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Windows Network Troubleshooting Lab: ipconfig and ping
A PC has “no internet”. Use ipconfig, ping and the DNS cache to find a missing DHCP address and a stale name, and fix both.
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Windows command line · Beginner · About 10 minutes
The scenario
A user in accounts says her PC “has no internet” since she moved desks. The cable is plugged in and the link light is on. You’re at her PC with an administrator Command Prompt open.
Work from the bottom up: does the PC have an address, can it reach its gateway, and can it find the file server by name?
A practice Windows Command Prompt that runs in your browser. It understands real commands, and nothing you type can break anything.
Your tasks
0 of 5 doneCheck the PC’s IP configuration. (not done yet)
Release the address and ask the DHCP server for a new one. (not done yet)
Ping the default gateway, 192.168.1.1, to confirm the PC is on the network. (not done yet)
Ping fileserver by name. It times out although the server is up: the PC has an old address for it cached. Clear the DNS cache. (not done yet)
Ping fileserver again to confirm it answers. (not done yet)
Administrator: Command PromptPractice terminal · simulated
Practice Command Prompt: real commands on a simulated Windows PC. Type help to see what it knows.
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About this lab
What you’ll practice, and where it’s tested
What you’ll practice
- Reading ipconfig and spotting a 169.254 address
- Releasing and renewing a DHCP lease
- Testing with ping, by address and by name
- Clearing the DNS cache with ipconfig /flushdns
Exams it helps with
- CompTIA A+ Core 2Domain: Operating Systems
- CompTIA A+ Core 1Domain: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
- CompTIA Network+Domain: Network Troubleshooting
Free performance-based questions: A+ Core 2, A+ Core 1, Network+
Walkthrough
One way to complete the lab, with the reason for each step. Try it yourself first.
Show the worked solution
- 1Look at the address: 169.254.83.12 is an automatic private address, so DHCP didn’t answer.
ipconfig - 2Give the address back.
ipconfig /release - 3Ask for a new one.
ipconfig /renew - 4Test the gateway.
ping 192.168.1.1 - 5Test the file server by name: it goes to an old address and times out.
ping fileserver - 6Clear the cached answers.
ipconfig /flushdns - 7Test again.
ping fileserver
Guide
How to get the most from a lab
Type the commands yourself
Typing a command, getting it wrong and fixing it is what makes it stick. Use the hints when you’re stuck, not before.
Check the walkthrough afterwards
Every lab has a worked solution with the reason for each step. Read it even when you finished: there is often a shorter way.
Do it again from memory
Reset the lab a day later and do it without hints. If you can, you know it. If you can’t, you’ve found what to study.
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FAQs
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Is this a real Windows PC?
No. It’s a practice Command Prompt that runs in your browser. It understands the real commands the lab needs and answers the way Windows would. It isn’t a full operating system: nothing is installed, and nothing you type can break anything.
Which commands does the practice Command Prompt understand?
The ones on the A+ objectives and a technician’s daily list: ipconfig, ping, tracert, nslookup, netstat, net user, net localgroup, tasklist, taskkill, sfc, DISM, chkdsk, gpupdate, dir, cd, md, copy, move and del. Type help for the full list. PowerShell cmdlets aren’t included.
Which exams does this lab help with?
It practices skills from CompTIA A+ Core 2 (Operating Systems), CompTIA A+ Core 1 (Hardware and Network Troubleshooting) and CompTIA Network+ (Network Troubleshooting).
Do I need an account?
No. The labs run in your browser and nothing is saved. Sign up only if you want OpenpassAI’s full labs and progress tracking.
