Quick Answer
The answer is `lvchange -ay vg0/var`. This command activates the inactive logical volume by setting its activation flag to 'y' (yes), which tells the Linux kernel to make the volume available for mounting and access. In LVM, logical volumes can exist in an inactive state, meaning their device nodes are not created and they cannot be used; the `-ay` flag specifically targets the volume group and logical volume name to bring it online. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this scenario tests your ability to troubleshoot storage issues where a filesystem like `/var` becomes inaccessible due to an inactive LV—a common trap is confusing `lvchange` with `vgchange` (which activates entire volume groups) or `lvscan` (which only reports status). Remember the mnemonic: “Activate Your LV” for `-ay`, and always specify the full path as `vgname/lvname` to avoid ambiguity.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A user reports that the /var directory is not accessible. The system administrator checks the logical volumes and notices that the 'var' logical volume is not activated. Which command should be used to activate it?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
lvextend -L+10g vg0/var
Why wrong: lvextend extends the size; activation requires lvchange.
lvchange -ay vg0/var
The -ay option activates the logical volume.
lvscan
Why wrong: lvscan only scans for LVs, does not activate them.
lvcreate -a y vg0/var
Why wrong: lvcreate is for creating new volumes, not activating existing ones.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
lvchange -ay vg0/var
The `lvchange -ay vg0/var` command activates the specified logical volume by setting its activation flag to 'y' (yes). This is the correct way to bring an inactive LVM logical volume online so that it can be mounted and accessed.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
lvextend -L+10g vg0/var
Why it's wrong here
lvextend extends the size; activation requires lvchange.
lvchange -ay vg0/var
Why this is correct
The -ay option activates the logical volume.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
lvscan
Why it's wrong here
lvscan only scans for LVs, does not activate them.
lvcreate -a y vg0/var
Why it's wrong here
lvcreate is for creating new volumes, not activating existing ones.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between commands that modify LVM objects (like `lvextend`, `lvcreate`) versus commands that manage state (like `lvchange`), leading candidates to confuse activation with resizing or creation.
Detailed technical explanation
LVM logical volumes have an activation state that controls whether the device mapper kernel driver creates the block device for the volume. The `lvchange -ay` command triggers a `dmsetup create` operation under the hood, which loads the mapping table and makes the volume visible under `/dev/vg0/var`. This is essential after a system reboot or when a volume has been manually deactivated for maintenance, as the volume must be active before it can be mounted or checked with `fsck`.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Troubleshooting — This question tests Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: lvchange -ay vg0/var — The `lvchange -ay vg0/var` command activates the specified logical volume by setting its activation flag to 'y' (yes). This is the correct way to bring an inactive LVM logical volume online so that it can be mounted and accessed.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This XK0-005 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 XK0-005 exam.
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