LPIC-2 File Sharing and Samba Practice Question
A Samba share is configured with 'browseable = yes' but Windows clients cannot see it in the network list. However, they can access it by typing the UNC path directly. Which parameter is most likely misconfigured?
⚠ Common exam trap
LPI often tests the distinction between 'browseable' (which controls visibility of individual shares) and 'local master' (which controls the server's presence in the network browse list), causing candidates to confuse share-level visibility with server-level browsing.
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
✓
local master
The 'local master' parameter controls whether the Samba server participates in the election for the local master browser on the subnet. If set to 'no', the Samba server will not become the master browser, and Windows clients rely on the master browser to populate the network list. Since clients can access the share via UNC path but not see it in the network list, the browsing service is failing, which is directly tied to the local master setting.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
os level
Why it's wrong here
This influences master browser elections, but local master is more direct.
- ✗
netbios name
Why it's wrong here
This sets the server's NetBIOS name, already correct.
- ✓
local master
Why this is correct
This controls whether the server attempts to become the local master browser.
- ✗
server string
Why it's wrong here
This sets the server description, not browseability.
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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.