LFCS Storage Management Practice Question
After adding a new SCSI disk to a server running Linux, the system fails to boot with the error: 'Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs'. The root filesystem is on LVM. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often assume adding a disk only requires updating /etc/fstab or GRUB, but the LFCS exam specifically tests the dependency of LVM-based root filesystems on a properly generated initramfs containing LVM tools.
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 initramfs was not regenerated after the disk addition, missing LVM tools.
When the root filesystem resides on LVM, the initramfs must contain the LVM tools and modules (e.g., lvm2, device-mapper) to activate the logical volumes before the kernel can mount the root filesystem. Adding a new SCSI disk does not inherently require regenerating the initramfs, but if the initramfs was not rebuilt after the LVM configuration changed (e.g., after adding a disk that becomes part of a volume group), it may lack the necessary LVM support, causing a kernel panic when it cannot mount the root LV.
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 /etc/fstab entry for the new disk is missing.
Why it's wrong here
Missing fstab entry for the new disk does not affect boot since root is on LVM.
- ✗
The GRUB configuration is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
GRUB configuration is not automatically changed by adding a disk.
- ✗
The new disk's partition table is corrupt.
Why it's wrong here
A corrupt partition table on a new disk does not prevent root filesystem mount.
- ✓
The initramfs was not regenerated after the disk addition, missing LVM tools.
Why this is correct
Correct: initramfs needs to include LVM support; adding disk may change device order and require initramfs rebuild.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.