- A
Power cycle the device, interrupt the boot process by pressing the space bar when prompted, select the recovery option (option 2) from the boot menu, set the new root password and reboot.
This is the correct order because root password recovery requires physical access to the console: power cycling to restart, interrupting the boot loader to access options, selecting recovery to boot into single-user mode, and then changing the password before rebooting.
- B
Power cycle the device, press Ctrl+C during Junos kernel load to enter the boot loader, type 'boot -s' at the loader prompt, then set the new root password and reboot.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because pressing Ctrl+C during kernel load does not reliably enter the boot loader; the correct method is to press the space bar when the 'Hit [Space] to halt boot' message appears. Also, 'boot -s' is not the standard boot loader command for Junos.
- C
Connect via SSH, run 'request system root-authentication plain-text-password', enter the new password, then reboot the device.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the root password cannot be reset remotely if forgotten; physical console access is required. The command 'request system root-authentication' changes the password only when you already have root access, which is not the case here.
- D
Boot the device normally, log in with any credentials, use 'cli' to enter CLI mode, run 'set system root-authentication plain-text-password', then reboot.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because if the root password is lost, normal login is not possible. The recovery process must start from a boot interruption, not from a normal boot sequence.
How to Reset Root Password on Junos via Console
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of routing fundamentals. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Order the steps to reset the root password on a Junos device via the console.
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
Power cycle the device, interrupt the boot process by pressing the space bar when prompted, select the recovery option (option 2) from the boot menu, set the new root password and reboot.
Root password recovery requires boot interruption and selecting the recovery option from the boot menu.
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.
- ✓
Power cycle the device, interrupt the boot process by pressing the space bar when prompted, select the recovery option (option 2) from the boot menu, set the new root password and reboot.
Why this is correct
This is the correct order because root password recovery requires physical access to the console: power cycling to restart, interrupting the boot loader to access options, selecting recovery to boot into single-user mode, and then changing the password before rebooting.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Power cycle the device, press Ctrl+C during Junos kernel load to enter the boot loader, type 'boot -s' at the loader prompt, then set the new root password and reboot.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because pressing Ctrl+C during kernel load does not reliably enter the boot loader; the correct method is to press the space bar when the 'Hit [Space] to halt boot' message appears. Also, 'boot -s' is not the standard boot loader command for Junos.
- ✗
Connect via SSH, run 'request system root-authentication plain-text-password', enter the new password, then reboot the device.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the root password cannot be reset remotely if forgotten; physical console access is required. The command 'request system root-authentication' changes the password only when you already have root access, which is not the case here.
- ✗
Boot the device normally, log in with any credentials, use 'cli' to enter CLI mode, run 'set system root-authentication plain-text-password', then reboot.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because if the root password is lost, normal login is not possible. The recovery process must start from a boot interruption, not from a normal boot sequence.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is incorrect because pressing Ctrl+C during kernel load does not reliably enter the boot loader; the correct method is to press the space bar when the 'Hit [Space] to halt boot' message appears. Also, 'boot -s' is not the standard boot loader command for Junos.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 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. 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which JNCIA-JUNOS exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this JNCIA-JUNOS question test?
Routing Fundamentals — This question tests Routing Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Power cycle the device, interrupt the boot process by pressing the space bar when prompted, select the recovery option (option 2) from the boot menu, set the new root password and reboot. — Root password recovery requires boot interruption and selecting the recovery option from the boot menu.
What should I do if I get this JNCIA-JUNOS question wrong?
Identify which JNCIA-JUNOS exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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