The answer is to check the disk to identify which files are consuming space. This is the correct first step because high disk usage on a VM, especially one hosting a database, is often caused by runaway log files, temporary data, or unoptimized storage allocation; blindly resizing the disk or deleting data without investigation risks data corruption or unnecessary downtime. On the CompTIA Cloud+ CV0-004 exam, this scenario tests your ability to apply a methodical troubleshooting methodology—specifically, gathering information before taking action—and the common trap is jumping to a solution like expanding the disk or restarting services, which can mask the root cause. A useful memory tip for this exam objective is "Diagnose before you resize": always identify the files eating space first, because database VMs frequently bloat from transaction logs or orphaned backups.
CV0-004 Operations and Support Practice Question
This CV0-004 practice question tests your understanding of operations and support. 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.
A cloud administrator receives an alert that a virtual machine's disk usage is at 95%. The VM hosts a database. Which of the following troubleshooting steps should the administrator take FIRST?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check the disk to identify which files are consuming space
When a VM's disk usage reaches 95%, the first step is to identify what is consuming the space. Checking the disk to identify which files are consuming space (Option D) allows the administrator to determine whether the issue is caused by database logs, temporary files, or other data, and to plan an appropriate remediation without unnecessary risk or 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.
✗
Expand the virtual disk by resizing the volume in the cloud console
Why it's wrong here
Resizing without investigation may not solve underlying issue.
✗
Reboot the virtual machine to free up temporary files
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting may cause downtime and might not free space.
✗
Query the database for active connections to determine if there are long-running transactions
Why it's wrong here
Active connections are not directly related to disk space.
✓
Check the disk to identify which files are consuming space
Why this is correct
First step to understand the cause of high disk usage.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume high disk usage is always caused by temporary files or transactions, leading them to reboot or query the database first, rather than performing a simple disk space analysis to identify the actual culprit.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In cloud environments, virtual disks are often backed by block storage volumes (e.g., AWS EBS, Azure Managed Disks). High disk usage can be caused by database transaction logs (e.g., SQL Server .ldf files or MySQL binary logs) that grow without proper log rotation or backup. Using commands like `df -h` and `du -sh *` in Linux or checking the disk management console in Windows allows the administrator to pinpoint large files or directories before taking corrective action.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 CV0-004 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Operations and Support — This question tests Operations and Support — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the disk to identify which files are consuming space — When a VM's disk usage reaches 95%, the first step is to identify what is consuming the space. Checking the disk to identify which files are consuming space (Option D) allows the administrator to determine whether the issue is caused by database logs, temporary files, or other data, and to plan an appropriate remediation without unnecessary risk or downtime.
What should I do if I get this CV0-004 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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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