- A
journalctl -b -1
Displays journal entries from the previous boot.
- B
dmesg -b -1
Why wrong: dmesg does not have a -b option for previous boot.
- C
cat /var/log/boot.log
Why wrong: This file contains only the current boot log.
- D
journalctl -b 0
Why wrong: Shows current boot logs only.
Question 446 of 537
View Previous Boot Logs with journalctl
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of operate running systems. 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.
After a system crash, an administrator needs to review logs from the previous boot. Which command shows only logs from the boot before the current one?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"which command"Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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
✓
journalctl -b -1
The `journalctl -b -1` command shows logs from the previous boot by using the `-b` (boot) option with an offset of `-1`, which refers to the boot session immediately before the current one. This is the correct way to access historical boot logs in systems using systemd-journald, as the journal retains logs from multiple boots by default.
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.
- ✓
journalctl -b -1
Why this is correct
Displays journal entries from the previous boot.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
dmesg -b -1
Why it's wrong here
dmesg does not have a -b option for previous boot.
- ✗
cat /var/log/boot.log
Why it's wrong here
This file contains only the current boot log.
- ✗
journalctl -b 0
Why it's wrong here
Shows current boot logs only.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse the offset numbering: `-b 0` refers to the current boot, not the previous one, leading them to select option D, while the correct offset for the previous boot is `-1`.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows current boot logs only.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `journalctl -b` option accepts negative offsets (e.g., `-1` for the previous boot, `-2` for two boots ago) and positive offsets (e.g., `+1` for the next boot if available). The journal stores boot IDs in its binary journal files under `/var/log/journal/`, and `journalctl` uses these IDs to filter logs by boot session. This is particularly useful in forensic analysis after a crash, as the journal persists across reboots unless explicitly cleared or configured with `RuntimeMaxUse` or `MaxRetentionSec`.
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: journalctl -b -1 — The `journalctl -b -1` command shows logs from the previous boot by using the `-b` (boot) option with an offset of `-1`, which refers to the boot session immediately before the current one. This is the correct way to access historical boot logs in systems using systemd-journald, as the journal retains logs from multiple boots by default.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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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