Question 178 of 507
LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
Which sysctl parameter controls the system's behavior when a kernel oops occurs (e.g., automatically reboot)?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse `kernel.panic_on_oops` with `vm.panic_on_oom` or assume a non-existent parameter like `kernel.oops` exists, because both involve panic behavior but apply to entirely different kernel events (oops vs. OOM).
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
✓
kernel.panic_on_oops
The `kernel.panic_on_oops` sysctl parameter controls the system's behavior when a kernel oops occurs. Setting it to 1 causes the kernel to panic on an oops, and if `kernel.panic` is also set to a positive value (e.g., seconds before reboot), the system will automatically reboot after the panic. This is the correct parameter for triggering a reboot on an oops.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
vm.panic_on_oom
Why it's wrong here
This controls behavior on out-of-memory, not oops.
- ✗
kernel.unknown_nmi_panic
Why it's wrong here
This controls behavior on an unknown NMI, not oops.
- ✓
kernel.panic_on_oops
Why this is correct
Setting this to 1 causes a panic on oops, which can then trigger a reboot via kernel.panic.
- ✗
kernel.oops
Why it's wrong here
There is no such sysctl parameter.
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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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