- A
The backup storage account has been deleted or has incorrect firewall rules.
Why wrong: Azure SQL Database manages backup storage; the user does not have direct access to delete it. Firewall rules are irrelevant.
- B
The database is experiencing high transaction log generation, exceeding the backup throughput limit.
High log generation can cause backup jobs to time out or fail, especially if the log backup rate is insufficient.
- C
The geo-replication link is broken, causing backup failures.
Why wrong: Geo-replication is separate from backup. Backup failure is not directly caused by geo-replication issues.
- D
The database is in a paused state due to serverless compute.
Why wrong: A paused database would not be accessible. Since the database is online, this is not the cause.
Quick Answer
The answer is high transaction log generation exceeding the backup throughput limit, which is the most likely cause when you troubleshoot failed automated backup in Azure SQL Database. Azure SQL Database’s automated backups rely on sufficient throughput to capture transaction log changes; when write activity spikes, the backup process can time out before completing, leaving the last successful backup 48 hours old while the database remains online and accessible. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that platform-managed backups fail due to resource saturation, not connectivity or storage issues—a common trap is assuming geo-redundant storage (RA-GRS) or geo-replication causes the failure, but those affect recovery, not backup execution. Remember the memory tip: “Logs flood, backup’s blood”—high log generation drowns the backup pipeline, not the database itself.
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 are troubleshooting a failed automated backup for an Azure SQL Database. The backup policy is configured for geo-redundant storage (RA-GRS). You notice that the last successful backup was 48 hours ago. The database is still online and accessible. What is the most likely cause of the backup failure?
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 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
The database is experiencing high transaction log generation, exceeding the backup throughput limit.
Azure SQL Database automated backups are managed by the platform. If backups fail, it could be due to high write activity or resource saturation causing a backup timeout. Network issues or storage problems are less likely because the database is online. Option A is correct. Option B is incorrect because the database is online. Option C is for geo-replication. Option D is a configuration that would affect all backups, not just one.
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 storage account has been deleted or has incorrect firewall rules.
Why it's wrong here
Azure SQL Database manages backup storage; the user does not have direct access to delete it. Firewall rules are irrelevant.
- ✓
The database is experiencing high transaction log generation, exceeding the backup throughput limit.
Why this is correct
High log generation can cause backup jobs to time out or fail, especially if the log backup rate is insufficient.
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.
- ✗
The geo-replication link is broken, causing backup failures.
Why it's wrong here
Geo-replication is separate from backup. Backup failure is not directly caused by geo-replication issues.
- ✗
The database is in a paused state due to serverless compute.
Why it's wrong here
A paused database would not be accessible. Since the database is online, this is not the cause.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Configure and manage automation of tasks — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Configure and manage automation of tasks practice questions
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Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 study guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-300 question test?
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: The database is experiencing high transaction log generation, exceeding the backup throughput limit. — Azure SQL Database automated backups are managed by the platform. If backups fail, it could be due to high write activity or resource saturation causing a backup timeout. Network issues or storage problems are less likely because the database is online. Option A is correct. Option B is incorrect because the database is online. Option C is for geo-replication. Option D is a configuration that would affect all backups, not just one.
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.
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
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This DP-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 DP-300 exam.
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