LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of linux kernel and system startup. 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.
A system administrator compiled a custom kernel module for a new hardware device. After copying the .ko file to /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/, the module is not loading automatically at boot. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The module is blacklisted in /etc/modprobe.d/.
Option D is correct because a blacklist entry in /etc/modprobe.d/ explicitly prevents the kernel from loading the module at boot, regardless of its presence in /lib/modules/$(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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The kernel's module loading mechanism uses depmod to generate module dependency files (modules.dep) and modprobe to load modules with their dependencies. Blacklisting is implemented via the 'blacklist' directive in files under /etc/modprobe.d/, which tells modprobe to ignore the module even if it is requested by hardware detection or other modules. In real-world scenarios, blacklisting is commonly used to prevent conflicting drivers (e.g., nouveau vs. nvidia) or buggy modules from loading automatically.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the LPIC-2 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Linux Kernel and System Startup — This question tests Linux Kernel and System Startup — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The module is blacklisted in /etc/modprobe.d/. — Option D is correct because 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.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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