This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of block devices, filesystems and advanced storage. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 wants to convert an ext4 filesystem to Btrfs without losing data. Which procedure should be used?
btrfs-convert /dev/sda1
This command converts ext4 to Btrfs without data loss.
mkfs.btrfs /dev/sda1
Why wrong: This would destroy existing data.
cp -a /mnt/ext4 /mnt/btrfs
Why wrong: This copies data but requires a separate filesystem.
btrfs device add /dev/sda1 /mnt
Why wrong: This adds a device to an existing Btrfs, not convert.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
btrfs-convert /dev/sda1
The correct procedure is to use `btrfs-convert /dev/sda1`, which is a dedicated tool that performs an in-place conversion of an existing ext2/3/4 filesystem to Btrfs while preserving all existing data. It works by creating a Btrfs filesystem that wraps the original ext4 data structures, then allowing a gradual migration to native Btrfs features via a background process.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
btrfs-convert /dev/sda1
Why this is correct
This command converts ext4 to Btrfs without data loss.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
mkfs.btrfs /dev/sda1
Why it's wrong here
This would destroy existing data.
cp -a /mnt/ext4 /mnt/btrfs
Why it's wrong here
This copies data but requires a separate filesystem.
btrfs device add /dev/sda1 /mnt
Why it's wrong here
This adds a device to an existing Btrfs, not convert.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse `btrfs-convert` with `mkfs.btrfs` or assume that a simple copy operation is sufficient, overlooking the fact that only `btrfs-convert` performs a true in-place filesystem conversion without data loss.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `btrfs-convert` first reads the ext4 superblock and creates a Btrfs superblock, then builds Btrfs metadata (extent trees, checksum trees) while leaving the original ext4 data blocks in place. It creates a special `ext2_saved` subvolume that holds the original ext4 metadata, allowing a rollback to ext4 if needed. In real-world scenarios, administrators often run `btrfs-convert` on live systems but should ensure the filesystem is unmounted or mounted read-only to avoid corruption during the conversion.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage — This question tests Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: btrfs-convert /dev/sda1 — The correct procedure is to use `btrfs-convert /dev/sda1`, which is a dedicated tool that performs an in-place conversion of an existing ext2/3/4 filesystem to Btrfs while preserving all existing data. It works by creating a Btrfs filesystem that wraps the original ext4 data structures, then allowing a gradual migration to native Btrfs features via a background process.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.
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