This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of linux installation and package management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An RPM-based system reports a file conflict during package installation. Which option to the rpm command will allow the installation to overwrite files from another package?
--force
Why wrong: While --force includes --replacefiles, it also includes other options; --replacefiles is the specific one for file conflicts.
--replacefiles
This option replaces files from other packages.
--nodeps
Why wrong: This bypasses dependency checks, not file conflicts.
--justdb
Why wrong: This updates the RPM database without installing files.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
--replacefiles
The --replacefiles option tells rpm to overwrite files that already exist on the system from a different package, resolving file conflicts during installation. This is the correct and targeted way to allow overwriting without bypassing other important checks.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
--force
Why it's wrong here
While --force includes --replacefiles, it also includes other options; --replacefiles is the specific one for file conflicts.
--replacefiles
Why this is correct
This option replaces files from other packages.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
--nodeps
Why it's wrong here
This bypasses dependency checks, not file conflicts.
--justdb
Why it's wrong here
This updates the RPM database without installing files.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often choose --force because it sounds like it would force overwrites, but it is a blunt instrument that also skips dependency checks, which is not what the question asks for.
Detailed technical explanation
When rpm installs a package, it checks for file conflicts by comparing the package's file list against the RPM database's file ownership records. The --replacefiles option specifically allows the new package's files to overwrite those owned by another package, while still enforcing dependency and other integrity checks. In real-world scenarios, this is commonly used when upgrading a package that has split or merged with another, or when manually installing a newer version from a third-party repository.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Linux Installation and Package Management — This question tests Linux Installation and Package Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: --replacefiles — The --replacefiles option tells rpm to overwrite files that already exist on the system from a different package, resolving file conflicts during installation. This is the correct and targeted way to allow overwriting without bypassing other important checks.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.
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