Top 20 System Administrator Interview Questions and Answers (MS)

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Top 20 System Administrator (Microsoft) Interview Questions and Answers

All but first questions are in random orders with some positional relevance to make it easier to follow. Answers are specifically worded to make it as simple as possible to understand without losing meaning.

Median Salary for Microsoft System Administrator is $60,000.00* dollars in United States…

If you are interested in additional educational material my channel youtube.com/cobuman has over 300 videos that you can enjoy.

Keep in mind, you can also prepare for interview questions and answers by watching a video based of these questions below.

1.Can you tell me about yourself?

To answer this question properly, provide any information about you that is related to System Administration position. Talk about any experience, education, or certifications. Do not speak of things that are not related, for example hobbies. For a detailed guide to this questions follow the link .

2.Explain the role of Windows Server.

Windows Server is an operating system that uses a centralized computer that provides specific functions, predetermined rules for users and computers connected to a network.

3.What is Windows Domain?

Windows Domain is a centralized location for user accounts, computers, printers and security features as part of database controlled by a domain controller.

4.What is DNS and which port does it use?

DNS stands for Domain Name System and it’s mostly used to interpret Domain names in to numeric ip address. DNS uses port 53 TCP or UDP.

5.How many queries does DNS perform and which ones?

DNS performs two types of queries; Iterative and Recursive.

6.What is Active Directory?

A service of Windows Server OS, Active Directory is used for user and computer authentication within a Domain. It can also enforce security policies and install software to computers connected to a domain.

7.Active Directory database is located where?

Using file name NTDS.DIT; it is located in the %SystemRoot%\ntds folder.

8.What is a Lingering Object?

If an Object is deleted from Active Directory while Domain controller is offline it can create a lingering object. When object is deleted from Active Directory a Tomb Stone (which is temporary) is created which then has to be replicated by Domain Controller before it expires.

9.How do you back up Active Directory?

Active Directory can be backed up by using NTBACKUP tool that comes with 2003 server. With 2008 server a command prompt is used to perform backup: type “wbadmin start systemstatebackup -backuptarget:e:”

10.Do you know what Garbage Collection is?

Garbage Collection is a process designed to free space inside Active Directory. This is performed by default every 12 hours (defrag).

11.Do you know what SYSVOL folder is?

System Volume folder is a directory that houses a copy of domain files found on a local hard drive within Domain Controller. This data is shared for purpose of replication across domain; for example user logon scripts and Windows Group Policy.

12.What is RAID?

Stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks and is used to provide data redundancy (mirroring) across multiple hard disks. It can also be utilized to improve read/write performance across the server by using striping configuration. For example RAID 1; two or more disks with identical data stored (redundancy). RAID 0; two or more disks, data distributed evenly to improve performance (no redundancy).

13.Which commands would you use in CMD to test network connectivity?

To test network connectivity ping and ipconfig commands are used.

14.What does IntelliMirror do?

As part of Windows Server OS, IntelliMirror provides assistance in managing user data, computer information, applications and settings. This is used by user Group Policy that defines business roles, group memberships and locations. For example, if a user moves to a different computer; the applications, settings, and stored files will follow.

15.Explain what Group Policy is.

A Group Policy is used to control user’s desktops and computer configuration by creating a default template for specific members of the group. This makes it easier to control and process large groups of users.

16.Can you name different types of email servers and which ports do they use?

You can have two types of email servers:

Incoming Mail Server (POP3 port 110, IMAP 143, HTTP 80)

Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP port 25)

17.What is the difference between a forest and a domain?

A domain is a logic based group of computers, users and devices within Active Directory. A tree is a collection of domains; in case there are multiple trees formed a forest is created.

18.Do you know what Virtual Machine is?

Virtual Machine is an emulation version of Operating System. You can have multiple copies of Windows Server running on a single hardware platform. This is mostly done through 3^rd party software.

19.Do you know what “Tattooing” the registry means?

Basically, the group policy will make the changes to user’s registry but once the group policy is no longer in effect, registry values would not revert back leaving them tattooed in, sort of speak.

20.Why should we hire you?

This is your last chance to impress potential employer. Talk about any other experience that you may have related to this job. Mention things any employer could ask from their associates; for example being dependable, hardworking, and being a team player.

Friends, I know it can be hard to prepare for an interview and frankly nerve wrecking, but try to relax and answer all questions with confidence. It can be really hard to predict exact questions asked during an interview, so please study from many sources before taking up an interview, to maximize your chances in succeeding. Also, don’t forget to research the company beforehand.

Best of luck to you!

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