The correct sequence is to remove the geo-replication link to the old primary, then add a new secondary in Central US. This is because after a manual failover, the former primary database in East US becomes a secondary (if it remains available), and Azure SQL Database only allows a single geo-replication relationship per database at a time. To re-establish geo-replication after failover, you must first sever the existing link to the old primary before you can configure a new secondary in a third region like Central US, restoring your disaster recovery capability. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that failover does not automatically reconfigure replication—you must manually clean up the old topology. A common trap is assuming you can simply add a new secondary without removing the old one, which will fail because the database is already in a replication relationship. Memory tip: think "break before you build"—always remove the old link before adding a new secondary.
DP-300 Practice Question: Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment. 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.
Your company uses Azure SQL Database with active geo-replication configured between two regions. The primary database in East US experiences a critical failure, and you initiate a manual failover to the secondary in West US. After the failover, you need to re-establish geo-replication to a new secondary database in a third region (Central US) to restore the DR capability. What is the correct sequence of actions?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Remove the geo-replication link to the old primary, then add a new secondary in Central US.
Option C is correct. After a failover, the old primary becomes a secondary (if still available). To reconfigure geo-replication with a new secondary, you need to remove the old secondary relationship, then create a new secondary. Option A is wrong because you cannot add a new secondary without removing the old one first. Option B is wrong because you do not need to create a new primary; the current primary (formerly secondary) is fine. Option D is wrong because geo-replication does not automatically create a new secondary.
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.
✗
Delete the old primary and create a new geo-secondary in Central US.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting the old primary is unnecessary if it is still available; you can just remove the link.
✗
Add a new secondary in Central US on the current primary.
Why it's wrong here
You cannot add a new secondary while an existing secondary (the old primary) is still linked.
✗
Perform a planned failover to the old primary, then configure geo-replication to Central US.
Why it's wrong here
This would cause unnecessary downtime and is not required.
✓
Remove the geo-replication link to the old primary, then add a new secondary in Central US.
Why this is correct
Removing the old link allows you to create a new secondary on the current primary.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment — This question tests Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Remove the geo-replication link to the old primary, then add a new secondary in Central US. — Option C is correct. After a failover, the old primary becomes a secondary (if still available). To reconfigure geo-replication with a new secondary, you need to remove the old secondary relationship, then create a new secondary. Option A is wrong because you cannot add a new secondary without removing the old one first. Option B is wrong because you do not need to create a new primary; the current primary (formerly secondary) is fine. Option D is wrong because geo-replication does not automatically create a new secondary.
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: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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