Quick Answer
The answer is the `execute backup config` command. This is the correct method to back up the full FortiGate configuration because it exports the entire running configuration—including all settings, objects, and policies—in a text format that can be saved to a TFTP or FTP server, ensuring a complete and restorable snapshot of the device state. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional exam, this command tests your understanding of administrative maintenance tasks; a common trap is confusing it with `execute backup full-config`, which is not a valid command, or with `execute backup config system`, which only backs up system settings. To remember it, think of the verb "execute" as the action trigger for all FortiGate administrative tasks, and "backup config" as the specific target for the full configuration. A useful memory tip: "Execute backup config" covers everything—if you need the whole FortiGate, use the whole phrase.
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 full FortiGate configuration including all settings and objects?
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.
execute backup config
This command backs up the full configuration.
execute backup full-config
Why wrong: The correct command is 'execute backup config'.
config backup tftp
Why wrong: This is not a valid command; the correct syntax is 'execute backup config tftp <filename> <server>'.
system backup configuration
Why wrong: This is not a valid CLI command; the correct command uses 'execute backup config'.
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
The 'execute backup config' command is the correct method to back up the full FortiGate configuration, including all settings and objects, to a TFTP or FTP server. This command exports the entire running configuration in a text format that can be restored later. It is the standard CLI command for a complete configuration backup.
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.
execute backup config
Why this is correct
This command backs up the full configuration.
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 full-config
Why it's wrong here
The correct command is 'execute backup config'.
config backup tftp
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid command; the correct syntax is 'execute backup config tftp <filename> <server>'.
system backup configuration
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid CLI command; the correct command uses 'execute backup config'.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the correct command with similar-sounding but invalid options like 'execute backup full-config' or 'config backup tftp', or assume a 'system' subcommand exists for backups, when FortiGate uses the 'execute' command structure for operational tasks.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The correct command is 'execute backup config'.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'execute backup config' command can be used with TFTP, FTP, or SCP to transfer the configuration file to a remote server. The backup file is a plain-text configuration script that can be edited and restored using 'execute restore config'. In high-availability (HA) clusters, backing up the configuration from the primary unit ensures all cluster settings are captured, including synchronization parameters.
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 — The 'execute backup config' command is the correct method to back up the full FortiGate configuration, including all settings and objects, to a TFTP or FTP server. This command exports the entire running configuration in a text format that can be restored later. It is the standard CLI command for a complete configuration backup.
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. Which command is used to back up the FortiGate configuration to a TFTP server?
easyWhy C: 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.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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