LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
A system administrator compiled a custom kernel module for a new hardware device. After copying the .ko file to /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/, the module is not loading automatically at boot. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently assume a module must be explicitly added to a configuration file to load at boot, overlooking that blacklisting is a silent override that prevents automatic loading without any error message.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The module is blacklisted in /etc/modprobe.d/.
A blacklist entry in /etc/modprobe.d/ explicitly prevents the kernel from loading the module at boot, regardless of its presence in /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/. The modprobe system reads these configuration files during early boot and skips any module listed with a 'blacklist' directive, which is the most likely cause when a module is present but fails to load automatically.
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 module needs to be added to /etc/modules.
Why it's wrong here
/etc/modules lists modules to load, but if not present, the module may still be loaded by udev or alias; blacklist is a stronger blocker.
- ✗
The module has a dependency error.
Why it's wrong here
A dependency error would appear in dmesg; blacklist is a more likely silent cause.
- ✗
The kernel version does not match the module.
Why it's wrong here
If the version matched, the module would be accepted; a mismatch would produce an insmod error.
- ✓
The module is blacklisted in /etc/modprobe.d/.
Why this is correct
Blacklisted modules are prevented from loading even if installed correctly.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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