LPIC-2 File Sharing and Samba Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. Exhibit: [global] workgroup = WORKGROUP security = user passdb backend = tdbsam [share] path = /srv/share valid users = alice, bob read only = no
A Samba server is configured as above. Users alice and bob have local system accounts but neither can connect to the share. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume local system accounts automatically grant Samba access, but Samba requires explicit registration in its own password database before authentication can succeed.
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
✓
The users have not been added to the Samba password database.
Samba maintains its own password database separate from the local system accounts. Even though alice and bob have valid local UNIX accounts, they must also be added to the Samba password database using `smbpasswd -a` or `pdbedit -a` before they can authenticate to any Samba share. Without this step, Samba will reject their connection attempts regardless of share permissions or path validity.
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 share path /srv/share does not exist or has incorrect permissions.
Why it's wrong here
While a missing path could cause issues, the most common cause is the lack of Samba password; also the exhibit does not indicate this.
- ✗
The parameter 'read only = no' is misspelled; it should be 'writable = yes'.
Why it's wrong here
'read only = no' and 'writable = yes' are equivalent; both are valid and work.
- ✓
The users have not been added to the Samba password database.
Why this is correct
Users must be added with smbpasswd -a or pdbedit -a to enable Samba authentication.
- ✗
The valid users list must use group names with '@' prefix, not individual names.
Why it's wrong here
Individual user names are perfectly valid in valid users.
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JA
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.