This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of file sharing and samba. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 Samba server is configured as a classic PDC (Primary Domain Controller) for a legacy network. The administrator needs to add a new machine account for a client joining the domain. Which command accomplishes this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
samba-tool domain add machinename
Why wrong: This is for AD domains, not classic PDC.
smbpasswd -a -m MACHINENAME
The -m flag indicates a machine account.
net rpc join machinename
Why wrong: This joins the server to a domain, not adds a machine account.
pdbedit -a -m MACHINENAME
Why wrong: pdbedit does not have a -m flag; machine accounts are added with -a and -u machine$.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
smbpasswd -a -m MACHINENAME
In a classic Samba PDC (Primary Domain Controller) setup, machine accounts are stored in the `smbpasswd` file (or tdbsam) and are added using `smbpasswd -a -m MACHINENAME`. The `-m` flag specifically indicates a machine account, which appends a `$` to the name and sets the appropriate flags for domain membership. This command creates the machine trust account that the client uses to join the domain.
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.
samba-tool domain add machinename
Why it's wrong here
This is for AD domains, not classic PDC.
smbpasswd -a -m MACHINENAME
Why this is correct
The -m flag indicates a machine account.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "primary", "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
net rpc join machinename
Why it's wrong here
This joins the server to a domain, not adds a machine account.
pdbedit -a -m MACHINENAME
Why it's wrong here
pdbedit does not have a -m flag; machine accounts are added with -a and -u machine$.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse the classic Samba PDC (NT4-style) commands with Samba 4 AD DC commands, or misuse client-side join commands (`net rpc join`) as server-side machine account creation commands.
Detailed technical explanation
In a classic Samba PDC, machine accounts are essentially user accounts with a trailing `$` and the `ACB_DOMTRUST` (0x400) flag set in the account control bits. The `smbpasswd -a -m` command automatically appends the `$` and sets the correct flags, allowing the client to establish a secure channel using the machine account password. This contrasts with Samba 4 AD, where `samba-tool computer create` is used.
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-2 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
File Sharing and Samba — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
File Sharing and Samba practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All LPIC-2 questions
511 questions across all exam domains
Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 2 LPIC-2 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
LPIC-2 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Linux Kernel and System Startup.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Advanced Networking Configuration.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to DNS, Web and Mail Services.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to File Sharing and Samba.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to System Security.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Network Client Management.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 fundamentals.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 scenario.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
File Sharing and Samba — This question tests File Sharing and Samba — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: smbpasswd -a -m MACHINENAME — In a classic Samba PDC (Primary Domain Controller) setup, machine accounts are stored in the `smbpasswd` file (or tdbsam) and are added using `smbpasswd -a -m MACHINENAME`. The `-m` flag specifically indicates a machine account, which appends a `$` to the name and sets the appropriate flags for domain membership. This command creates the machine trust account that the client uses to join the domain.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "primary", "which command". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.