This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create and configure file 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.
A partition /dev/sdc1 is formatted as ext4. The administrator needs to check the file system for errors without making any repairs. Which command should be used?
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.
xfs_repair -n /dev/sdc1
Why wrong: xfs_repair is for XFS file systems, not ext4.
fsck -n /dev/sdc1
fsck -n performs a non-destructive, read-only check without repairs.
fsck -y /dev/sdc1
Why wrong: fsck -y assumes 'yes' to all repairs, altering the file system.
e2fsck -p /dev/sdc1
Why wrong: e2fsck -p automatically repairs errors without asking, which is not desired.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
fsck -n /dev/sdc1
The `fsck -n` command checks the file system for errors without making any repairs, as the `-n` flag forces a non-interactive, read-only check. Since /dev/sdc1 is formatted as ext4, `fsck` automatically calls the appropriate ext4-specific tool (e2fsck) with the no-repair option. This matches the requirement to only check for errors without fixing them.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
xfs_repair -n /dev/sdc1
Why it's wrong here
xfs_repair is for XFS file systems, not ext4.
fsck -n /dev/sdc1
Why this is correct
fsck -n performs a non-destructive, read-only check without repairs.
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.
fsck -y /dev/sdc1
Why it's wrong here
fsck -y assumes 'yes' to all repairs, altering the file system.
e2fsck -p /dev/sdc1
Why it's wrong here
e2fsck -p automatically repairs errors without asking, which is not desired.
Common exam traps
Red Hat often tests the distinction between checking and repairing file systems, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse `-n` (no repair) with `-y` (auto-repair) or assume `xfs_repair -n` works on ext4, not recognizing that file system-specific tools must match the file system type.
Detailed technical explanation
The `fsck` command is a front-end that detects the file system type (e.g., ext4, XFS) and invokes the appropriate tool (e2fsck for ext4). The `-n` flag sets the FSCK_OPT_NO flag, which forces a read-only check and prevents any write operations, ensuring no repairs are attempted. In real-world scenarios, this is critical for forensic analysis or when you need to assess damage before deciding on a repair strategy.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Create and configure file systems — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Create and configure file systems practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All EX200 questions
527 questions across all exam domains
Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
EX200 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Operate running systems.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Configure local storage.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Create and configure file systems.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Deploy, configure, and maintain systems.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Manage users and groups.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Manage security.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Manage containers.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Create simple shell scripts.
Practise EX200 questions linked to Essential Tools.
Practise EX200 questions linked to EX200 fundamentals.
Practise EX200 questions linked to EX200 scenario.
Practise EX200 questions linked to EX200 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Create and configure file systems — This question tests Create and configure file systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: fsck -n /dev/sdc1 — The `fsck -n` command checks the file system for errors without making any repairs, as the `-n` flag forces a non-interactive, read-only check. Since /dev/sdc1 is formatted as ext4, `fsck` automatically calls the appropriate ext4-specific tool (e2fsck) with the no-repair option. This matches the requirement to only check for errors without fixing them.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This EX200 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Red Hat 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 EX200 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.