LPIC-1 System Architecture Practice Question
A Linux system with a custom kernel fails to boot after a new kernel is compiled and installed. The boot process stops at a prompt: 'Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block(0,0)'. The root filesystem is on /dev/sda2 with ext4. The system has an initramfs generated with dracut. The admin can boot from a previous kernel. Which is the most appropriate next step to troubleshoot and fix the issue? Options: A) Rebuild the initramfs using 'dracut --force --kver' with the correct kernel version, B) Add 'root=/dev/sda2' to the kernel command line, C) Use 'mkinitrd' with the '--preload' option for ext4 module, D) Run 'ldd /sbin/init' to check for missing libraries.
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse a missing root parameter with a missing initramfs driver, or mistakenly think checking init dependencies (ldd) or using legacy tools (mkinitrd) will fix a kernel module mismatch.
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
✓
Rebuild the initramfs using 'dracut --force --kver' with the correct kernel version
The 'Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block(0,0)' error indicates the kernel cannot find or mount the root filesystem, often because the initramfs lacks the necessary drivers (e.g., ext4 module) for the new kernel. Rebuilding the initramfs with 'dracut --force --kver' ensures it includes the correct kernel modules for the newly compiled kernel, resolving the mismatch.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Run 'ldd /sbin/init' to check for missing libraries
Why it's wrong here
The panic occurs before init is executed; libraries are not relevant.
- ✓
Rebuild the initramfs using 'dracut --force --kver' with the correct kernel version
Why this is correct
Regenerates the initramfs ensuring all necessary modules are included.
- ✗
Use 'mkinitrd' with the '--preload' option for ext4 module
Why it's wrong here
mkinitrd is legacy; dracut is the modern tool. Also, ext4 may already be built-in.
- ✗
Add 'root=/dev/sda2' to the kernel command line
Why it's wrong here
The parameter is likely already present; the error indicates the kernel cannot read the device, not missing parameter.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.