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.
In /etc/fstab, which values in the dump and pass fields enable automatic file system checking at boot?
dump=1, pass=0
Why wrong: dump=1 enables backup with dump but does not affect fsck; pass=0 disables checking.
dump=0, pass=0
Why wrong: pass=0 disables file system checking at boot.
dump=0, pass=1
pass=1 enables automatic fsck at boot (root file system).
dump=1, pass=1
Why wrong: dump=1 is not standard for modern systems; pass=1 enables checking but dump field should be 0.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
dump=0, pass=1
Option C is correct because the `pass` field in `/etc/fstab` controls the order of file system checks at boot. A value of 1 means the root file system is checked first, and a value of 2 or higher means other file systems are checked after root. The `dump` field is for backup utility (dump) and is not related to boot-time checking; it must be 0 to disable dump. Thus, `dump=0, pass=1` enables automatic file system checking (fsck) at boot for the root file system.
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.
dump=1, pass=0
Why it's wrong here
dump=1 enables backup with dump but does not affect fsck; pass=0 disables checking.
dump=0, pass=0
Why it's wrong here
pass=0 disables file system checking at boot.
dump=0, pass=1
Why this is correct
pass=1 enables automatic fsck at boot (root file system).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
dump=1, pass=1
Why it's wrong here
dump=1 is not standard for modern systems; pass=1 enables checking but dump field should be 0.
Common exam traps
Red Hat often tests the misconception that `dump=1` is required for boot-time file system checks, but the `dump` field is unrelated to fsck; the trap is confusing the `dump` field with the `pass` field's role in enabling automatic checks.
Detailed technical explanation
The `pass` field in `/etc/fstab` is used by `fsck` at boot time to determine the order of file system checks: 0 disables checking, 1 is for the root file system (checked first), and 2 is for other file systems (checked in parallel after root). The `dump` field is a legacy from the `dump` backup utility; setting it to 1 marks the file system for backup, but modern systems typically set it to 0. In real-world scenarios, misconfiguring `pass` can cause boot delays or skipped checks, especially on systems with multiple file systems.
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
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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: dump=0, pass=1 — Option C is correct because the `pass` field in `/etc/fstab` controls the order of file system checks at boot. A value of 1 means the root file system is checked first, and a value of 2 or higher means other file systems are checked after root. The `dump` field is for backup utility (dump) and is not related to boot-time checking; it must be 0 to disable dump. Thus, `dump=0, pass=1` enables automatic file system checking (fsck) at boot for the root file system.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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