- A
ping 8.8.8.8
Why wrong: Ping tests basic connectivity to an IP address, not DNS configuration. It would succeed here, confirming the issue is DNS, not general connectivity.
- B
ipconfig /all
This command displays all network adapter details, including DNS server addresses. It is the correct tool to check if the laptop has a valid DNS server configured.
- C
nslookup www.example.com
Why wrong: Nslookup directly queries a DNS server for a domain. While useful for testing DNS resolution, it does not show the laptop's configured DNS servers unless you run it without arguments.
- D
tracert 8.8.8.8
Why wrong: Tracert traces the route to an IP address, which is unrelated to DNS configuration. It would not reveal the DNS server settings.
Question 503 of 1,020
220-1201 Networking Tools Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of networking tools. 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 customer reports that their new laptop can connect to websites using IP addresses but cannot resolve domain names like 'www.example.com'. Which networking tool should be used to verify the DNS server configuration on the laptop?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ipconfig /all
The ipconfig /all command displays the full TCP/IP configuration, including the DNS server addresses assigned to the laptop's network adapter. Since the user can reach websites by IP address but not by domain name, the issue is likely with DNS resolution; ipconfig /all allows verification of whether the DNS server is correctly configured or pointing to an unreachable server.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ping 8.8.8.8
Why it's wrong here
Ping tests basic connectivity to an IP address, not DNS configuration. It would succeed here, confirming the issue is DNS, not general connectivity.
- ✓
ipconfig /all
Why this is correct
This command displays all network adapter details, including DNS server addresses. It is the correct tool to check if the laptop has a valid DNS server configured.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
nslookup www.example.com
Why it's wrong here
Nslookup directly queries a DNS server for a domain. While useful for testing DNS resolution, it does not show the laptop's configured DNS servers unless you run it without arguments.
- ✗
tracert 8.8.8.8
Why it's wrong here
Tracert traces the route to an IP address, which is unrelated to DNS configuration. It would not reveal the DNS server settings.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between testing DNS resolution (nslookup) and verifying DNS configuration (ipconfig /all), trapping candidates who confuse the symptom-checking tool with the configuration-verification tool.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Nslookup directly queries a DNS server for a domain. While useful for testing DNS resolution, it does not show the laptop's configured DNS servers unless you run it without arguments.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The ipconfig /all command retrieves configuration from the DHCP client and the registry, showing the DNS servers in the order they are used by the resolver. On Windows, the DNS client service caches results and uses the first responsive server; if the configured DNS server is unreachable or non-responsive, the system may fall back to a secondary server, but ipconfig /all reveals the actual configured addresses. In a real-world scenario, a misconfigured DNS server (e.g., pointing to a stale internal server) can cause resolution failures even when IP connectivity is fine, making ipconfig /all the first diagnostic step.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 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.
Visual reference
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Networking Tools — This question tests Networking Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ipconfig /all — The ipconfig /all command displays the full TCP/IP configuration, including the DNS server addresses assigned to the laptop's network adapter. Since the user can reach websites by IP address but not by domain name, the issue is likely with DNS resolution; ipconfig /all allows verification of whether the DNS server is correctly configured or pointing to an unreachable server.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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