LPIC-1 System Architecture Practice Question
After a system upgrade, the server fails to boot with the error: 'ERROR: Failed to mount the real root device.' The root filesystem is on an LVM logical volume. Which recovery step is most appropriate?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse a missing initramfs module issue with a logical volume activation problem (Option B), but 'lvchange -ay' is only effective after the initramfs has loaded LVM support; without it, the kernel cannot even see the LVs to activate them.
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
✓
Boot from a live CD, chroot, and run 'update-initramfs -u -k all' to regenerate the initramfs with lvm2 support
The error 'Failed to mount the real root device' after a system upgrade indicates the initramfs lacks the necessary LVM modules (e.g., lvm2) to activate and mount the root logical volume. Regenerating the initramfs with 'update-initramfs -u -k all' rebuilds it to include LVM support, ensuring the kernel can locate and mount the root filesystem during boot.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Boot from a live CD, chroot, and run 'update-initramfs -u -k all' to regenerate the initramfs with lvm2 support
Why this is correct
This rebuilds the initramfs including necessary LVM modules.
- ✗
Run 'lvchange -ay' to activate all LVs
Why it's wrong here
Cannot activate if initramfs lacks LVM tools at boot.
- ✗
Reinstall GRUB to the MBR
Why it's wrong here
GRUB is likely intact; the issue is the initramfs missing LVM support.
- ✗
Use 'fsck' on the root LV
Why it's wrong here
fsck may cause corruption if the LV is not active and dirty.
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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.