Quick Answer
The answer is to configure log compression. This is the correct first action because it reduces the size of existing log files on the disk without deleting any data, directly addressing the critically high disk usage while preserving all important logs. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional exam, this scenario tests your understanding of disk management and logging preservation under the “System > Log Settings” domain. A common trap is to immediately delete old logs or adjust log rotation policies, which risks losing forensic data; compression is the safest step because it reclaims space instantly without altering logging behavior. Remember the memory tip: “Compress first, never purge—preserve the evidence.”
This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of system and network administration. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 FortiGate administrator notices that the device's disk usage is critically high, causing logging failures. The administrator wants to free up space without losing important logs. Which action should be taken 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.
Delete all existing log files
Why wrong: Deleting logs loses historical data permanently.
Configure log compression
Compression reduces file size without deleting logs.
Disable logging to the local disk
Why wrong: Disabling logging stops data collection but may lose important logs.
Increase the disk retention period
Why wrong: Increasing retention would use more disk space, not less.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Configure log compression
Log compression reduces the size of existing log files on the disk without deleting any data, directly addressing the critically high disk usage while preserving all important logs. This is the safest first step because it reclaims space immediately without risking data loss or altering logging behavior.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Delete all existing log files
Why it's wrong here
Deleting logs loses historical data permanently.
Configure log compression
Why this is correct
Compression reduces file size without deleting logs.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Disable logging to the local disk
Why it's wrong here
Disabling logging stops data collection but may lose important logs.
Increase the disk retention period
Why it's wrong here
Increasing retention would use more disk space, not less.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse 'increasing retention period' (which makes the problem worse) with 'decreasing retention period' (which would free space but delete logs), or they may think disabling logging is a quick fix without realizing it stops all logging activity.
Detailed technical explanation
FortiGate uses gzip compression for log files, typically reducing file size by 60-80% depending on log content. Compression is applied to rotated log files (e.g., *.log.gz) and can be configured under Log Settings > Log Compression. In real-world scenarios, this is often the first step before considering log forwarding to an external syslog server or adjusting retention policies.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the NSE4 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
System and Network Administration — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
System and Network Administration practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All NSE4 questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional NSE4 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
NSE4 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise NSE4 questions linked to System and Network Administration.
Practise NSE4 questions linked to Firewall Policies and NAT.
Practise NSE4 questions linked to Authentication and VPN.
Practise NSE4 questions linked to Security Profiles.
Practise NSE4 questions linked to High Availability and Diagnostics.
Practise NSE4 questions linked to NSE4 fundamentals.
Practise NSE4 questions linked to NSE4 scenario.
Practise NSE4 questions linked to NSE4 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
System and Network Administration — This question tests System and Network Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Configure log compression — Log compression reduces the size of existing log files on the disk without deleting any data, directly addressing the critically high disk usage while preserving all important logs. This is the safest first step because it reclaims space immediately without risking data loss or altering logging behavior.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This NSE4 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Fortinet 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 NSE4 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.