- A
The hard link is broken and cannot be accessed.
Why wrong: Hard links are not broken; they are independent references.
- B
The hard link still contains the data and is accessible.
Correct: The hard link still points to the same inode, so the data remains.
- C
The hard link is automatically converted to a copy of the file.
Why wrong: No conversion occurs; the link remains.
- D
The hard link becomes a symbolic link.
Why wrong: Hard links do not become symbolic links; they remain valid.
Question 556 of 981
XK0-005 System Management Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 developer creates a hard link to a file and then deletes the original file. What happens to the hard link?
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 hard link still contains the data and is accessible.
Hard links share the same inode; deleting the original file removes one link, but the data remains accessible via the hard link until all links are removed.
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 hard link is broken and cannot be accessed.
Why it's wrong here
Hard links are not broken; they are independent references.
- ✓
The hard link still contains the data and is accessible.
Why this is correct
Correct: The hard link still points to the same inode, so the data remains.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The hard link is automatically converted to a copy of the file.
Why it's wrong here
No conversion occurs; the link remains.
- ✗
The hard link becomes a symbolic link.
Why it's wrong here
Hard links do not become symbolic links; they remain valid.
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 practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 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 XK0-005 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
Questions learners often ask
What does this XK0-005 question test?
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The hard link still contains the data and is accessible. — Hard links share the same inode; deleting the original file removes one link, but the data remains accessible via the hard link until all links are removed.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which XK0-005 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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This XK0-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 XK0-005 exam.
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