- A
systemctl start httpd
Why wrong: Starts the service immediately, but it will not persist across reboots.
- B
systemctl enable httpd
Enables the service to start automatically at boot by creating symlinks.
- C
systemctl restart httpd
Why wrong: Restarts the service immediately but does not configure it to start on boot.
- D
systemctl daemon-reload
Why wrong: Reloads systemd unit files; does not affect enablement.
Question 453 of 537
Enable Service to Start at Boot with systemctl
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of operate running systems. 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.
A system administrator receives reports that a web server service (httpd) fails to start after a reboot. The administrator checks the service status and sees it is disabled. Which of the following is the most appropriate command to ensure the service starts automatically on future reboots?
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
✓
systemctl enable httpd
The `systemctl enable httpd` command creates the necessary symlinks in the systemd unit configuration directory (typically `/etc/systemd/system/multi-user.target.wants/`) to ensure the httpd service starts automatically at boot. Since the service is disabled after reboot, enabling it is the correct action to set it to start on future reboots.
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.
- ✗
systemctl start httpd
Why it's wrong here
Starts the service immediately, but it will not persist across reboots.
- ✓
systemctl enable httpd
Why this is correct
Enables the service to start automatically at boot by creating symlinks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
systemctl restart httpd
Why it's wrong here
Restarts the service immediately but does not configure it to start on boot.
- ✗
systemctl daemon-reload
Why it's wrong here
Reloads systemd unit files; does not affect enablement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse `systemctl start` (immediate runtime action) with `systemctl enable` (boot-time configuration), leading them to choose a command that works now but fails to persist across reboots.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under systemd, enabling a service involves creating a symlink in the appropriate `.wants/` directory (e.g., `/etc/systemd/system/multi-user.target.wants/httpd.service`) pointing to the unit file in `/usr/lib/systemd/system/`. This ensures the service is started when the target (e.g., multi-user.target) is reached during boot. Disabling removes the symlink. A real-world scenario: after a kernel update, a service might be disabled if its unit file is replaced; re-enabling it restores the boot-time dependency.
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 EX200 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Operate running systems — This question tests Operate running systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: systemctl enable httpd — The `systemctl enable httpd` command creates the necessary symlinks in the systemd unit configuration directory (typically `/etc/systemd/system/multi-user.target.wants/`) to ensure the httpd service starts automatically at boot. Since the service is disabled after reboot, enabling it is the correct action to set it to start on future reboots.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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