mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 That the /data directory is inaccessible Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. # mount | grep /data /dev/sdb1 on /data type ext4 (rw,relatime,errors=remount-ro) # df -h /data Filesystem Size Used Avail Use% Mounted on /dev/sdb1 9.8G 9.5G 0 100% /data # ls -la /data | head ls: reading directory /data: Input/output error
A user reports that the /data directory is inaccessible. The Linux administrator runs the commands shown in the exhibit. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates see 'Input/output error' and assume a hardware failure or missing device, but the combination of the mount showing the device as present and the dmesg message pointing to filesystem corruption is the key diagnostic clue.
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 filesystem is full and has become corrupted.
The 'Input/output error' when accessing /data, combined with the 'Structure needs cleaning' message from dmesg, indicates filesystem corruption on /dev/sdb1. This is a classic symptom of a full filesystem that has become corrupted, not a simple permission or mount issue. The administrator's inability to read or write to the directory, despite the mount appearing normal, points to underlying filesystem damage.
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 user does not have read permissions on /data.
Why it's wrong here
The error is 'Input/output error', not permission denied.
- ✓
The filesystem is full and has become corrupted.
Why this is correct
100% usage can lead to corruption; the I/O error indicates filesystem issues.
- ✗
The device /dev/sdb1 is not present.
Why it's wrong here
The mount output shows /dev/sdb1 is mounted on /data.
- ✗
The filesystem is mounted as read-only.
Why it's wrong here
The mount output shows 'rw', so it is not read-only.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
dmesg
dmesg is a Linux command that displays messages from the kernel ring buffer, used to diagnose hardware and boot issues.
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.