Quick Answer
The answer is the `file copy /config/juniper.conf.gz /var/tmp/backup.conf` command. This is correct because the active configuration on a Junos device is stored as the file `/config/juniper.conf.gz`, and the `file copy` command allows you to duplicate that file to any user-specified destination, effectively saving the active configuration under a different name without using the rescue configuration mechanism. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your understanding that the rescue configuration is a special, dedicated backup loaded via `rollback rescue`, whereas a general-purpose save to an arbitrary filename requires a direct file copy. A common trap is confusing `save` or `commit` commands with file operations; remember that `file copy` is the only way to create a uniquely named snapshot of the running config. Memory tip: think of it as “copy the config file, not the rescue slot”—if you need a custom filename, you must copy the `.conf.gz` file itself.
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.
Which command saves the active configuration to a file name other than the default rescue configuration?
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.
request system configuration rescue save
Why wrong: This saves the rescue configuration, not a custom filename.
save configuration to file
Why wrong: Not a valid Junos command.
commit and-quit
Why wrong: Does not exist; commit and exit are separate commands.
file copy /config/juniper.conf.gz /var/tmp/backup.conf
Copies the active configuration file to a specified destination.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
file copy /config/juniper.conf.gz /var/tmp/backup.conf
Option D is correct because the `file copy` command copies the active configuration file (`/config/juniper.conf.gz`) to a user-specified destination, such as `/var/tmp/backup.conf`, effectively saving the active configuration under a different filename. The rescue configuration is a special saved configuration that can be loaded with `rollback rescue`, but the question asks for saving to a file name other than the default rescue configuration, which is achieved by copying the active configuration file directly.
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.
request system configuration rescue save
Why it's wrong here
This saves the rescue configuration, not a custom filename.
save configuration to file
Why it's wrong here
Not a valid Junos command.
commit and-quit
Why it's wrong here
Does not exist; commit and exit are separate commands.
file copy /config/juniper.conf.gz /var/tmp/backup.conf
Why this is correct
Copies the active configuration file to a specified destination.
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.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the `save` command (which is valid in configuration mode and saves to a specified file) with the incorrect `save configuration to file` option, or they may think `request system configuration rescue save` allows a custom filename, when in fact it always uses the rescue configuration filename.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Not a valid Junos command.
Detailed technical explanation
The active configuration on Junos is stored in `/config/juniper.conf.gz` (or `/config/juniper.conf` if not compressed). The `file copy` command operates at the shell level, allowing direct manipulation of the filesystem, which is useful for creating manual backups or snapshots of the configuration without using the `save` command in configuration mode. In real-world scenarios, this method is often used in scripts or automated backups to preserve a point-in-time copy of the running configuration before making changes.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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
Junos Configuration Basics — This question tests Junos Configuration Basics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: file copy /config/juniper.conf.gz /var/tmp/backup.conf — Option D is correct because the `file copy` command copies the active configuration file (`/config/juniper.conf.gz`) to a user-specified destination, such as `/var/tmp/backup.conf`, effectively saving the active configuration under a different filename. The rescue configuration is a special saved configuration that can be loaded with `rollback rescue`, but the question asks for saving to a file name other than the default rescue configuration, which is achieved by copying the active configuration file directly.
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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