XK0-006 Troubleshooting Practice Question
During boot, a Linux system displays a kernel panic with 'VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block(0,0)'. 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
✓
Corrupt initramfs missing a necessary kernel module for the root device
This error indicates that the root filesystem cannot be found, often due to a missing driver for the storage device in the initramfs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Incorrect time configuration in the BIOS
Why it's wrong here
Time configuration does not cause a mount failure during boot.
- ✓
Corrupt initramfs missing a necessary kernel module for the root device
Why this is correct
The kernel cannot mount root because the required driver is missing from initramfs.
- ✗
The /etc/fstab file has an invalid filesystem type for the root partition
Why it's wrong here
While fstab issues can cause problems, the kernel panic occurs before fstab is read.
- ✗
A defective network cable
Why it's wrong here
Network issues do not affect local root filesystem mounting.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
Kernel panic
A kernel panic is a critical system error that occurs when the operating system's core (the kernel) encounters an unrecoverable fault, causing the system to stop all operations and often display an error message or a screen of death.
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.
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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.