JN0-106 Junos Configuration Basics Practice Question
A network engineer needs to restore the factory-default configuration on a Junos device. Which command sequence is correct?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse 'load factory-default' with 'request system zeroize', thinking both achieve the same result, but 'zeroize' is a security wipe that destroys all data and requires a reboot, while 'load factory-default' is a configuration-only reset that is committed without rebooting.
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
✓
load factory-default and then commit
The correct command sequence to restore factory-default configuration on a Junos device is 'load factory-default' followed by 'commit'. The 'load factory-default' command replaces the current candidate configuration with the factory-default configuration, but it does not take effect until a 'commit' is issued. This ensures the device reverts to its original settings without affecting the currently running configuration until explicitly committed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
set system host-name factory-default
Why it's wrong here
The command `set system host-name factory-default` only assigns the literal string "factory-default" to the `system host-name` hierarchy in the candidate configuration. It modifies nothing else—interfaces, routing, security, and all other stanzas remain unchanged. Even after a commit, the device retains its full existing configuration, so this cannot restore the factory baseline.
- ✗
request system zeroize
Why it's wrong here
`request system zeroize` is a highly destructive operational command used for secure decommissioning, as it erases all configuration files, logs, secret keys, and user data before rebooting or powering off. Although it ultimately returns the device to a blank state, it is far more aggressive than a simple factory-default reload and is not the standard workflow for flattening the configuration. Junos treats zeroize as a security wipe, not as a routine method for loading the built-in factory-default file.
- ✓
load factory-default and then commit
Why this is correct
`load factory-default` loads the vendor-provided factory-default configuration file into the candidate configuration, replacing all existing candidate settings. The subsequent `commit` promotes that candidate to the active (committed) configuration, thereby returning the device to its out-of-box state without erasing logs or other non-configuration files. This is the standard, supported procedure for restoring factory defaults on a Junos device.
- ✗
delete configuration and reboot
Why it's wrong here
Junos does not offer a single `delete configuration` command; an operator would need to remove every configuration hierarchy manually, which is time-consuming, error-prone, and can leave orphaned or inconsistent settings. Rebooting alone merely reloads the currently committed configuration—if that configuration is non-default, the device boots with the same non-default settings. Even after deleting parts of the configuration, a reboot may fail because critical parameters such as management interfaces or authentication are missing.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This JN0-106 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Juniper Networks certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the JN0-106 exam.