Quick Answer
The answer is that fsck detected errors but did not fix them automatically. This is the most likely reason a filesystem remains read-only after a crash, even when fsck reports a clean status, because by default fsck runs in non-interactive mode during boot and will not apply repairs without the -y flag or manual intervention. The clean status can be misleading—it often means the journal itself is consistent, but underlying metadata inconsistencies or unrepaired inodes still force the kernel to keep the filesystem read-only for safety. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this tests your understanding of the fsck repair workflow and the critical difference between checking and fixing. A common trap is assuming clean means error-free, when it actually means no journal corruption was found. Remember the mnemonic: Clean does not mean fixed; always confirm with mount -o remount,rw after a forced repair.
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 filesystem is reported as 'read-only' after a system crash. The admin runs fsck and sees 'clean' status. What is the most likely reason it remains read-only?
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.
fsck cannot fix errors on ext4 filesystems.
Why wrong: fsck can fix ext4.
The filesystem is still mounted; fsck cannot fix it while mounted.
Why wrong: fsck can be run on unmounted only.
The filesystem is XFS, and fsck does not repair XFS.
Why wrong: fsck on XFS just reports, but xfs_repair needed.
fsck detected errors but did not fix them automatically.
fsck -y or manual repair needed.
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 detected errors but did not fix them automatically.
Option D is correct because when fsck reports a filesystem as 'clean' but the system still shows it as read-only, it typically means fsck detected errors during the check but did not automatically repair them. By default, fsck runs in non-interactive mode on boot and may require the '-y' flag or manual intervention to apply fixes. The 'clean' status can be misleading if the journal indicates no corruption, but underlying metadata inconsistencies remain unaddressed.
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.
fsck cannot fix errors on ext4 filesystems.
Why it's wrong here
fsck can fix ext4.
The filesystem is still mounted; fsck cannot fix it while mounted.
Why it's wrong here
fsck can be run on unmounted only.
The filesystem is XFS, and fsck does not repair XFS.
Why it's wrong here
fsck on XFS just reports, but xfs_repair needed.
fsck detected errors but did not fix them automatically.
Why this is correct
fsck -y or manual repair needed.
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.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates assume 'clean' means no errors exist, but fsck can report 'clean' while still leaving unaddressed errors that force the filesystem to remain read-only for safety.
Detailed technical explanation
When a filesystem is marked 'clean' by fsck, it means the superblock's clean flag is set, indicating no journal replay is needed. However, fsck may still detect structural errors (e.g., inode count mismatches) but will not fix them unless run with the '-y' or '-p' (preen) option. In Red Hat Enterprise Linux, systemd's fsck service uses 'fsck -a' (auto-repair) by default, but if the filesystem is too damaged, it may fall back to manual mode, leaving the filesystem read-only to prevent further corruption.
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
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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 detected errors but did not fix them automatically. — Option D is correct because when fsck reports a filesystem as 'clean' but the system still shows it as read-only, it typically means fsck detected errors during the check but did not automatically repair them. By default, fsck runs in non-interactive mode on boot and may require the '-y' flag or manual intervention to apply fixes. The 'clean' status can be misleading if the journal indicates no corruption, but underlying metadata inconsistencies remain unaddressed.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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