- A
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP is used for web browsing, which works here, so it is not the problem.
- B
NetBIOS
NetBIOS resolves hostnames to IP addresses in local networks; its failure explains why hostnames fail but IPs work.
- C
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP assigns IP addresses; since the user can browse the internet, IP configuration is likely correct.
- D
ARP
Why wrong: ARP resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses at layer 2; it would affect all traffic, not just hostname resolution.
Question 511 of 1,020
NetBIOS Name Resolution Failure: Troubleshooting for CompTIA A+ 220-1201
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. 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 user complains that they can browse the internet but cannot access network shares on a file server by hostname, though they can access them by IP address. The DNS server is responding to queries for other domains. Which protocol is most likely malfunctioning?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Quick Answer
The answer is NetBIOS, as the ability to access network shares by IP address but not by hostname points directly to a NetBIOS name resolution failure. When DNS is working for other domains, the breakdown is in the local Windows network protocol that maps computer names to IP addresses—NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NBT). On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Windows resolves names in a local area network versus the internet; a common trap is to blame DNS when the issue is actually with the older, broadcast-based NetBIOS or its successor LLMNR. Remember that if internet browsing works but local hostname access fails, think “local name resolution,” and a quick memory tip is “NetBIOS for local shares, DNS for everywhere else.”
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
✓
NetBIOS
The user can access network shares by IP address but not by hostname, which indicates a name resolution failure specific to NetBIOS. NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NBT) is responsible for resolving NetBIOS names (used for file and printer sharing on Windows networks) to IP addresses. Since DNS works for other domains but not for the file server's hostname, the issue is likely with NetBIOS name resolution, not DNS.
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.
- ✗
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is used for web browsing, which works here, so it is not the problem.
- ✓
NetBIOS
Why this is correct
NetBIOS resolves hostnames to IP addresses in local networks; its failure explains why hostnames fail but IPs work.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP assigns IP addresses; since the user can browse the internet, IP configuration is likely correct.
- ✗
ARP
Why it's wrong here
ARP resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses at layer 2; it would affect all traffic, not just hostname resolution.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume DNS is the only name resolution protocol and overlook NetBIOS, which is specifically used for legacy Windows file sharing and can fail independently of DNS.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NetBIOS name resolution uses broadcasts (UDP port 137) or a WINS server to map NetBIOS names (e.g., \\FILESERVER) to IP addresses. In a Windows environment, if DNS fails to resolve a hostname, the system may fall back to NetBIOS; if NetBIOS is disabled or misconfigured (e.g., no WINS server and broadcasts blocked by a firewall), hostname resolution fails while IP-based access works. This scenario is common in mixed IPv4/IPv6 networks where link-local multicast name resolution (LLMNR) may also be involved.
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?
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: NetBIOS — The user can access network shares by IP address but not by hostname, which indicates a name resolution failure specific to NetBIOS. NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NBT) is responsible for resolving NetBIOS names (used for file and printer sharing on Windows networks) to IP addresses. Since DNS works for other domains but not for the file server's hostname, the issue is likely with NetBIOS name resolution, not DNS.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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