The correct answer is to enable Mixed Mode authentication on the SQL Server. This configuration change is necessary because the error message indicates the server is currently set to Windows Authentication mode only, which rejects any login attempt using a SQL Server-specific username and password. By switching to Mixed Mode, the server accepts both Windows credentials and SQL Server logins, directly resolving the authentication failure. On the CompTIA Data+ DA0-001 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of SQL Server authentication mode configuration and how connectivity errors arise from mismatched security settings. A common trap is assuming the issue is a network or permission problem, when in fact the server simply does not allow the type of login being attempted. Remember the memory tip: “Mixed Mode means both doors are open”—Windows and SQL authentication can both pass through, while Windows-only mode locks the SQL login door.
DA0-001 Mining and Acquiring Data Practice Question
This DA0-001 practice question tests your understanding of mining and acquiring data. 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.
Exhibit
Error: 2024-03-15 10:32:45 ERROR [DataExtractor] Failed to connect to source database 'SalesDB' on server 10.0.0.50:1433. Error: Login failed for user 'dataminer'. Reason: An attempt to login using SQL authentication failed. Server is configured for Windows authentication only.
Refer to the exhibit. A data analyst is trying to extract data from a SQL Server database but receives the error. Which configuration change should the analyst recommend to the database administrator?
Error: 2024-03-15 10:32:45 ERROR [DataExtractor] Failed to connect to source database 'SalesDB' on server 10.0.0.50:1433. Error: Login failed for user 'dataminer'. Reason: An attempt to login using SQL authentication failed. Server is configured for Windows authentication only.
A
Change the server firewall to allow port 1433
Why wrong: The error is about authentication, not network connectivity.
B
Enable Mixed Mode authentication on the SQL Server
Mixed Mode allows SQL authentication, which matches the login attempt.
C
Use a different extraction tool that supports Windows authentication
Why wrong: Changing tools doesn't address the authentication mode mismatch; the server configuration is the root cause.
D
Grant the 'dataminer' user SELECT permissions
Why wrong: Permissions are irrelevant because the login itself failed before any database access.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable Mixed Mode authentication on the SQL Server
The error indicates that the server is configured for Windows authentication only, but the login attempt used SQL authentication. Enabling Mixed Mode authentication allows both Windows and SQL authentication, resolving the issue.
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.
✗
Change the server firewall to allow port 1433
Why it's wrong here
The error is about authentication, not network connectivity.
✓
Enable Mixed Mode authentication on the SQL Server
Why this is correct
Mixed Mode allows SQL authentication, which matches the login attempt.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use a different extraction tool that supports Windows authentication
Why it's wrong here
Changing tools doesn't address the authentication mode mismatch; the server configuration is the root cause.
✗
Grant the 'dataminer' user SELECT permissions
Why it's wrong here
Permissions are irrelevant because the login itself failed before any database access.
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 DA0-001 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 DA0-001 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.
Mining and Acquiring Data — This question tests Mining and Acquiring Data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable Mixed Mode authentication on the SQL Server — The error indicates that the server is configured for Windows authentication only, but the login attempt used SQL authentication. Enabling Mixed Mode authentication allows both Windows and SQL authentication, resolving the issue.
What should I do if I get this DA0-001 question wrong?
Identify which DA0-001 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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