LPIC-1 Linux Installation and Package Management Practice Question
A Debian system has a broken package that was partially installed. Which command will attempt to fix dependencies and configure all unpacked but not configured packages?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse `dpkg --configure -a` with `apt-get install -f` (which fixes broken dependencies by installing missing packages), but the question specifically asks for configuring unpacked packages, not just fixing dependencies.
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
✓
dpkg --configure -a
The command `dpkg --configure -a` is the correct choice because it configures all unpacked but not yet configured packages, and also attempts to fix dependency issues by re-running the configuration scripts. This is the standard way to recover from a partially installed package on Debian systems, as it ensures all packages in the 'unpacked' or 'half-configured' state are fully processed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
dpkg -i --force-depends
Why it's wrong here
This forces installation ignoring dependencies, which can cause more problems.
- ✗
apt-get autoremove
Why it's wrong here
This removes packages that were automatically installed and are no longer needed.
- ✗
apt-get clean
Why it's wrong here
This clears the package cache, not fix broken packages.
- ✓
dpkg --configure -a
Why this is correct
This configures all unpacked packages, fixing incomplete installations.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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This LPIC-1 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI 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 LPIC-1 exam.