The answer is that an XFS project quota is configured on the /data directory, limiting the space used by the database files. This is correct because XFS project quotas apply to a specific directory tree or project, restricting total disk usage regardless of the user or group that owns the files. Even when no user or group quotas are set, a project quota can enforce a hard limit on a path like /data, causing the 'disk quota exceeded' error despite 40% free space on the filesystem. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of XFS quota types beyond the common user and group quotas—a frequent trap where candidates overlook project quotas when free space is available. Remember that XFS project quotas are directory-based, not user-based, so always check for project IDs and quota settings on the mount point or specific directories. A helpful memory tip: "Project quotas protect paths, not people."
EX200 Create and configure file systems Practice Question
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create and configure file systems. 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 managing a Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 server that hosts a critical database application. The database stores its data on an XFS filesystem mounted on /data, backed by a logical volume in a volume group named vg_db. Recently, the database team reported that write operations are failing with 'Disk quota exceeded' errors, but the filesystem still shows 40% free space. You check the filesystem quota configuration and find that no user or group quotas are set on /data. The database runs as user 'dbadmin' with group 'dba'. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the 'Disk quota exceeded' error?
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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
An XFS project quota is configured on the /data directory, limiting the space used by the database files.
Option B is correct because XFS project quotas can limit the total space used by a directory tree, regardless of the user or group that owns the files. Even though no user or group quotas are set, a project quota on /data restricts the database files, causing 'Disk quota exceeded' errors despite 40% free space on the filesystem.
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 logical volume is thin provisioned and the data pool is full.
Why it's wrong here
Would cause I/O errors, not quota error.
✓
An XFS project quota is configured on the /data directory, limiting the space used by the database files.
Why this is correct
Project quotas can limit directory usage.
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.
✗
SELinux is blocking the database writes due to a denial.
Why it's wrong here
SELinux denials log to audit.log, not quota error.
✗
The filesystem has run out of inodes.
Why it's wrong here
Would report 'No space left on device' not quota error.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume 'Disk quota exceeded' always implies user or group quotas are configured, overlooking XFS project quotas which operate on directory trees and are invisible to standard 'quota' or 'repquota' commands without the '-p' flag.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
XFS project quotas use a project ID (prjid) assigned to files and directories via the 'xfs_quota' tool. The 'pquota' mount option must be enabled, and the quota limits are enforced on the total space consumed by all files with the same project ID, which is useful for directory-based accounting in multi-tenant environments or for limiting specific application data directories like /data.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 practitioner preparing for the EX200 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Create and configure file systems — This question tests Create and configure file systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: An XFS project quota is configured on the /data directory, limiting the space used by the database files. — Option B is correct because XFS project quotas can limit the total space used by a directory tree, regardless of the user or group that owns the files. Even though no user or group quotas are set, a project quota on /data restricts the database files, causing 'Disk quota exceeded' errors despite 40% free space on the filesystem.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.
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