- A
Add the new disk as an LVM physical volume, extend the volume group, extend the logical volume containing /var/lib/mysql, and then resize the filesystem.
Why wrong: This assumes LVM is already in use; the question doesn't specify LVM.
- B
Partition the disk, create a filesystem, add an entry in /etc/fstab, and reboot the server.
Why wrong: Rebooting does not copy existing data and may cause service failure.
- C
Partition the disk, create a filesystem, mount it directly to /var/lib/mysql, and then move the existing data into place.
Why wrong: Mounting directly overwrites the existing mount point, potentially hiding data.
- D
Partition the disk, create a filesystem, mount it at a temporary mount point, copy existing data from /var/lib/mysql to the new filesystem, unmount /var/lib/mysql (if it's a mount), mount the new filesystem at /var/lib/mysql, and update /etc/fstab.
Correct procedure ensures no data loss.
LFCS Storage Management Practice Question
This LFCS practice question tests your understanding of storage management. 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.
A database server is running out of space in its /var/lib/mysql directory. The system admin wants to add a new 100GB disk to increase storage. Which of the following steps should be performed to mount the new filesystem at /var/lib/mysql without data loss?
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
Partition the disk, create a filesystem, mount it at a temporary mount point, copy existing data from /var/lib/mysql to the new filesystem, unmount /var/lib/mysql (if it's a mount), mount the new filesystem at /var/lib/mysql, and update /etc/fstab.
Option D is correct because it ensures no data loss by first copying existing data to the new filesystem mounted at a temporary point, then unmounting the old mount (if any) and remounting the new filesystem at /var/lib/mysql. This preserves the existing database files and allows the new disk to be used without disrupting the directory structure. The /etc/fstab update ensures the mount persists across reboots.
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.
- ✗
Add the new disk as an LVM physical volume, extend the volume group, extend the logical volume containing /var/lib/mysql, and then resize the filesystem.
Why it's wrong here
This assumes LVM is already in use; the question doesn't specify LVM.
- ✗
Partition the disk, create a filesystem, add an entry in /etc/fstab, and reboot the server.
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting does not copy existing data and may cause service failure.
- ✗
Partition the disk, create a filesystem, mount it directly to /var/lib/mysql, and then move the existing data into place.
Why it's wrong here
Mounting directly overwrites the existing mount point, potentially hiding data.
- ✓
Partition the disk, create a filesystem, mount it at a temporary mount point, copy existing data from /var/lib/mysql to the new filesystem, unmount /var/lib/mysql (if it's a mount), mount the new filesystem at /var/lib/mysql, and update /etc/fstab.
Why this is correct
Correct procedure ensures no data loss.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose Option C, thinking they can mount directly and then move data, but they overlook that mounting over a non-empty directory hides existing data, making it impossible to move without unmounting first, which would cause data loss if not done carefully.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When mounting a new filesystem over an existing directory, the kernel's VFS layer hides the original directory contents until the mount is removed. Therefore, any data in /var/lib/mysql must be copied to the new filesystem before the mount is placed, and the old data must be preserved until the copy is verified. Using a temporary mount point (e.g., /mnt/newdisk) allows safe data transfer with rsync or cp, and updating /etc/fstab with the new device's UUID ensures a persistent mount that survives reboots without relying on device names that may change.
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 LFCS 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this LFCS question test?
Storage Management — This question tests Storage Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Partition the disk, create a filesystem, mount it at a temporary mount point, copy existing data from /var/lib/mysql to the new filesystem, unmount /var/lib/mysql (if it's a mount), mount the new filesystem at /var/lib/mysql, and update /etc/fstab. — Option D is correct because it ensures no data loss by first copying existing data to the new filesystem mounted at a temporary point, then unmounting the old mount (if any) and remounting the new filesystem at /var/lib/mysql. This preserves the existing database files and allows the new disk to be used without disrupting the directory structure. The /etc/fstab update ensures the mount persists across reboots.
What should I do if I get this LFCS 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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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This LFCS practice question is part of Courseiva's free Linux Foundation 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 LFCS exam.
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