This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of file sharing and samba. 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.
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?
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.
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
The share path /srv/share does not exist or has incorrect permissions.
Why wrong: While a missing path could cause issues, the most common cause is the lack of Samba password; also the exhibit does not indicate this.
B
The parameter 'read only = no' is misspelled; it should be 'writable = yes'.
Why wrong: 'read only = no' and 'writable = yes' are equivalent; both are valid and work.
C
The users have not been added to the Samba password database.
Users must be added with smbpasswd -a or pdbedit -a to enable Samba authentication.
D
The valid users list must use group names with '@' prefix, not individual names.
Why wrong: Individual user names are perfectly valid in valid users.
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.
Option B is correct. With security = user and passdb backend = tdbsam, each user must be added to the Samba password database using smbpasswd -a or pdbedit -a. Without this, authentication fails even though the system accounts exist. Option A is possible but less likely given typical troubleshooting. Option C is incorrect because individual user names are valid in valid users. Option D is incorrect because 'read only = no' is a valid parameter.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related LPIC-2 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
File Sharing and Samba — This question tests File Sharing and Samba — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The users have not been added to the Samba password database. — Option B is correct. With security = user and passdb backend = tdbsam, each user must be added to the Samba password database using smbpasswd -a or pdbedit -a. Without this, authentication fails even though the system accounts exist. Option A is possible but less likely given typical troubleshooting. Option C is incorrect because individual user names are valid in valid users. Option D is incorrect because 'read only = no' is a valid parameter.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related LPIC-2 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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