Quick Answer
The answer is the `show system configuration lock` command. This is correct because when a Junos device refuses configuration changes, it often means the configuration database is locked by another session, such as an active `configure exclusive` or a stalled `configure private` session. The `show system configuration lock` command directly queries the lock manager and returns the session ID, username, and timestamp of the lock holder, giving you the exact information needed to identify the blocking session. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this command tests your understanding of Junos operational mode troubleshooting and the difference between exclusive and private configuration locks. A common trap is confusing this with `show configuration` or `show system users`, which show active logins but not database locks. Remember the memory tip: "Lock it down, show the lock" — if changes won't stick, check the lock first with `show system configuration lock`.
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of operational monitoring and maintenance. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 network engineer notices that the device is not accepting any configuration changes. The engineer suspects the configuration database is locked. Which command can be used to confirm if the configuration is locked and by which session?
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.
show system rollback compare
Why wrong: Compares rollback files, not lock.
show system commit
Why wrong: Shows commit history.
show system configuration lock
Shows configuration lock information.
show system database
Why wrong: Not a valid command.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
show system configuration lock
Option C is correct because the 'show system configuration lock' command displays information about any current configuration database locks, including the session ID, user, and time the lock was acquired. This directly confirms whether the configuration is locked and by which session, allowing the engineer to identify the blocking session.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
show system rollback compare
Why it's wrong here
Compares rollback files, not lock.
show system commit
Why it's wrong here
Shows commit history.
show system configuration lock
Why this is correct
Shows configuration lock information.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show system database
Why it's wrong here
Not a valid command.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse 'show system configuration lock' with other 'show system' commands like 'show system commit' or 'show system rollback', which serve different purposes and do not reveal lock information.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows commit history.
Detailed technical explanation
Junos uses a configuration database lock mechanism to prevent multiple users or sessions from making conflicting changes simultaneously. When a user enters configuration mode (e.g., via 'configure'), a lock is automatically acquired on the candidate configuration; the 'show system configuration lock' command reveals the lock owner, which is critical in multi-administrator environments where one session may hold the lock indefinitely, blocking others.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Operational Monitoring and Maintenance — This question tests Operational Monitoring and Maintenance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show system configuration lock — Option C is correct because the 'show system configuration lock' command displays information about any current configuration database locks, including the session ID, user, and time the lock was acquired. This directly confirms whether the configuration is locked and by which session, allowing the engineer to identify the blocking session.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This JNCIA-JUNOS 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 JNCIA-JUNOS exam.
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