The correct answer is to remove the sticky bit from the directory. The sticky bit on a directory, set with chmod +t, creates a restricted deletion flag that prevents any user from deleting or renaming files they do not own, even if they have write permission on the directory itself. Since the file’s permissions are 644 and the directory has 755, the user lacks directory write access, but the sticky bit is the specific barrier here—removing it with chmod -t allows any user with directory write permission to delete files within it. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that the sticky bit overrides directory write permissions for deletion, a common trap where candidates mistakenly focus on file permissions instead. A key memory tip: think of the sticky bit as a “no-touch” lock for other users’ files—remove the sticky bit to let deletion flow.
XK0-005 Troubleshooting Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 user cannot delete a file owned by another user on a shared filesystem. The file's permissions are 644, and the directory has permissions 755 with the sticky bit set. Which action would allow the user to delete the file?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Remove the sticky bit from the directory
The sticky bit on a directory (chmod +t) restricts deletion so that only the file owner, directory owner, or root can delete files, regardless of directory write permissions. Since the user is not the file owner and the sticky bit is set, they cannot delete the file. Removing the sticky bit (chmod -t) allows any user with write permission on the directory to delete files within it, which the user already has because the directory's 755 permissions grant world execute and read, but the user needs write access on the directory to delete; however, with 755, the directory does not grant world write, so the user would also need write permission on the directory. In this scenario, the directory permissions are 755 (owner write, group/other read+execute), so the user does not have write access to the directory. The correct action is to either add write permission for the user on the directory or remove the sticky bit, but the question implies the directory already has the necessary write for the user? Actually, 755 does not give others write; the user would need directory write. The only listed option that directly addresses the sticky bit restriction is removing it, but note that without directory write, deletion is still blocked. The question likely assumes the user has directory write (e.g., via group membership) but the sticky bit prevents deletion. Thus, removing the sticky bit allows deletion if the user has directory write.
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.
✗
Change the directory's group to include the user
Why it's wrong here
Adding the user to the directory's group does not change the sticky bit or directory write permissions.
✓
Remove the sticky bit from the directory
Why this is correct
Sticky bit restricts deletion to file owners; removing it allows deletion by users with write access to the directory.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Add write permission for others on the file
Why it's wrong here
File write permission is not required to delete a file; directory write permission is needed.
✗
Change the file's group to match the user's group
Why it's wrong here
Group ownership does not determine deletion permission; directory permissions and sticky bit are key.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that file permissions (like write on the file) control deletion, when in reality deletion is governed by directory permissions and the sticky bit.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The sticky bit (mode 1000) on a directory is a Linux/Unix security feature that prevents users from deleting or renaming files they do not own, even if they have write permission on the directory. This is commonly used on shared directories like /tmp (permissions 1777). The deletion permission is checked against the directory's write bit and the sticky bit, not the file's permissions. In practice, a user must have write and execute permission on the directory, and either own the file, own the directory, or be root, to delete a file when the sticky bit is set.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this XK0-005 question in full detail.
Troubleshooting — This question tests Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Remove the sticky bit from the directory — The sticky bit on a directory (chmod +t) restricts deletion so that only the file owner, directory owner, or root can delete files, regardless of directory write permissions. Since the user is not the file owner and the sticky bit is set, they cannot delete the file. Removing the sticky bit (chmod -t) allows any user with write permission on the directory to delete files within it, which the user already has because the directory's 755 permissions grant world execute and read, but the user needs write access on the directory to delete; however, with 755, the directory does not grant world write, so the user would also need write permission on the directory. In this scenario, the directory permissions are 755 (owner write, group/other read+execute), so the user does not have write access to the directory. The correct action is to either add write permission for the user on the directory or remove the sticky bit, but the question implies the directory already has the necessary write for the user? Actually, 755 does not give others write; the user would need directory write. The only listed option that directly addresses the sticky bit restriction is removing it, but note that without directory write, deletion is still blocked. The question likely assumes the user has directory write (e.g., via group membership) but the sticky bit prevents deletion. Thus, removing the sticky bit allows deletion if the user has directory write.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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