The correct answer is to create a T-SQL script that updates the job steps to remove linked server references, and execute it via Azure Automation runbook. This is because SQL Agent jobs in Azure SQL Managed Instance store their step definitions as T-SQL commands within the msdb database, so directly querying and modifying the sysjobsteps table with an UPDATE statement is the only reliable way to strip out linked server references programmatically. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that Azure Automation can run PowerShell or T-SQL scripts against a managed instance, but the actual job modification must happen through T-SQL since neither Azure CLI nor PowerShell cmdlets like Get-AzSqlInstanceDatabase can alter SQL Agent job steps. A common trap is confusing elastic jobs (which are separate, scheduled tasks) with SQL Agent jobs, or assuming Azure Automation can natively edit jobs without a script. Memory tip: think "T-SQL tweaks the steps, Automation runs the script" — the script does the surgery, Automation just delivers the scalpel.
DP-300 Configure and manage automation of tasks Practice Question
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of configure and manage automation of tasks. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
You have an Azure SQL Database that uses SQL Server Agent for automation tasks. You migrated the database to Azure SQL Managed Instance. After migration, some SQL Server Agent jobs fail because they reference a linked server that no longer exists. You need to automate the removal of all linked server references from the jobs. What should you do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a T-SQL script that updates the job steps to remove linked server references, and execute it via Azure Automation runbook.
PowerShell with the 'Get-AzSqlInstanceDatabase' cmdlet can list databases, but to modify jobs, you need to use T-SQL or the SQL Agent cmdlets. Option A is wrong because Azure Automation does not directly modify SQL Agent jobs. Option B is wrong because elastic jobs are separate from SQL Agent. Option D is wrong because Azure CLI does not have SQL Agent management cmdlets.
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.
✗
Use elastic jobs to remove the linked server references.
Why it's wrong here
Elastic jobs cannot modify SQL Agent jobs on Managed Instance.
✓
Create a T-SQL script that updates the job steps to remove linked server references, and execute it via Azure Automation runbook.
Why this is correct
A T-SQL script can modify SQL Agent jobs, and Azure Automation can execute it.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use Azure CLI to remove the linked server references.
Why it's wrong here
Azure CLI does not have commands to modify SQL Agent jobs.
✗
Use Azure Automation to run a PowerShell script that removes the linked server references.
Why it's wrong here
PowerShell cannot directly modify SQL Agent jobs; you need to use T-SQL within the script.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Azure CLI does not have commands to modify SQL Agent jobs.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
Identify which DP-300 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.
Configure and manage automation of tasks — This question tests Configure and manage automation of tasks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a T-SQL script that updates the job steps to remove linked server references, and execute it via Azure Automation runbook. — PowerShell with the 'Get-AzSqlInstanceDatabase' cmdlet can list databases, but to modify jobs, you need to use T-SQL or the SQL Agent cmdlets. Option A is wrong because Azure Automation does not directly modify SQL Agent jobs. Option B is wrong because elastic jobs are separate from SQL Agent. Option D is wrong because Azure CLI does not have SQL Agent management cmdlets.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which DP-300 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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