The answer is to increase the size of the EBS volume using the console or CLI. This is correct because when an SAP HANA database enters read-only mode due to a full data volume, the root cause is insufficient storage on the underlying disk, and EBS volumes can be modified online without downtime, instantly adding capacity to resolve the space crunch. On the AWS Certified SAP on SAP Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to efficiently handle SAP HANA disk full read-only mode by leveraging AWS infrastructure elasticity rather than performing database-level workarounds. A common trap is assuming you must delete old backups or restart the database, but those actions do not address the immediate lack of disk space and can cause unnecessary complexity or downtime. Remember the mnemonic “EBS for Space” — when the volume is full, expand the block store, not the database.
PAS-C01 Operations and Maintenance Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of operations and maintenance. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
An SAP administrator receives an alert that the HANA database has switched to read-only mode. The administrator checks the disk space and finds that the /hana/data volume is 100% full. What is the most efficient way to resolve this issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Increase the size of the EBS volume using the console or CLI
Option B is correct because EBS volumes can be modified online to increase size, adding more space immediately. Option A is wrong because deleting old backups may not free enough space and is not a long-term solution. Option C is wrong because restarting the database will not add space. Option D is wrong because creating a new instance takes time and causes longer downtime.
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.
✗
Delete old HANA backup files from the volume
Why it's wrong here
May free space but is temporary and may not be sufficient.
✗
Restart the HANA database to clear temporary files
Why it's wrong here
Restart does not free disk space.
✗
Create a new EC2 instance with larger disks and migrate
Why it's wrong here
Migration causes significant downtime and is not efficient.
✓
Increase the size of the EBS volume using the console or CLI
Why this is correct
EBS allows live expansion without downtime, providing immediate space.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PAS-C01 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.
Operations and Maintenance — This question tests Operations and Maintenance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Increase the size of the EBS volume using the console or CLI — Option B is correct because EBS volumes can be modified online to increase size, adding more space immediately. Option A is wrong because deleting old backups may not free enough space and is not a long-term solution. Option C is wrong because restarting the database will not add space. Option D is wrong because creating a new instance takes time and causes longer downtime.
What should I do if I get this PAS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which PAS-C01 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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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