LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
An administrator needs to mount an ISO image located at /tmp/install.iso to the directory /mnt/iso. Which command will accomplish this?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is forgetting that regular files require the loop option to be mounted as filesystems.
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
✓
mount -o loop /tmp/install.iso /mnt/iso
Mounting an ISO image requires the loop option to associate the file with a loop device, which the kernel then treats as a block device. The mount command with -o loop is the correct syntax. Other options either omit loop, use bind incorrectly, or attempt to remount a non-mounted filesystem.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
mount --bind /tmp/install.iso /mnt/iso
Why it's wrong here
The --bind option is used to bind-mount a directory or file to another location, making the same inode accessible at two mount points. It does not interpret the file as a filesystem image. This would simply mirror the file, not expose its contents.
- ✗
mount -o remount,loop /tmp/install.iso /mnt/iso
Why it's wrong here
The remount option is used to change mount flags on an already mounted filesystem. It cannot be used to perform an initial mount of a file. Combining remount with loop in this context is invalid and will result in an error.
- ✓
mount -o loop /tmp/install.iso /mnt/iso
Why this is correct
The -o loop option tells mount to use a loop device, which allows a file to be mounted as a block device. This is the standard way to mount an ISO image. The command mounts the ISO to the specified directory, making its contents accessible.
- ✗
mount -t iso9660 /tmp/install.iso /mnt/iso
Why it's wrong here
Specifying -t iso9660 sets the filesystem type but does not enable loop device usage. Without -o loop, mount will try to treat the ISO file as a block device and fail. The filesystem type alone is insufficient to mount a regular file.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official LPI exam blueprint
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.