LPIC-1 Linux Installation and Package Management Practice Question
After a failed package upgrade, a Debian system shows 'unmet dependencies' when trying to install any new software. What is the most appropriate command to fix this condition?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates think manually editing the dpkg database (option A) is a quick fix, but LPIC-1 tests the understanding that APT's built-in repair mechanism is the correct and safe approach, not low-level manual manipulation.
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
✓
apt-get install -f
The 'apt-get install -f' command (option B) is the correct fix because it invokes the '--fix-broken' option, which automatically resolves unmet dependencies by either installing missing packages or removing partially installed ones. This is the standard Debian/APT tool for repairing a broken package state after a failed upgrade, as it reads the dpkg database and corrects inconsistencies without manual intervention.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Edit /var/lib/dpkg/status manually
Why it's wrong here
Hand-editing /var/lib/dpkg/status corrupts the package database's internal consistency and does not recompute dependency relationships. It tempts because the file lists package states, so editing appears to fix them, but apt-get -f install is designed to reconcile dependencies safely through the package manager.
- ✓
apt-get install -f
Why this is correct
`apt-get install -f` invokes APT's dependency repair, scanning the dpkg database for broken or unmet dependencies and attempting to configure or remove offending packages. This directly resolves the stem's "unmet dependencies" state, restoring a consistent package set so subsequent installs succeed.
- ✗
dpkg --purge $(dpkg -l | grep ^iU | awk '{print $2}')
Why it's wrong here
Removing all partially installed packages is not a standard fix and may remove needed software.
- ✗
dpkg --force-depends -i *.deb
Why it's wrong here
Forcing dpkg to install with --force-depends bypasses dependency checks, leaving the system in a worse inconsistent state rather than repairing it. It tempts because it makes installation proceed, which is correct only when deliberately installing a package whose dependencies are knowingly satisfied elsewhere.
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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.