LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
A developer compiled a custom kernel, installed it, but the system hangs before init starts. The previous kernel works. Which step was most likely missed?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates assume a kernel hang before init is due to a bootloader misconfiguration (GRUB), but the real issue is the missing initramfs, which is required to provide the drivers for the root filesystem that the kernel itself does not have built-in.
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
✓
Not rebuilding initramfs
When a custom kernel is compiled and installed, the initramfs must be rebuilt to include the necessary kernel modules for mounting the root filesystem at boot. If the initramfs is not regenerated, the kernel may lack critical drivers (e.g., for storage controllers or filesystems), causing the system to hang before init starts because it cannot access the root device. The previous kernel works because its initramfs was built with the correct modules for that kernel version.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Not updating GRUB configuration
Why it's wrong here
GRUB configuration is updated automatically when a new kernel is installed; not doing so would still allow booting the new kernel if selected.
- ✓
Not rebuilding initramfs
Why this is correct
The initramfs contains drivers needed early; forgetting to rebuild it is the most likely cause of the hang.
- ✗
Not running depmod
Why it's wrong here
depmod updates module dependencies, but modules are not loaded yet at boot; the missing initramfs is more critical.
- ✗
Not setting the correct root filesystem
Why it's wrong here
The root= parameter is usually set correctly in the bootloader; a missing initramfs is more common.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This LPIC-2 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-2 exam.