Why Does httpd Fail to Start Even with Correct SELinux Context?
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.
Exhibit
[root@server ~]# getenforce
Enforcing
[root@server ~]# ls -Z /var/www/html/index.html
unconfined_u:object_r:httpd_sys_content_t:s0 /var/www/html/index.html
[root@server ~]# systemctl status httpd
● httpd.service - The Apache HTTP Server
Loaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/httpd.service; disabled; vendor preset: disabled)
Active: inactive (dead)
Refer to the exhibit. The web server fails to start. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Exhibit
[root@server ~]# getenforce
Enforcing
[root@server ~]# ls -Z /var/www/html/index.html
unconfined_u:object_r:httpd_sys_content_t:s0 /var/www/html/index.html
[root@server ~]# systemctl status httpd
● httpd.service - The Apache HTTP Server
Loaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/httpd.service; disabled; vendor preset: disabled)
Active: inactive (dead)
A
SELinux context is wrong and should be httpd_sys_content_t.
Why wrong: The context shown is already httpd_sys_content_t.
B
SELinux context is correct, but httpd is not enabled.
The service is disabled; enable with systemctl enable httpd.
C
The index.html file is missing.
Why wrong: The file exists as shown in the ls -Z output.
D
httpd is masked.
Why wrong: The status shows 'disabled', not 'masked'.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SELinux context is correct, but httpd is not enabled.
The exhibit shows that the web server fails to start, but the SELinux context is correctly set to `httpd_sys_content_t` for the web content files. The most likely cause is that the `httpd` service is not enabled, meaning it is not set to start automatically at boot or has not been started manually. This is a common operational oversight where the service is installed and configured but not activated via `systemctl enable httpd` or `systemctl start httpd`.
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.
✗
SELinux context is wrong and should be httpd_sys_content_t.
Why it's wrong here
The context shown is already httpd_sys_content_t.
✓
SELinux context is correct, but httpd is not enabled.
Why this is correct
The service is disabled; enable with systemctl enable httpd.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The index.html file is missing.
Why it's wrong here
The file exists as shown in the ls -Z output.
✗
httpd is masked.
Why it's wrong here
The status shows 'disabled', not 'masked'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Red Hat often tests the distinction between a service being installed versus enabled, tricking candidates into focusing on SELinux or file existence when the core issue is a simple service management oversight.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The context shown is already httpd_sys_content_t.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In systemd-based systems, a service can be installed but not enabled, meaning it lacks the symlink in `/etc/systemd/system/multi-user.target.wants/` to start automatically. The `systemctl is-enabled httpd` command would return 'disabled' in this case, while `systemctl status httpd` would show 'inactive (dead)'. Real-world scenarios often involve automated provisioning where services are installed via package managers but require explicit enablement to survive reboots.
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 network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
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.
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: SELinux context is correct, but httpd is not enabled. — The exhibit shows that the web server fails to start, but the SELinux context is correctly set to `httpd_sys_content_t` for the web content files. The most likely cause is that the `httpd` service is not enabled, meaning it is not set to start automatically at boot or has not been started manually. This is a common operational oversight where the service is installed and configured but not activated via `systemctl enable httpd` or `systemctl start httpd`.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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