VCP-DCV Configure and Manage vSphere Storage Practice Question
An administrator is troubleshooting a VMFS6 datastore that has become inaccessible after a storage array controller failover. The ESXi host logs show multiple 'Lost access to volume' errors. The administrator verifies that the array is presenting the LUN to the host, but the datastore remains unavailable. Which step should the administrator take first to resolve the issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is jumping to conclusions about datastore corruption or immediately rescanning without first determining whether the issue is an APD/PDL condition, which requires different remediation.
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
✓
Verify that the host can see the LUN and check for permanent device loss (PDL) or all paths down (APD) conditions.
When a VMFS datastore becomes inaccessible after a controller failover, the host may have lost all paths to the storage. This can trigger an APD or PDL condition. The administrator should first verify whether the LUN is visible and check for these conditions. Depending on the state, the host may need to be rebooted or paths may need to be re-established. This approach avoids unnecessary data loss.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Unmount and delete the VMFS datastore, then recreate it and restore from backup.
Why it's wrong here
Unmounting and deleting the datastore is a drastic action that would result in data loss. It should only be considered if the datastore is irrecoverably corrupted. The administrator should first attempt to restore access through less destructive means, such as checking for APD/PDL and re-establishing paths. Deleting the datastore is a last resort.
- ✗
Rescan the storage adapter to discover the LUN and restore access.
Why it's wrong here
A rescan may be necessary, but if the LUN is already presented and the datastore is still inaccessible, the issue is likely due to stale paths or an APD condition. A rescan alone may not resolve the problem if the host has lost its reservation or if there are permanent device loss (PDL) conditions. The administrator should first check for APD/PDL and then take appropriate action.
- ✗
Check the VMFS metadata and run vmfsanalyzer to determine if the datastore is corrupt.
Why it's wrong here
Running vmfsanalyzer is a diagnostic step, but it is not the first action. The datastore may be inaccessible due to an all paths down (APD) or permanent device loss (PDL) condition, not corruption. The administrator should first verify path status and attempt to restore connectivity before analyzing metadata.
- ✓
Verify that the host can see the LUN and check for permanent device loss (PDL) or all paths down (APD) conditions.
Why this is correct
After a controller failover, the host may experience APD or PDL. APD occurs when all paths to a device become unavailable, while PDL indicates the device is permanently gone. Checking for these conditions helps determine the appropriate recovery action, such as re-establishing paths or rebooting the host. This is the first step to diagnose the issue.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official VMware exam blueprint
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