LPIC-2 File Sharing and Samba Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers 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.
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
✓
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 `$` to the name and sets the appropriate flags for domain membership. This command creates the machine trust account that the client uses to join the domain.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
samba-tool domain add machinename
Why it's wrong here
This is for AD domains, not classic PDC.
- ✓
smbpasswd -a -m MACHINENAME
Why this is correct
The -m flag indicates a machine account.
- ✗
net rpc join machinename
Why it's wrong here
This joins the server to a domain, not adds a machine account.
- ✗
pdbedit -a -m MACHINENAME
Why it's wrong here
pdbedit does not have a -m flag; machine accounts are added with -a and -u machine$.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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