4.5. Sample Questions (Categorized by Domain)

Sample Question - Domain 5: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

A user reports that their Windows desktop computer is assigned an IP address of 169.254.45.120 and cannot access any network resources. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this issue?

A) The DNS server is offline. B) The computer cannot contact a DHCP server. C) The default gateway is configured incorrectly. D) The user's network cable is unplugged.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

• An IP address in the 169.254.x.x range is an APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) address. A Windows computer assigns itself an APIPA address when it is configured for DHCP but is unable to receive an IP address from a DHCP server on the network.
• A) A DNS failure would prevent name resolution but would not affect IP address assignment.
• C) An incorrect default gateway would prevent access to other networks (like the internet) but the computer would still have a valid IP from the DHCP server.
• D) While an unplugged cable would prevent contact with the DHCP server, the most direct and specific answer for why the computer has a 169.254.x.x address is the failure to contact the DHCP server.