- A
Restore the entire VM from the snapshot
Why wrong: Restoring the entire VM would overwrite the current system disk and may cause downtime; it's overkill if only a data disk is lost.
- B
Create a new data disk from the snapshot and attach it to the VM
This method recovers only the lost data disk without affecting the running VM, minimizing downtime and resource waste.
- C
Download the snapshot to an on-premises server and then upload it
Why wrong: Downloading and uploading is inefficient and introduces unnecessary latency; the snapshot is already in the cloud and can be used directly.
- D
Use the snapshot to create a new VM and then copy files via network
Why wrong: Creating a new VM just to copy files is inefficient and incurs extra costs; attaching the snapshot as a disk to the existing VM is simpler.
Quick Answer
The answer is to create a new data disk from the snapshot and attach it to the existing VM. This method is most efficient because cloud IaaS providers treat snapshots as point-in-time copies of a disk, not bootable system images; you must create a new volume from the snapshot before you can mount it to a running instance. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of cloud storage operations versus full VM recovery—a common trap is choosing to restore the entire VM from an image, which is slower and unnecessary when only a data disk is missing. Remember that snapshots are disk-level, not system-level, backups. A quick memory tip: “Snap to disk, not to boot”—snapshots create new disks, not new VMs.
220-1101 Cloud Computing Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cloud computing concepts. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
A company uses a public cloud IaaS provider. The security team discovers that a virtual machine's data disk was accidentally deleted by an administrator. They need to recover the data from a snapshot taken 24 hours ago. The snapshot is stored in the same cloud region. What is the most efficient recovery method?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Create a new data disk from the snapshot and attach it to the VM
Most cloud IaaS providers allow creating a new volume from a snapshot, which can then be attached to the existing VM. This is faster than restoring the entire VM from a full image. The technician should create a new disk from the snapshot and attach it, then copy the data to the original disk if needed.
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.
- ✗
Restore the entire VM from the snapshot
Why it's wrong here
Restoring the entire VM would overwrite the current system disk and may cause downtime; it's overkill if only a data disk is lost.
- ✓
Create a new data disk from the snapshot and attach it to the VM
Why this is correct
This method recovers only the lost data disk without affecting the running VM, minimizing downtime and resource waste.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Download the snapshot to an on-premises server and then upload it
Why it's wrong here
Downloading and uploading is inefficient and introduces unnecessary latency; the snapshot is already in the cloud and can be used directly.
- ✗
Use the snapshot to create a new VM and then copy files via network
Why it's wrong here
Creating a new VM just to copy files is inefficient and incurs extra costs; attaching the snapshot as a disk to the existing VM is simpler.
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 practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 220-1201 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.
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Cloud Computing Concepts — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Cloud Computing Concepts — This question tests Cloud Computing Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a new data disk from the snapshot and attach it to the VM — Most cloud IaaS providers allow creating a new volume from a snapshot, which can then be attached to the existing VM. This is faster than restoring the entire VM from a full image. The technician should create a new disk from the snapshot and attach it, then copy the data to the original disk if needed.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
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