This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of operate running systems. 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 junior administrator configured a new network interface (ens224) with a static IP address using a configuration file in /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-ens224. After restarting the network service, the interface comes up but does not get the IP address. The administrator runs 'ip addr show ens224' and sees no IP address assigned. The interface is listed as DOWN. The administrator then runs 'ifup ens224' manually, which succeeds, and the IP address appears. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The ONBOOT directive is set to no in the ifcfg file.
Option A is correct. The ONBOOT directive controls whether the interface is brought up automatically at boot or upon network service restart. Setting ONBOOT=no prevents automatic activation, but manual ifup works because the configuration is otherwise correct. Option B is less likely because the network service was restarted, and if ONBOOT=yes, it would have activated the interface. Option C would cause a different error (interface not found). Option D could cause issues, but if NetworkManager is managing the interface, manual ifup might not work as expected, or the configuration would be ignored.
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.
✓
The ONBOOT directive is set to no in the ifcfg file.
Why this is correct
When ONBOOT=no, the interface is not activated automatically; manual ifup works because the config is valid.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The network service is not enabled to start at boot.
Why it's wrong here
The service was restarted, so enablement is not the issue.
✗
The interface name does not match the device file.
Why it's wrong here
If names mismatched, manual ifup would also fail.
✗
There is a conflict with NetworkManager managing the interface.
Why it's wrong here
If NetworkManager controlled the interface, manual ifup might be overridden, but the symptom is consistent with ONBOOT.
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.
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 EX200 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 EX200 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.
Operate running systems — This question tests Operate running systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The ONBOOT directive is set to no in the ifcfg file. — Option A is correct. The ONBOOT directive controls whether the interface is brought up automatically at boot or upon network service restart. Setting ONBOOT=no prevents automatic activation, but manual ifup works because the configuration is otherwise correct. Option B is less likely because the network service was restarted, and if ONBOOT=yes, it would have activated the interface. Option C would cause a different error (interface not found). Option D could cause issues, but if NetworkManager is managing the interface, manual ifup might not work as expected, or the configuration would be ignored.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Identify which EX200 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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