LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
A system fails to boot with a kernel panic: 'Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block(0,0)'. The administrator suspects the root filesystem is not being detected. Which kernel parameter should be checked first?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse kernel parameters that affect boot behavior (like 'ro' or 'panic') with the one that actually tells the kernel where the root filesystem lives, leading them to overlook the 'root=' parameter.
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
✓
root=/dev/sda1
The kernel panic 'VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block(0,0)' indicates the kernel cannot locate the root filesystem. The 'root=' kernel parameter specifies the device for the root filesystem (e.g., root=/dev/sda1). Checking this parameter first is critical because if it is missing, incorrect, or the device name is wrong, the kernel will fail to mount the root filesystem and panic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
init=/sbin/init
Why it's wrong here
This parameter specifies the init program, not the root filesystem device.
- ✓
root=/dev/sda1
Why this is correct
The root parameter tells the kernel which device to mount as root.
- ✗
ro
Why it's wrong here
This mounts the root filesystem read-only, but does not specify the device.
- ✗
panic=10
Why it's wrong here
This sets the timeout before rebooting after a panic, unrelated to root device detection.
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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.