XK0-006 Troubleshooting Practice Question
A Linux system fails to boot, displaying a 'kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block(0,0)' error. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
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
✓
Corrupted initramfs
This error indicates the kernel cannot find the root filesystem, often due to a missing driver or incorrect root= parameter in the boot configuration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Corrupted initramfs
Why this is correct
A missing or corrupted initramfs can prevent the root filesystem from being mounted.
- ✗
Incorrect /etc/fstab entry
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect fstab entries cause mount failures during boot, but the error shown is more fundamental (root fs not found).
- ✗
Full disk on /boot
Why it's wrong here
A full /boot partition may prevent booting but typically gives a different error.
- ✗
Misconfigured GRUB timeout
Why it's wrong here
GRUB timeout does not affect root mounting.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
Mount
Mounting is the process of making a file system or storage device accessible to a computer's operating system by attaching it to a specific directory in the existing directory tree.
Key term
Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that manages computer hardware and software, widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This XK0-006 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 XK0-006 exam.