VCP-DCV Configure and Manage vSphere Storage Practice Question
Exhibit
2023-01-15T10:30:00.123Z cpu0:12345) NMP: nmp_DeviceStartIo: Device "naa.6000097000019270" failed to issue command due to Not Found (SCSI Sense: H:0x0 D:0x2 P:0x0).
Refer to the exhibit. What does this error indicate?
⚠ Common exam trap
VCP-DCV often tests the distinction between path-level failures (misconfigured path, dead path) and device-level failures (LUN unavailable, PDL) — candidates must recognize that a target LUN unavailable error is a device presentation issue, not a path or HBA issue.
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 target LUN is not available.
In VMware vSphere, an error indicating the target LUN is unavailable typically appears when an ESXi host cannot access a presented storage device — for example, the LUN has been unpresented from the storage array, masked incorrectly in the SAN fabric, or the datastore is in an 'inaccessible' state. The exhibit error (commonly 'The target LUN is not available' or a similar vSphere Client message) points to the LUN no longer being visible to the host, not to a path or HBA fault.
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 path is misconfigured.
Why it's wrong here
A misconfigured path would typically show configuration or zoning errors rather than the exhibit's specific runtime state. It is tempting because path configuration faults also produce connectivity warnings. Checking path configuration is correct when the error names an invalid path, wrong target, or zoning mismatch.
- ✗
The storage device is not connected.
Why it's wrong here
The exhibit's error concerns a specific path or device state, not total absence of the storage device; a disconnected device would remove all paths rather than one. It is tempting because disconnection also causes path errors. Confirming physical connectivity is correct when no paths to the LUN or target are present at all.
- ✓
The target LUN is not available.
Why this is correct
The error arises because the ESXi host cannot reach the specified LUN, so the datastore cannot be mounted or accessed. This typically stems from zoning, masking or array-side presentation problems rather than host configuration, confirming the target LUN is unavailable to the host.
- ✗
The host's HBA is faulty.
Why it's wrong here
A faulty HBA produces adapter-level failures such as link-down or hardware errors on the host, not the exhibit's storage-path or connectivity message. It is tempting because HBA faults do cause path loss, but the error shown points to the array or fabric side. HBA replacement is correct when the adapter itself reports hardware failure.
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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
This VCP-DCV practice question is part of Courseiva's free VMware 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 VCP-DCV exam.