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.
Which command is used to back up the FortiGate configuration to a TFTP server?
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.
save config tftp <filename> <server_ip>
Why wrong: Not a valid command.
backup tftp config <filename> <server_ip>
Why wrong: Incorrect syntax.
execute backup config tftp <filename> <server_ip>
Correct CLI command.
copy config tftp <filename> <server_ip>
Why wrong: Not a valid FortiGate command.
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 <filename> <server_ip>
The correct command to back up the FortiGate configuration to a TFTP server is 'execute backup config tftp <filename> <server_ip>'. This is because FortiGate uses the 'execute' command for operational tasks, and 'backup config tftp' specifically instructs the system to export the running configuration to a TFTP server. The other options use incorrect syntax or commands that are not recognized by the FortiGate CLI.
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.
save config tftp <filename> <server_ip>
Why it's wrong here
Not a valid command.
backup tftp config <filename> <server_ip>
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect syntax.
execute backup config tftp <filename> <server_ip>
Why this is correct
Correct CLI command.
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.
copy config tftp <filename> <server_ip>
Why it's wrong here
Not a valid FortiGate command.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates familiar with Cisco IOS may mistakenly choose 'copy config tftp' (Option D), which is valid for Cisco but not for FortiGate, where the correct syntax requires 'execute backup config tftp'.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Not a valid command.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'execute backup config tftp' command triggers the FortiGate to serialize its current configuration (stored in the config database) into a text file and send it via TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol, UDP port 69) to the specified server. This is distinct from a full system backup, which would include firmware and logs. In a real-world scenario, this command is often used for rapid configuration recovery or migration, but note that TFTP lacks authentication or encryption, so it should only be used on trusted networks.
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
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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 <filename> <server_ip> — The correct command to back up the FortiGate configuration to a TFTP server is 'execute backup config tftp <filename> <server_ip>'. This is because FortiGate uses the 'execute' command for operational tasks, and 'backup config tftp' specifically instructs the system to export the running configuration to a TFTP server. The other options use incorrect syntax or commands that are not recognized by the FortiGate CLI.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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