Quick Answer
The answer is the command sequence `request system configuration rescue save`. This is the correct command because it explicitly instructs Junos to take a snapshot of the currently active configuration and store it as a dedicated rescue configuration file, typically named `rescue.conf.gz`. Unlike a standard commit, which overwrites the previous active configuration, the rescue configuration is preserved in a separate, protected location, ensuring it remains available even if the device becomes unreachable or the main configuration becomes corrupted. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this topic tests your understanding of operational recovery procedures and the distinction between saving a configuration versus committing it. A common trap is confusing this with `commit` or `save` commands, which do not create a persistent rescue file. To remember it, think of the rescue configuration as a "lifeboat" that you launch with `request system configuration rescue save` and later board using `request system configuration rescue recover`.
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of junos configuration basics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
An administrator wants to save the current configuration as a rescue configuration. Which command sequence is correct?
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.
copy configuration rescue
Why wrong: 'copy configuration rescue' is not a standard Junos command.
request system configuration rescue save
This command saves the current active configuration as the rescue configuration.
save rescue-config
Why wrong: 'save rescue-config' is not a valid command.
commit rescue
Why wrong: 'commit rescue' is 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
request system configuration rescue save
The correct command sequence to save the current configuration as a rescue configuration in Junos is 'request system configuration rescue save'. This command stores a copy of the active configuration as a rescue configuration, which can be loaded later using 'request system configuration rescue recover' if the device becomes unreachable or the configuration is corrupted. The rescue configuration is stored in a special file (rescue.conf.gz) and is not overwritten by normal commits.
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.
copy configuration rescue
Why it's wrong here
'copy configuration rescue' is not a standard Junos command.
request system configuration rescue save
Why this is correct
This command saves the current active configuration as the rescue configuration.
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.
save rescue-config
Why it's wrong here
'save rescue-config' is not a valid command.
commit rescue
Why it's wrong here
'commit rescue' is not a valid command.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the rescue configuration with a normal configuration backup or commit operation, leading them to choose 'copy configuration rescue' or 'commit rescue' instead of the correct 'request system configuration rescue save' command.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
'copy configuration rescue' is not a standard Junos command.
Detailed technical explanation
The rescue configuration is stored in a separate file (e.g., /config/rescue.conf.gz) and is not part of the normal candidate or active configuration hierarchy. It is particularly useful in scenarios where a device loses connectivity due to a faulty configuration, as the rescue configuration can be loaded from the boot loader or via the 'request system configuration rescue recover' command. The rescue configuration is preserved across reboots and is not affected by 'commit' or 'rollback' operations, providing a safety net for remote devices.
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.
Junos Configuration Basics — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Junos Configuration Basics — This question tests Junos Configuration Basics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: request system configuration rescue save — The correct command sequence to save the current configuration as a rescue configuration in Junos is 'request system configuration rescue save'. This command stores a copy of the active configuration as a rescue configuration, which can be loaded later using 'request system configuration rescue recover' if the device becomes unreachable or the configuration is corrupted. The rescue configuration is stored in a special file (rescue.conf.gz) and is not overwritten by normal commits.
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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