LPIC-2 Practice Question: Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage
A system's root filesystem on /dev/sda1 is offline. The administrator boots into rescue mode and needs to check the filesystem integrity. Which command should be used first?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse `dumpe2fs` (metadata display) or `fsck -N` (dry-run) with actual integrity checking, or they choose `fsck.ext4 -f` thinking a forced check is always best, overlooking that the `-p` (preen) mode is the standard first-step for safe, automated repair in rescue environments.
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
✓
e2fsck -p /dev/sda1
`e2fsck -p` runs an automatic, non-interactive filesystem check on the ext2/ext3/ext4 filesystem, which is the safest first step when the root filesystem is offline and the administrator is in rescue mode. The `-p` flag automatically repairs any problems that can be safely fixed without user intervention, minimizing risk of further damage. This command is specifically designed for ext-family filesystems and is the recommended initial integrity check before attempting any manual repairs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
dumpe2fs /dev/sda1
Why it's wrong here
dumpe2fs shows filesystem superblock and blocks group info, not for integrity checking.
- ✗
fsck.ext4 -f /dev/sda1
Why it's wrong here
The -f flag forces a check even if the filesystem is marked clean, which is not the best first step.
- ✓
e2fsck -p /dev/sda1
Why this is correct
The -p (preen) option automatically fixes safe problems without prompting.
- ✗
fsck -N /dev/sda1
Why it's wrong here
The -N flag only shows what would be done without actually checking.
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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.