LPIC-1 System Architecture Practice Question
A kernel module fails to load with the error 'modprobe: FATAL: Module xyz not found in directory /lib/modules/$(uname -r)'. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse a 'not found' error with the module simply being missing from the filesystem, but the specific inclusion of the kernel version directory (e.g., /lib/modules/5.10.0-9-amd64) in the error message points directly to a kernel version mismatch. This is common after a kernel update in Linux distributions like Debian or Ubuntu, where modules must be rebuilt or re-installed for the new kernel version.
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 kernel version has changed and modules need to be rebuilt.
The error message references the specific kernel version from `uname -r`. If the kernel has been updated (e.g., via a package upgrade), the modules directory for the new kernel version will not contain the previously built modules. The module must be rebuilt against the new kernel's source or headers, which is why option B is correct.
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 module is blacklisted in /etc/modprobe.d/.
Why it's wrong here
A blacklisted module would produce a different error message, such as 'Module xyz is blacklisted'.
- ✓
The kernel version has changed and modules need to be rebuilt.
Why this is correct
After a kernel update, modules for the new kernel may not be present; they need to be rebuilt or reinstalled.
- ✗
The module has dependencies that are missing.
Why it's wrong here
Missing dependencies would produce an error like 'Module xyz has missing dependencies' or 'Required key not available'.
- ✗
The module is not installed on the system.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the error message points to the kernel version-specific path, suggesting a version mismatch rather than a complete absence.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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