The correct answer is to create a plan guide for the previous plan and then disable the automatic tuning recommendation for that query. This approach directly addresses the forced plan regression by manually locking in the known-good execution plan via a plan guide, while simultaneously instructing the Azure SQL Database automatic tuning engine to stop suggesting or forcing that specific problematic plan again. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that automatic tuning operates at the query level, not globally, so disabling the recommendation for that single query preserves performance tuning benefits for all other queries. A common trap is choosing to disable automatic tuning entirely, which would halt all performance improvements across the database. Remember the memory tip: "Guide the plan, mute the recommendation" to keep the fix surgical and avoid collateral impact on other queries.
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. 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.
You have an Azure SQL Database that uses automatic tuning. You notice that a forced plan regression is causing performance degradation. You need to revert to the previous plan and prevent the automatic tuning from forcing the same plan again. 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 plan guide for the previous plan and then disable the automatic tuning recommendation for that query.
The correct approach is to manually create the plan guide for the previous plan and then disable automatic tuning for that specific query. Option A is wrong because disabling automatic tuning globally would affect all queries. Option B is wrong because the database engine cannot be configured to ignore a specific plan. Option D is wrong because reindexing may not address the plan regression.
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.
✗
Reindex the tables involved in the query.
Why it's wrong here
Reindexing may change statistics but does not directly address plan regression or automatic tuning.
✓
Create a plan guide for the previous plan and then disable the automatic tuning recommendation for that query.
Why this is correct
A plan guide forces the previous plan, and disabling the recommendation prevents automatic tuning from reverting it.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable automatic tuning for the database.
Why it's wrong here
This disables all automatic tuning, which is too broad.
✗
Run DBCC FREEPROCCACHE to clear the plan cache.
Why it's wrong here
Clearing the plan cache is temporary and does not prevent automatic tuning from forcing the bad plan again.
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 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 plan guide for the previous plan and then disable the automatic tuning recommendation for that query. — The correct approach is to manually create the plan guide for the previous plan and then disable automatic tuning for that specific query. Option A is wrong because disabling automatic tuning globally would affect all queries. Option B is wrong because the database engine cannot be configured to ignore a specific plan. Option D is wrong because reindexing may not address the plan regression.
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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Question Discussion
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