10.0.0.10. Which command should be used?
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.
tftp -p -l mybackup.conf 10.0.0.10
Why wrong: This is a shell command, not a FortiGate CLI command.
execute backup config tftp mybackup.conf 10.0.0.10
This is the correct syntax for TFTP backup.
execute backup config ftp mybackup.conf 10.0.0.10
Why wrong: This backs up via FTP, not TFTP.
copy config tftp://10.0.0.10/mybackup.conf
Why wrong: There is no copy command for config backup.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
execute backup config tftp mybackup.conf 10.0.0.10
The correct command to back up a FortiGate configuration to a TFTP server is 'execute backup config tftp <filename> <server-ip>'. This is a standard FortiOS CLI command that uses TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) to transfer the configuration file to the specified server at 10.0.0.10. Option B matches this syntax exactly.
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.
tftp -p -l mybackup.conf 10.0.0.10
Why it's wrong here
This is a shell command, not a FortiGate CLI command.
execute backup config tftp mybackup.conf 10.0.0.10
Why this is correct
This is the correct syntax for TFTP backup.
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.
execute backup config ftp mybackup.conf 10.0.0.10
copy config tftp://10.0.0.10/mybackup.conf
Why it's wrong here
There is no copy command for config backup.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the FortiGate CLI syntax with a standard TFTP client command (Option A) or mistakenly use 'ftp' (Option C) instead of 'tftp', overlooking the specific protocol required by the server.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is a shell command, not a FortiGate CLI command.
Detailed technical explanation
TFTP uses UDP port 69 and lacks authentication or encryption, making it suitable only for trusted local networks. The 'execute backup config tftp' command in FortiOS automatically serializes the running configuration into a text file and sends it via TFTP; the filename must not include a path, as TFTP servers typically use their own root directory. In real-world scenarios, administrators often combine this with 'execute backup config usb' for offline storage or use SCP for encrypted transfers.
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 NSE4 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
System and Network Administration — This question tests System and Network Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: execute backup config tftp mybackup.conf 10.0.0.10 — The correct command to back up a FortiGate configuration to a TFTP server is 'execute backup config tftp <filename> <server-ip>'. This is a standard FortiOS CLI command that uses TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) to transfer the configuration file to the specified server at 10.0.0.10. Option B matches this syntax exactly.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An administrator needs to back up the full configuration of a FortiGate, including all system settings, policies, and objects. Which CLI command should be used?
easyWhy B: The correct command is 'execute backup config tftp <filename> <server>' because it explicitly triggers a full configuration backup (including system settings, policies, and objects) to a TFTP server. This is the standard FortiGate CLI command for exporting the entire running configuration to an external TFTP server, ensuring all configuration elements are captured.
Variation 2. An administrator needs to back up the FortiGate configuration to a remote server using SCP. Which command is correct?
easyWhy B: The correct command is 'execute backup config scp <server> <filename>' because SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is the only option listed that provides encrypted file transfer over SSH, which is required for securely backing up the FortiGate configuration to a remote server. FortiGate uses this CLI command to initiate an SCP session to the specified server and save the configuration file with the given filename.
Variation 3. An administrator needs to back up the FortiGate configuration to a remote server. Which protocol is supported for backup?
easyVariation 4. An administrator wants to back up the FortiGate configuration to a remote FTP server. Which command should be used?
mediumWhy D: Option D is correct because the `execute backup config ftp` command is the specific FortiGate CLI command designed to back up the configuration file to a remote FTP server. This command directly initiates an FTP transfer of the current system configuration, ensuring the backup is stored externally for disaster recovery.
Variation 5. An administrator wants to back up the FortiGate configuration to a TFTP server at 10.10.10.10. Which CLI command should be used?
mediumWhy A: The correct command to back up a FortiGate configuration to a TFTP server is 'execute backup config tftp <server-ip>'. This is because 'execute' is the FortiOS CLI keyword for initiating operational commands, and 'backup config tftp' specifies the action and protocol. The syntax is case-sensitive and must include the 'execute' prefix to be recognized by the FortiGate CLI.
Variation 6. A FortiGate administrator wants to ensure that all firewall policies are backed up before performing a firmware upgrade. Which backup method preserves the configuration in a format that can be restored to the same or different FortiGate model?
easyWhy C: Option C is correct because 'execute backup config tftp' saves the FortiGate configuration in a plain-text, human-readable format that can be restored to the same or a different FortiGate model. This command backs up only the configuration (not firmware or logs) and is model-agnostic, allowing restoration across different hardware platforms as long as the firmware version is compatible.
Variation 7. A FortiGate administrator needs to backup the configuration to a remote TFTP server. Which CLI command should be used?
easyWhy C: Option C is correct because the 'execute backup config tftp' command is the proper CLI syntax in FortiOS for backing up the current configuration to a remote TFTP server. This command triggers an immediate backup operation, and the filename and TFTP server IP are required parameters to specify the destination.
Variation 8. A FortiGate administrator needs to configure a backup and restore strategy for the FortiGate configuration. Which TWO statements are correct regarding configuration backup and restore?
mediumWhy A: Option A is correct because FortiGate configurations include interface-specific names (e.g., port1, port2, wan1) that may not exist on a different model. If the target FortiGate lacks those exact interface names, the restore process will fail due to mismatched interface references, preventing the configuration from being applied.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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