LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
A server with a custom kernel fails to boot after a kernel update. The system displays a kernel panic: 'VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block(0,0)'. The root filesystem is on an LVM volume. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to assume a kernel panic with 'VFS' errors points to a missing kernel driver (Option B), but LVM root mounting depends on the initramfs, not compiled-in kernel drivers.
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 initramfs is missing LVM support.
The kernel panic 'VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block(0,0)' indicates the kernel cannot locate the root filesystem. Since the root filesystem resides on an LVM volume, the initramfs must contain LVM tools and modules to activate the volume group and logical volumes before the kernel can mount the root. If the initramfs was not rebuilt after the kernel update, it will lack LVM support, causing the boot failure.
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 GRUB configuration is pointing to the wrong kernel partition.
Why it's wrong here
The error is about mounting root fs, not kernel location.
- ✗
The kernel does not have the necessary device drivers compiled in.
Why it's wrong here
Drivers may be present but LVM activation fails.
- ✗
The root filesystem is formatted with an unsupported filesystem.
Why it's wrong here
The error is about unknown-block, not filesystem type.
- ✓
The initramfs is missing LVM support.
Why this is correct
The kernel cannot access the LVM volume without LVM modules in initramfs.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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