Quick Answer
The answer is an incorrect SQL table name in the app formula. This is because when a canvas app connects to a SQL Server database through an on-premises data gateway, the app’s formulas reference specific table names; if the name is misspelled, renamed, or does not exist, the gateway returns a “data source not found” error even though the gateway itself is running and the connection is configured correctly. On the PL-900 exam, this question tests your understanding of how canvas apps resolve data sources at runtime—a common trap is assuming a gateway or connection issue when the real problem is a simple typo in a formula like `Filter(Orders, Status = "Active")` where “Orders” might be “OrderDetails.” Remember the memory tip: “Gateway green, table unseen”—if the gateway status is healthy but the error persists, check the table name in your app’s formula first.
This PL-900 practice question tests your understanding of demonstrate the capabilities of power apps. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A user reports that a canvas app displays an error: 'The data source is not found.' The app connects to a SQL Server database via an on-premises data gateway. The gateway status shows 'Running' and the connection is configured. 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.
A required environment variable is missing
Why wrong: Environment variables are not directly related to SQL table errors.
A SharePoint list used in the app was deleted
Why wrong: The error is about data source, not SharePoint.
The SQL table name in the app formula is incorrect
A misspelled table name causes 'data source not found'.
The on-premises data gateway is offline
Why wrong: The gateway status is 'Running'.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The SQL table name in the app formula is incorrect
Option D is correct because the app's query could be referencing a table name that does not exist or is misspelled. Option A is wrong because the gateway is running. Option B is wrong because a missing environment variable would cause a different error. Option C is wrong because a SharePoint list deletion would not affect SQL Server connections.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
A required environment variable is missing
Why it's wrong here
Environment variables are not directly related to SQL table errors.
A SharePoint list used in the app was deleted
Why it's wrong here
The error is about data source, not SharePoint.
The SQL table name in the app formula is incorrect
Why this is correct
A misspelled table name causes 'data source not found'.
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 on-premises data gateway is offline
Why it's wrong here
The gateway status is 'Running'.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Identify which PL-900 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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FAQ
Demonstrate the capabilities of Power Apps — This question tests Demonstrate the capabilities of Power Apps — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The SQL table name in the app formula is incorrect — Option D is correct because the app's query could be referencing a table name that does not exist or is misspelled. Option A is wrong because the gateway is running. Option B is wrong because a missing environment variable would cause a different error. Option C is wrong because a SharePoint list deletion would not affect SQL Server connections.
Identify which PL-900 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.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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