The correct answer is to add the directive 'blacklist usb_storage' to a file under /etc/modprobe.d/, such as /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf. This works because modprobe reads all .conf files in this directory during boot and module loading; a blacklist entry instructs the system to ignore the specified module entirely, preventing it from being loaded automatically or manually. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this tests your understanding of kernel module management and persistent configuration—a common trap is attempting to edit /etc/modprobe.conf (which is deprecated) or using rmmod without a permanent fix. Remember that blacklisting is the proper method for RHEL 9, as it survives reboots and overrides automatic dependency loading. A useful memory tip: think of the directory as a "blacklist blackboard"—any file you write a 'blacklist' line onto will keep that module off the system.
EX200 Deploy, configure, and maintain systems Practice Question
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of deploy, configure, and maintain systems. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 needs to ensure that a specific kernel module 'usb_storage' is not loaded automatically during boot on a RHEL 9 system. Which configuration file should be modified to blacklist this module?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add 'blacklist usb_storage' to /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
Option C is correct because on RHEL 9, the recommended way to prevent a kernel module from loading automatically is to add a 'blacklist' directive in a file under /etc/modprobe.d/. The file /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf is a conventional location for such blacklist entries. When modprobe processes this file, it will ignore the specified module during boot and when loading modules manually, effectively preventing usb_storage from being loaded.
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.
✗
Add 'blacklist usb_storage' to /etc/modules-load.d/usb_storage.conf
Why it's wrong here
This loads modules, not blacklists them.
✗
Add 'install usb_storage /bin/false' to /etc/sysconfig/modules/
Why it's wrong here
This is not a standard location; sysconfig is for environment variables.
✓
Add 'blacklist usb_storage' to /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
Why this is correct
This is the standard location for blacklisting modules.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Add 'blacklist usb_storage' to /etc/init.d/rc.local
Why it's wrong here
rc.local runs at boot but is not the proper way to blacklist modules.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse /etc/modules-load.d/ (used for loading modules) with /etc/modprobe.d/ (used for module configuration including blacklisting), leading them to choose Option A.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The blacklist directive in modprobe.d files works by telling modprobe to ignore the module when it is requested by name, but it does not prevent the module from being loaded if another module depends on it. For a stronger block, you can use 'install usb_storage /bin/false' in a modprobe.d file, which replaces the module's installation command with a no-op. In real-world scenarios, blacklisting is critical for security (e.g., disabling unused storage drivers) or to prevent conflicts with proprietary drivers.
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.
Deploy, configure, and maintain systems — This question tests Deploy, configure, and maintain systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add 'blacklist usb_storage' to /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf — Option C is correct because on RHEL 9, the recommended way to prevent a kernel module from loading automatically is to add a 'blacklist' directive in a file under /etc/modprobe.d/. The file /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf is a conventional location for such blacklist entries. When modprobe processes this file, it will ignore the specified module during boot and when loading modules manually, effectively preventing usb_storage from being loaded.
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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