Quick Answer
The answer is the `diagnose sys ha reset-uptime` command. This command forces a failover by resetting the HA uptime counter on the unit where it is executed, which triggers a recalculation of the cluster’s priority values. Since FortiGate HA uses uptime as a tiebreaker when priority is equal, resetting the uptime on the secondary unit makes it appear to have a lower uptime, allowing the true primary to reclaim its role and resolving the split-brain condition where both units incorrectly report as primary. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this question tests your understanding of HA troubleshooting and the absence of a direct `execute ha failover` command—a common trap is assuming such a command exists. Remember the memory tip: “Reset the clock, not the box” to recall that `reset-uptime` is the non-disruptive way to force a failover without rebooting.
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and diagnostics. 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.
An administrator is troubleshooting a split-brain situation in an HA cluster. They run 'get system ha status' and see that both FortiGates report themselves as primary. Which command should they run to force the secondary unit to take over as primary?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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 ha failover
Why wrong: This command does not exist.
reboot the primary unit
Why wrong: This would work but is disruptive and not a command to force failover without reboot.
diagnose sys ha reset-uptime
Resets the uptime, which can trigger a priority re-evaluation and failover.
diagnose sys ha stop
Why wrong: Stops HA on the unit, not failover.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
diagnose sys ha reset-uptime
Option D is correct. The 'diagnose sys ha reset-uptime' command resets the HA uptime on the unit, causing it to recalculate priority. If the other unit has a higher priority, this can force a failover. Alternatively, 'execute ha failover' is not a valid command. The correct command to force a failover is 'execute ha failover set'? Actually, FortiGate does not have a direct failover command. The standard method is to reboot the primary or use 'diagnose sys ha reset-uptime'. Option D is the most appropriate.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
execute ha failover
Why it's wrong here
This command does not exist.
reboot the primary unit
Why it's wrong here
This would work but is disruptive and not a command to force failover without reboot.
diagnose sys ha reset-uptime
Why this is correct
Resets the uptime, which can trigger a priority re-evaluation and failover.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "primary", "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
diagnose sys ha stop
Why it's wrong here
Stops HA on the unit, not failover.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command does not exist.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related NSE7 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics — This question tests Troubleshooting and Diagnostics — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: diagnose sys ha reset-uptime — Option D is correct. The 'diagnose sys ha reset-uptime' command resets the HA uptime on the unit, causing it to recalculate priority. If the other unit has a higher priority, this can force a failover. Alternatively, 'execute ha failover' is not a valid command. The correct command to force a failover is 'execute ha failover set'? Actually, FortiGate does not have a direct failover command. The standard method is to reboot the primary or use 'diagnose sys ha reset-uptime'. Option D is the most appropriate.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related NSE7 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Yes — watch for: "primary", "which command". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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