Top 60 Microsoft Windows Server Administrator Interview Questions

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Windows Server Administration is responsible for determining the operating systems. The administrator should be accountable for ensuring that the installation is flawless and that it is operational. He/she must work on applying for the current OS for any updates. There are fewer persons who are proficient in administration. This technology is in high demand in the commercial world. This technique has a wide range of possibilities. You will almost certainly get the work if you have a good understanding of how the approach is carried out. So, to help you ace the interview, we’ve put up a list of interview questions and answers.

1. Explain (MCSA) Microsoft Certified Solution Associate.

MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solution Associate) is a certification programme created by Microsoft to help you develop your talents and skills in a variety of technologies.

2. Define Tree.

Tree is a hierarchical adjustment of windows Domain that share a contiguous name space.

3. What do you understand by Windows Server?

Window server is a set of server operating system generated by Microsoft Corporation.

4. In the connection of the Registry, how do you explain “tattooing”?

“Tattooing” the registry implies that consumers can modify and observe the preference of the consumers that are not put away in the preserved commanded Registry portions. Irrespective of the assembly procedure is relocated or modified, the preference of the customer will currently be deposited in the registry.

5. Define Domain.

Active Directory Domain Assistance is Microsoft’s Directory Server. It presents authentication and authorization devices as well as a structure within which other relevant services can extend.

6. Describe an Active Directory.

Active Directory is an association of the inventory in a library to collect objects like customer profiles, computers, etc. It adequately manages the structure through Domain Controllers that prepare in many zones with the database of the Active Directory.

7. Explain the Primary, Secondary and Stub zone.

In windows DNS server,

  • Primary Zone: In the primary zone, the file is stored as a normal text file with filename (.dns).
  • Secondary Zone: It manages a read-only copy of the zone database on the different DNS servers.  Also, it serves as a backup server to the primary server by giving fault tolerance and load balancing
  • Stub Zone: It includes a copy of the name server and SOA records which is utilized for decreasing the DNS search orders.
8. What do you understand by Forest?

Forest includes multiple Domains trees. The Domain trees in a forest do not produce an abutting namespace despite share a simple schema and (GC) global catalog.

9. What is the principal aim of the MCSA Windows Server 2012?

The MCSA Windows Server 2012 exam demonstrates someone’s knowledge of Windows Server 2012. In addition, this qualification distinguishes you in your knowledge of computer networks and system management.

10. Explain group policy.

Network administrators can apply group policy to check the working conditions of users and computer accounts in the active directory. Also, it gives a convenient place for administrators to maintain and configure applications, operating systems, and user settings. If we practice it correctly it allows you to improve the protection of user’s computers and assist them to protect against both insider and external warnings. 

11. Differentiate between a computer method and a thread.

Computer Process– A process is a computer program that executes regularly by a computer, that can administer various programs on a computer at an equivalent time.

Thread– A thread includes many executable plans that cooperate as a solitary process. For example, a thread might transmit a notification failure to the customer; an option might engage with the signals of error however the third thread may complete the primary action.

12. What does the Windows Server 2008 present?

The MCSA Windows Server 2008 will give you a way to exceed your in-depth understanding of Server administration, network infrastructure, and active directory configuration.

13. How to monitor which server supports which role?

Netdom query FSMO.

14. Explain IntelliMirror.

IntelliMirror serves to arrange desktop settings, applications, and saved files for users particularly for those users who transfer between workstations or those who work offline.

15. Define Active Directory Partitions.

It defines how and where the AD information logically stored.

16. What makes MCSA SQL Server more efficient?

Verifies and assesses your database skills and knowledge, as well as provides techniques for developing significant database mission solutions. By earning this certification, you will be able to further your career as a database developer or database analyst in top MNCs.

17. What all are the Active Directory Partitions?
  • Schema
  • Domain
  • Configuration
  • Application partition
18. Why is it stated that we must reestablish a dc that was strengthened for 9 months Ago?

We can encounter problems because of lingering things as when we are recovering backup data the active directory usually needs that the backup file must not be more than 180 days old. 

19. Define Domain Controller.

The domain controller is one of the crucial servers composed by Microsoft. It is a computer server that is accountable for reacting to security authentication applications within a Windows domain. This also refers to as a centerpiece of the Windows Active Directory service.

20. Explain authorizing DHCP Servers in Active Directory.

A DHCP server is practiced to operate in an Active Directory domain and it must first be approved to Active directory.

21. How can one configure Active Directory Partitions?

One can configure the Application partition manually to practice with the AD integrated applications.

22. Explain OU.

OU stands for Organizational Units, which is the subpart in the Active Directory. In this section, we can set various inputs including computers, groups, users, and other organizational factors. Every domain in any directory can generate its own authority of organizational units.

23. How should one take Active Directory backup?

System state backup will back up the Active Directory, NTbackup can utilize to backup the active directory.

24. Name the flexible single master operations (FSMO) functions by the Windows Server.

Some roles of FSMO are:

  • Infrastructure Master
  • Domain Naming Master
  • PDC
  • RID Master
  • Schema Master

25. Define Schema.

Schema is principally used to define the attributes, classes, rules, and articles in the Active Directory. As it represents all the elements in the Active directory it is recognized as an essential perspective in MCSAs Active Directory.

26. What do you understand by GPC?

GPC stands for Group Policy Container. GPC is one of the Active Directory Containers. This is created to save all the GPC attributes consisting of a list of other element settings, GPC status, and version information.

27. What are the types of Active Directory Restores?
  • Authoritative restore
  • Non-authoritative restore
28. When MSI file is not possible, how can one install an app?

To include the application utilizing the Software Installer. ZAP text files can be practiced rather than the windows installer.

29. How to perform Non-authoritative Restore?

Just begin the domain controller in Directory Services Restore Mode and operate system state restore from backup29.

30. Tell us about the expertise you have with hardware Components.  

System administration must be capable to do the installation and replacement services with hardware seldom there can be a requirement to restore the hardware element.

31. Explain SYSVOL folder.

SYSVOL folder is a collection of files and folders that is saved on the local hard disk of all domain controllers in a domain and are replicated by the ( File Replication Service) FRS. These files include group or user policy information.

32. Define GPO.

The Group Policy object is a set of group policy frameworks. It can form using a Windows utility that is the Group Policy snap-in. Also, GPO concerns the user and computer accounts placed in domains, sites, and (OUs) organizational units.

33. Explain about wins servers.

WINS (windows internet name service) will enable the users to obtain resources by computer title rather than IP address. Also, it is an OS that practices a centralized computer that will give special functions destined rules for the users and the computers connected to a Network. For example, if you need your computer to track the names and IP addresses of different computers in your Network.  

34. Why the MCSA credentials are more in demand?

In today’s world, there is an essential value for Microsoft certifications as they are demanding. This certification gives you an attractive way to turn your focus towards great pursuances to earn more money.

35. Can we join a third-party Directory service to an Active Directory?

Yes, it is permissible to link a third-party directory to Active Directory by utilizing various versions of Microsoft. dirXML or LDAP can be practiced to link Active Directory to separate retailers.

36. What could be the personal attributes of a person administering a system? 

System administrators encounter a diversity of challenges. They are the problem-solvers and administrators. They have a thorough grasp of computer technology, software, and networks and may provide technical assistance to employees. Their primary duty is to keep an eye on the system. They can maintain track of server performance and come up with innovative computer system designs, and they can quickly identify which parts need to be replaced if there is a hardware failure.

37. What is INODE?

INODE contains the metadata of files; it is a signal to a block on the disk, and it is unusual. In plain words, it is a different number allotted to a file in UNIX-like OS.

38. Give us an example of the systems you have been running with as an Administrator? 

Linux and Windows are the ones which supports either the asset management or the GIS. 

39. Is Group Policy can be inherited to child Domain?

Group Policy Inheritance- The group policies derive from parent to child inside a domain. They do not derive from the parent domain to the child domain.

40. Explain RAID in Windows Server.

The redundant Array of Independent Disks or RAID approach is for storing the same data at a distinct place. It is a procedure for establishing fault tolerance and improve storage capability. On separate approaches, it enables you to connect one or more volumes so that they are obtained by a single drive letter.

41. Explain Netlogon Folder.

Inside the Sysvol folder is the Netlogon folder, which contains logon/logoff/startup/shutdown routines.

42. Define lingering Object.

The lingering object is a removed active directory that continues on the restored domain controller in its bounded copy of the active directory. When an article removes from the active directory a Tombstone appears which replicates by the domain controller ere it expires. However, they seem to happen when some modifications are made to the directories after system backups are generated. 

43. How to install an app when the MSI file is not available?

To install the application without using the MSI file, the Software Installer. Use the ZAP text file in its place.

44. Is VOIP important

VOIP is significant as it presents the user adopt modern methods over the traditional foundation. By utilizing it the users can use the transmission mechanism by passing the voice packets which are for the telephone calls.

45. Explain the basic function of domain controller.

The domain controller function seems to verify consumers to many networks and make a set of objects that included the Active Directory.

46. List the Sysvol Issues you have viewed in your environment.
  • Morphed folder on Sysvol
  • FRS replication issue
  • USN journal wrap Error on sysvol
  • Sysvol shares not sharing on.
47. What is the purpose of establishing the local DNS servers?

A local DNS server allows the local mapping of completely acceptable domains to IP addresses. To determine requests concerning the domains on the network, local DNS servers can extend record data to distant DNS servers.

48. List the queries of DNS.
  • Iterative query
  • Recursive query
  • Non-recursive query
49. Where is the AD database is kept?

AD database is saved in %systemroot%/ntds.  Files that controls the AD structure are

  • edb.log
  • ntds.dit
  • res2.log
  • res1.log
  • edn.chk
50. Explain Dns Scavenging.

DNS Scavenging is to clean up and remove stale DNS records, like housework activity to remove undesired or unused DNS records in DNS server/zone, it only cleans up the dynamic DNS record, not the record produced manually.

51. Define global catalog.

The Global Catalog is a type of database that contains all of the data associating with objects in Active Directory environment domains.

52. Explain the use of SID.

SID (Security Identifier) is essentially practiced to figure out or discover an object which may be one user or set of users.

53. Explain Dora Procedure & its regulation.

DORA stands for Discover, request, Offer and acknowledgement. Further, it is practiced to allocate an IP address to systems of the client automatically.

54. Define GUID.

When we build a domain user or a group account that will be created, the Active directory reserves account’s SID in the objectSID of a user. Also, GUID applies to designate the object Universal Unique Identifier which has a power of 128-bit value. They individually regulate every object produced by Active Directory.

55. What are the benefits of GPMC?

One of the significant benefits of GPMC is its comfortable management of all GPOs the whole Active Directory Forest View of GPOs in 1 list. We can make the GPOs backup and recover, Immigration of GPOs beyond many forest and domains.

56. Define group nesting.

When we join one group as a component of another group is called ‘group nesting’. It also assists in management and decreased traffic replication.

57. What are the requirements to do the DNS Scavenging?

Scavenging must approve on the DNS server and on the place you want to scavenge. DNS records must add to zones or you can manually modify the timestamp configuration.

58. Do you have any kind of certification to expand your opportunities as a Microsoft Windows Server Administrator?

Usually, interviewers look for applicants who are solemn about improving their career options by producing the use of further tools like certifications. Certificates are obvious proof that the candidate has put in all attempts to learn new abilities, comprehend them, and put them into use at the most excellent of their capacity. Insert the certifications, if you have any, and do hearsay about them in brief, describing what you learned from the programs and how they’ve been important to you so far.

64. Do you have any prior experience serving in an identical industry like ours?

Answer: Here comes an outspoken question. It aims to evaluate if you have the industry-specific abilities that are necessary for the contemporary role. Even if you do not hold all of the skills and experience, make certain to completely describe how you can still make utilization of the skills and knowledge you’ve accomplished in the past to serve the company.

60. Why are you preparing for the Windows Server Administrator position in our company specifically?

Answer: By this question, the interviewer is attempting to see how well you can influence them concerning your knowledge in the subject, managing all the data services, besides the requirement for practicing structured Windows Server methodologies. It is always an advantage to already know the job specification in particular, along with the return and the aspects of the company, thereby achieving a comprehensive knowledge of what tools, services, and Windows Server methodologies have to work in the role triumphantly.

Windows Server Administration Fundamentals (98-365) Exam

This article contains a fine collection of windows server interview questions and answers. These Windows Server interview questions can help you get one step closer to your dream job. So, prepare yourself for the interview and stay sharp with the nuts and bolts of Windows Server. Stay safe and keep practicing!

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