LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of linux kernel and system startup. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A developer has compiled a custom kernel with a new feature. The kernel modules are installed in /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/. However, when the system boots, the kernel fails to load some modules with 'Exec format error'. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The modules were compiled against a different kernel version.
The 'Exec format error' indicates that the kernel module binary is incompatible with the running kernel. This most commonly occurs when modules are compiled against a different kernel version (e.g., different kernel source tree or configuration), as the module's vermagic string must exactly match the kernel's vermagic. The kernel's module loader checks this version magic before loading; a mismatch causes the exec format error.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The kernel configuration has disabled module loading.
Why it's wrong here
If module loading is disabled, the error would be different.
✓
The modules were compiled against a different kernel version.
Why this is correct
Exec format error occurs when module version doesn't match kernel.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The modules have incorrect file permissions.
Why it's wrong here
Permission errors would be 'Permission denied', not 'Exec format error'.
✗
The modules are not properly ordered in the dependency file.
Why it's wrong here
Dependency order does not cause exec format errors.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'Exec format error' with file permission or dependency issues, but the error specifically points to an incompatible binary format, which is a hallmark of kernel version mismatch.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The kernel module loader uses the `vermagic` string embedded in the module's `.modinfo` section, which includes the kernel version, SMP/preemption settings, and compiler version. If any of these differ from the running kernel's `vermagic`, the module is rejected with ENOEXEC. This is enforced by the `check_modstruct_version()` function in kernel/module.c. In real-world scenarios, even a minor patch-level difference (e.g., 5.10.0 vs 5.10.1) can trigger this error if the kernel ABI changed.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Linux Kernel and System Startup — This question tests Linux Kernel and System Startup — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The modules were compiled against a different kernel version. — The 'Exec format error' indicates that the kernel module binary is incompatible with the running kernel. This most commonly occurs when modules are compiled against a different kernel version (e.g., different kernel source tree or configuration), as the module's vermagic string must exactly match the kernel's vermagic. The kernel's module loader checks this version magic before loading; a mismatch causes the exec format error.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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