The answer is that a file in the source volume was moved or deleted during the backup window. This is the most likely cause of a backup error due to a missing file because backup processes relying on file-level snapshots, such as Volume Shadow Copy Service on Windows, capture a point-in-time view of the file system. If a file is relocated or removed after the snapshot is taken but before the backup agent reads it, the backup engine encounters a race condition and fails with a missing file error. On the CISA exam, this scenario tests your understanding of backup consistency and the limitations of file-level backups versus volume-level snapshots; a common trap is assuming the backup software itself is corrupted or that the storage media is faulty. Remember the memory tip: “Moved or deleted after the snapshot—that’s the missing file culprit.”
CISA Information System Auditing Process Practice Question
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of information system auditing process. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
Error Log Entry:
Timestamp: 2024-03-20 10:15:32
Source: BackupServer01
EventID: 213
Level: Error
Message: Backup job 'DailyBackup' failed. Source volume: \\FileServer\Shares, Destination: \\BackupServer01\Backup\Shares. Error code: 0x80070002 (The system cannot find the file specified.)
```
Refer to the exhibit. An IS auditor is reviewing backup error logs. The error indicates a failed backup due to a missing file. What is the MOST likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A file in the source volume was moved or deleted during the backup window
The error indicates a failed backup due to a missing file. The most likely cause is that a file in the source volume was moved or deleted during the backup window. Backup processes that use file-level snapshots or open-file managers (e.g., Volume Shadow Copy Service on Windows) capture a point-in-time view; if a file is moved or deleted after the snapshot is taken but before it is read by the backup agent, the backup will fail with a 'missing file' error. This is a classic race condition in file-level backups without proper snapshot consistency.
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.
✗
The backup job was scheduled during peak hours causing timeout
Why it's wrong here
Timeout errors are different (e.g., 0x80070005).
✗
The destination path '\\BackupServer01\Backup\Shares' is invalid
Why it's wrong here
The destination path appears valid; the error is about a file not found.
✓
A file in the source volume was moved or deleted during the backup window
Why this is correct
File not found during backup is common when files change.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Insufficient disk space on the backup destination
Why it's wrong here
Disk full errors have different codes (e.g., 0x80070070).
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse a 'missing file' error with a destination path issue or resource constraint, but the error message specifically points to a source-side file inconsistency, not a connectivity or capacity problem.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, file-level backup agents enumerate the source directory and then attempt to read each file. If a file is moved or deleted between enumeration and read, the file system returns a 'file not found' (NTSTATUS 0xC000000F or errno ENOENT). Modern backup solutions mitigate this by using Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) on Windows or LVM snapshots on Linux to create a consistent point-in-time view, but if the snapshot is not taken or the backup is run without it, this error is common. In real-world scenarios, this often occurs when users or automated processes modify files during the backup window, especially on busy file servers.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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.
Information System Auditing Process — This question tests Information System Auditing Process — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A file in the source volume was moved or deleted during the backup window — The error indicates a failed backup due to a missing file. The most likely cause is that a file in the source volume was moved or deleted during the backup window. Backup processes that use file-level snapshots or open-file managers (e.g., Volume Shadow Copy Service on Windows) capture a point-in-time view; if a file is moved or deleted after the snapshot is taken but before it is read by the backup agent, the backup will fail with a 'missing file' error. This is a classic race condition in file-level backups without proper snapshot consistency.
What should I do if I get this CISA 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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
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.
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISA 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.