SK0-005 troubleshooting Practice Question
A company uses a two-node failover cluster for a critical database application. The cluster consists of Node A and Node B, with shared storage connected via SAS. During a routine check, the administrator discovers that Node A has failed and the cluster resources did not fail over to Node B. The cluster service is running on Node B, but the database resource remains offline. Node B can successfully ping Node A's management IP address but not the dedicated cluster heartbeat IP. The shared storage appears in the operating system on Node B, but attempts to bring the disks online fail. The administrator must restore database service as quickly as possible. Which of the following actions should the administrator take FIRST?
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
✓
Check and repair connectivity to the shared storage from Node B
The immediate problem is that the database resource cannot start because the shared storage cannot be brought online. This indicates a storage connectivity issue (e.g., SAS cable, HBA, or multipath problem) that must be resolved before any cluster actions can succeed. Rebooting Node A (A) might restore the node but takes time and may not fix the storage access for Node B. Running the cluster validation wizard (B) is a diagnostic step, not a repair action, and would delay service restoration. Forcing quorum on Node B (C) allows cluster operations but does not address the underlying storage problem; the disk would still fail to come online.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Check and repair connectivity to the shared storage from Node B
Why this is correct
Because the database depends on the shared storage, the first priority is ensuring Node B can access it; once storage is online, the database can be brought online.
- ✗
Run the cluster validation wizard
Why it's wrong here
Validation wizard identifies configuration issues but is not a first step for emergency service restoration.
- ✗
Force a quorum on Node B using the /forcequorum switch
Why it's wrong here
Forcing quorum may allow the cluster to start but does not resolve the underlying storage connectivity problem.
- ✗
Reboot Node A
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting the failed node is time-consuming and does not guarantee storage connectivity from Node B.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Storage Management (RAID, SAN, NAS)
Key term
Resource
A resource is any component, service, or asset in a computing environment that can be allocated, used, or consumed to perform a task or support a process.
Key term
Failover
Failover is the automatic switching to a backup system when the primary system fails, ensuring continuous operation and minimal downtime.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed July 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This SK0-005 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 SK0-005 exam.