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.
An administrator needs to add support for a new hardware device by compiling a kernel module. After compiling the module against the current kernel source, the module fails to load with 'modprobe: ERROR: could not insert 'mymod': Unknown symbol in module'. Which of the following 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 was compiled against a different kernel version than the running kernel
The error 'Unknown symbol in module' indicates that the module references a kernel symbol (function or variable) that is not present in the currently running kernel. This most commonly occurs when the module was compiled against a different kernel version or configuration than the running kernel, causing symbol version mismatches. The kernel's symbol versioning (CONFIG_MODVERSIONS) checks CRC values of exported symbols, and a mismatch prevents insertion.
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 has not been signed for Secure Boot
Why it's wrong here
Secure Boot issues produce a 'Required key not available' error, not 'Unknown symbol'.
✓
The module was compiled against a different kernel version than the running kernel
Why this is correct
Symbols exported by the kernel change between versions; the module must be compiled against the exact running kernel.
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.
✗
The module's dependencies are missing
Why it's wrong here
Missing dependencies produce 'Unknown symbol' for symbols in dependencies, but the primary cause is usually a version mismatch.
✗
The module name conflicts with a built-in driver
Why it's wrong here
A name conflict would result in 'Module already present' or similar, not unknown symbols.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'Unknown symbol' with missing dependencies (Option C), but the error specifically points to a symbol version mismatch, not a missing module dependency chain.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
A name conflict would result in 'Module already present' or similar, not unknown symbols.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the kernel uses a 'module symbol table' and 'CRC checksums' for each exported symbol when CONFIG_MODVERSIONS is enabled. When a module is compiled, the CRC values of the symbols it uses are embedded in the module file. At load time, the kernel compares these CRCs with the current kernel's symbol CRCs; any mismatch triggers the 'Unknown symbol' error. This can also occur if the module was compiled against a different kernel configuration (e.g., different CPU type or feature set) even if the version string is identical.
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 was compiled against a different kernel version than the running kernel — The error 'Unknown symbol in module' indicates that the module references a kernel symbol (function or variable) that is not present in the currently running kernel. This most commonly occurs when the module was compiled against a different kernel version or configuration than the running kernel, causing symbol version mismatches. The kernel's symbol versioning (CONFIG_MODVERSIONS) checks CRC values of exported symbols, and a mismatch prevents insertion.
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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