hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: A Linux system is using systemd and a service…
A Linux system is using systemd and a service fails to start. The administrator checks the service journal and sees: 'Failed to start service: Unit not found'. However, the service file exists in /etc/systemd/system/. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates assume systemd automatically detects new unit files in the filesystem, when in fact it requires an explicit 'daemon-reload' to refresh its unit cache.
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
✓
systemd has not been reloaded (systemctl daemon-reload)
When a service file is added or modified in /etc/systemd/system/, systemd does not automatically re-read the unit files. The administrator must run 'systemctl daemon-reload' to instruct systemd to scan for new or changed unit files. Without this reload, systemd still references its cached list of units, resulting in 'Unit not found' even though the file exists on disk.
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 service is masked
Why it's wrong here
Masked units show 'masked' status.
- ✓
systemd has not been reloaded (systemctl daemon-reload)
Why this is correct
Correct: Requires daemon-reload to recognize new unit.
- ✗
The service file has incorrect permissions
Why it's wrong here
Permissions issue gives warning, not 'Unit not found'.
- ✗
The service is enabled but not started
Why it's wrong here
Enabled services are found, not 'Unit not found'.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
systemctl
systemctl is the command-line tool used to inspect, start, stop, enable, or disable services managed by the systemd init system in Linux.
Key term
Service
A service is a software component or system that performs a specific function and is available to be used by other programs or users over a network.
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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.