Quick Answer
The correct answer is to use the 'load config from' command via CLI to restore from the most recent saved config. This is the proper recovery method because when a Palo Alto firewall boots but fails to load the last committed configuration, it still retains saved configuration files in its filesystem; the 'load config from' command loads a chosen saved configuration into the running configuration without altering the startup configuration, allowing you to test the config before making it persistent with a commit. On the PCNSA exam, this scenario tests your understanding of configuration recovery and the distinction between running, candidate, and startup configurations—a common trap is confusing this with a factory reset or using 'load config from' on the startup config directly. Remember the memory tip: "Load from file, then commit to make it stick."
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of device management and services. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 firewall administrator notices that after a power outage, the firewall boots up but fails to load the last committed configuration. What should the administrator do to recover the configuration?
Perform a factory reset
Why wrong: Would erase all configuration.
Load a config file from the previous backup
Why wrong: Might load an older backup, not necessarily the last committed config.
Reinstall the PAN-OS image
Why wrong: Too extreme; configuration may be recovered without reinstall.
Use the 'load config from' command via CLI to restore from the most recent saved config
Direct method to load a saved configuration file.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use the 'load config from' command via CLI to restore from the most recent saved config
Option D is correct because the 'load config from' CLI command allows the administrator to load a previously saved configuration file (e.g., from the most recent backup) into the running configuration without affecting the startup configuration. After loading, the administrator must commit the configuration to make it persistent. This is the standard recovery method when the last committed configuration fails to load after a reboot, as the firewall retains saved configuration files in its filesystem.
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.
Perform a factory reset
Why it's wrong here
Would erase all configuration.
Load a config file from the previous backup
Why it's wrong here
Might load an older backup, not necessarily the last committed config.
Reinstall the PAN-OS image
Why it's wrong here
Too extreme; configuration may be recovered without reinstall.
Use the 'load config from' command via CLI to restore from the most recent saved config
Why this is correct
Direct method to load a saved configuration file.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the 'load config from' command with a factory reset or OS reinstall, assuming a corrupted boot requires a full system restore, when in fact the configuration files are often still accessible and can be reloaded via CLI.
Detailed technical explanation
When a Palo Alto Networks firewall boots, it attempts to load the last committed configuration from the 'config.xml' file in the startup partition. If this file is corrupted or missing (e.g., due to a power outage during a write operation), the firewall may boot with a default or minimal configuration. The 'load config from' command can reference files stored in the 'config' directory (e.g., 'load config from config.xml' or a timestamped backup like 'config-20231001.xml'), and after loading, a 'commit' writes the configuration to the startup partition. Administrators should regularly back up configurations via 'save config to' to ensure recoverability.
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 PCNSA 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
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FAQ
Device Management and Services — This question tests Device Management and Services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Use the 'load config from' command via CLI to restore from the most recent saved config — Option D is correct because the 'load config from' CLI command allows the administrator to load a previously saved configuration file (e.g., from the most recent backup) into the running configuration without affecting the startup configuration. After loading, the administrator must commit the configuration to make it persistent. This is the standard recovery method when the last committed configuration fails to load after a reboot, as the firewall retains saved configuration files in its filesystem.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This PCNSA practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto 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 PCNSA exam.
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