The correct answer is to schedule database archiving to reduce the active data size. This directly improves the performance of a slow legacy database application by removing outdated records from the working database, which shrinks the dataset the server must query and process during peak hours. Since the database grows by 500MB monthly, archiving old inventory transactions or logs reduces I/O load and query execution time without requiring any application code changes, making it ideal when the IT budget is limited. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of database maintenance and performance optimization under resource constraints—a common trap is assuming hardware upgrades like adding RAM will fix growth-related slowdowns, but archiving targets the root cause of data bloat. Remember the mnemonic “Archive to Avoid App Changes” to recall that reducing active data size is the cheapest, code-free fix for a growing legacy database.
FC0-U61 Applications and Software Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of applications and software. 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 small business runs a legacy inventory management application that was developed in-house. The application uses a local database stored on a single server running Windows Server 2016. Recently, the application has become slow during peak hours, and multiple users have reported timeouts. The server has 8GB of RAM and a quad-core processor. The application's database grows by about 500MB per month. The company's IT budget is limited, and they cannot rewrite the application. As an IT consultant, which recommendation would best improve performance without requiring application changes?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Schedule database archiving to reduce the active data size
Option D is correct because scheduling database archiving reduces the active data size, directly addressing the growth issue without application changes. Option A is wrong because increasing RAM may help but does not reduce data growth. Option B is wrong because migrating to the cloud is costly and may require changes. Option C is wrong because indexing optimization typically requires application or database changes.
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.
✗
Increase the server's RAM to 32GB
Why it's wrong here
More RAM may improve caching but does not address database growth.
✓
Schedule database archiving to reduce the active data size
Why this is correct
Archiving old data reduces the working set, improving performance without altering the application.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Migrate the database to a cloud-based SQL service
Why it's wrong here
Cloud migration is expensive and may require application modifications.
✗
Implement database indexing and query optimization
Why it's wrong here
Indexing requires changes to the database schema or queries, which may be considered application changes.
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 FC0-U61 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 FC0-U61 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.
Applications and Software — This question tests Applications and Software — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Schedule database archiving to reduce the active data size — Option D is correct because scheduling database archiving reduces the active data size, directly addressing the growth issue without application changes. Option A is wrong because increasing RAM may help but does not reduce data growth. Option B is wrong because migrating to the cloud is costly and may require changes. Option C is wrong because indexing optimization typically requires application or database changes.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which FC0-U61 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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This FC0-U61 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 FC0-U61 exam.
Question Discussion
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