- A
request system configuration rescue save
Why wrong: This saves the rescue configuration, not a backup of the active config to a custom file.
- B
save /var/tmp/backup.conf
The 'save' command in configuration mode writes the current configuration to the specified file.
- C
commit and-quit
Why wrong: This commits changes and exits configuration mode, but does not save to a file.
- D
show configuration | save /var/tmp/backup.conf
Why wrong: The 'show configuration' command outputs to terminal; pipe to save is not a standard Junos operation. 'save' is the correct command.
Question 429 of 514
Backing Up Junos Configuration to Local Flash
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of junos os fundamentals. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. A key principle to apply: active (running) configuration. 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 network operator needs to backup the current configuration to a file on the local flash. Which command accomplishes this?
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.
Quick Answer
The answer is the `save /var/tmp/backup.conf` command. This is correct because the `save` command, executed in operational mode, writes the current active configuration directly to a specified file path on the local flash storage, such as `/var/tmp/backup.conf`, without altering the candidate configuration or requiring a commit. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your understanding of configuration management versus file operations—a common trap is confusing `save` with `commit` or `show configuration`, where `commit` activates changes and `show` only displays output. The key distinction is that `save` creates a static backup file, making it ideal for disaster recovery. A useful memory tip: think of `save` as "snapshot and archive," not "stage and apply."
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
✓
save /var/tmp/backup.conf
Option D is correct because the `show configuration | save` command in operational mode saves the active (current) configuration to a file. This is the standard method for backing up the running configuration. Option B (`save /var/tmp/backup.conf`) is incorrect because `save` in configuration mode saves the candidate configuration, not the active configuration unless it has been committed and the candidate matches the active. Option A is used for rescue configuration, and Option C commits and exits without saving to a file.
Key principle: Active (running) configuration
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
request system configuration rescue save
Why it's wrong here
This saves the rescue configuration, not a backup of the active config to a custom file.
- ✓
save /var/tmp/backup.conf
Why this is correct
The 'save' command in configuration mode writes the current configuration to the specified file.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Active (running) configuration
- ✗
commit and-quit
Why it's wrong here
This commits changes and exits configuration mode, but does not save to a file.
- ✗
show configuration | save /var/tmp/backup.conf
Why it's wrong here
The 'show configuration' command outputs to terminal; pipe to save is not a standard Junos operation. 'save' is the correct command.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap is that candidates mistake the configuration-mode `save` command for saving the active configuration. In reality, `save` in configuration mode saves the candidate configuration, while `show configuration | save` in operational mode saves the active (running) configuration. The exam expects knowledge that the active configuration is saved via the pipe command in operational mode.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The 'show configuration' command outputs to terminal; pipe to save is not a standard Junos operation. 'save' is the correct command.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `save` command in Junos operational mode writes the current active configuration (the one loaded into the routing engine) to a specified file in ASCII format, which can be later loaded with `load override` or `load replace`. This is distinct from the `file copy` command, which copies files, or `request system configuration rescue save`, which stores a special rescue configuration that can be booted with `request system configuration rescue recover`. In real-world scenarios, operators often use `save` to create timestamped backups before major changes, allowing rollback without relying on the commit history.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Active (running) configuration
- Candidate configuration
- show configuration | save filename
- save filename (configuration mode)
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
Active (running) configuration
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the JNCIA-JUNOS 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. Active (running) configuration Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review active (running) configuration, then practise related JNCIA-JUNOS questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Junos OS Fundamentals — study guide chapter
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Junos OS Fundamentals practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this JNCIA-JUNOS question test?
Junos OS Fundamentals — This question tests Junos OS Fundamentals — Active (running) configuration.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: save /var/tmp/backup.conf — Option D is correct because the `show configuration | save` command in operational mode saves the active (current) configuration to a file. This is the standard method for backing up the running configuration. Option B (`save /var/tmp/backup.conf`) is incorrect because `save` in configuration mode saves the candidate configuration, not the active configuration unless it has been committed and the candidate matches the active. Option A is used for rescue configuration, and Option C commits and exits without saving to a file.
What should I do if I get this JNCIA-JUNOS question wrong?
Review active (running) configuration, then practise related JNCIA-JUNOS questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Active (running) configuration
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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