The answer is to first remount the root filesystem as read-only with 'mount -o remount,ro /dev/sda2 /', then run 'fsck -f /dev/sda2', and finally reboot. This is correct because running fsck on a mounted, read-write filesystem can cause severe data corruption, as the kernel may still be writing metadata during the check; remounting read-only ensures a consistent, immutable snapshot for the repair. On the LPIC-1 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of emergency maintenance mode and safe filesystem recovery procedures—a common trap is attempting fsck directly on the live root filesystem without first remounting it read-only. Remember the sequence: remount, check, reboot. A useful memory tip is "Read-Only First" (ROF): always force a read-only remount before forcing a filesystem check.
LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of devices, filesystems and fhs. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 Linux administrator is troubleshooting a server that fails to boot with the error 'Give root password for maintenance (or press Control-D to continue)'. The root filesystem is on /dev/sda2, formatted as ext4. The administrator suspects a filesystem inconsistency. The server is in a remote data center and the administrator has console access via IPMI. Which of the following is the safest procedure to repair the filesystem?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
At the maintenance prompt, run 'mount -o remount,ro /dev/sda2 /' then 'fsck -f /dev/sda2' and then 'reboot'.
Option A is correct because it first remounts the root filesystem as read-only to prevent any writes during the repair, which is essential for a consistent fsck run on an ext4 filesystem. Then it uses 'fsck -f' to force a check even if the filesystem appears clean, followed by a reboot to exit maintenance mode. This is the safest procedure as it avoids the risk of the filesystem being mounted read-write during repair, which could cause further corruption.
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.
✓
At the maintenance prompt, run 'mount -o remount,ro /dev/sda2 /' then 'fsck -f /dev/sda2' and then 'reboot'.
Why this is correct
Correct: remount read-only, then fsck, then reboot.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
At the maintenance prompt, run 'fsck /dev/sda2' and answer yes to all prompts.
Why it's wrong here
Filesystem is mounted; running fsck on a mounted rw filesystem can cause corruption.
✗
At the maintenance prompt, run 'fsck -y /dev/sda2' to force repair.
Why it's wrong here
Filesystem is still mounted rw.
✗
At the maintenance prompt, run 'fsck -a /dev/sda2' to automatically repair.
Why it's wrong here
Same issue: filesystem is mounted.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose 'fsck -y' or '-a' thinking they are the safest automated options, but they fail to recognize that these options can automatically apply destructive repairs (like truncating corrupt files) without administrator review, whereas the correct procedure ensures the filesystem is read-only and forces a check with the '-f' flag.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'fsck -f' flag forces a full filesystem check even if the superblock's last-checked timestamp indicates the filesystem is clean, which is critical when an inconsistency is suspected. The remount to read-only ensures that no journal writes or metadata updates occur during the check, which could interfere with fsck's ability to repair the filesystem correctly. In a remote data center scenario with IPMI console access, using 'fsck -y' or '-a' might be tempting for automation, but the '-f' flag with a read-only remount provides the safest balance between thoroughness and caution.
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 LPIC-1 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.
Devices, Filesystems and FHS — This question tests Devices, Filesystems and FHS — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: At the maintenance prompt, run 'mount -o remount,ro /dev/sda2 /' then 'fsck -f /dev/sda2' and then 'reboot'. — Option A is correct because it first remounts the root filesystem as read-only to prevent any writes during the repair, which is essential for a consistent fsck run on an ext4 filesystem. Then it uses 'fsck -f' to force a check even if the filesystem appears clean, followed by a reboot to exit maintenance mode. This is the safest procedure as it avoids the risk of the filesystem being mounted read-write during repair, which could cause further corruption.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-1 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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Question Discussion
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