- A
fsck cannot fix errors on ext4 filesystems.
Why wrong: Incorrect. fsck can repair ext4 filesystems; it is a standard tool for checking and fixing ext2/3/4 metadata.
- B
The filesystem is still mounted; fsck cannot fix it while mounted.
Why wrong: Incorrect. While fsck should not be run on a mounted filesystem, the presence of a 'clean' status and read-only mount suggests the filesystem is not actively mounted for writes; the issue is with the filesystem type.
- C
The filesystem is XFS, and fsck does not repair XFS.
Correct. XFS uses a different repair utility (xfs_repair), and fsck only checks the journal flag, reporting 'clean' without performing any actual verification or repair.
- D
fsck detected errors but did not fix them automatically.
Why wrong: Incorrect. A 'clean' status indicates no errors were detected; if errors were found, fsck would report them. Therefore, the read-only state is not due to unfixed errors but rather the filesystem type.
EX200 fsck Practice Question
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create and configure file systems. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: fsck. 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.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The filesystem is XFS, and fsck does not repair XFS.
If fsck reports 'clean', it means no errors were found in the filesystem's journal, so option D is incorrect. Option C is correct because XFS filesystems cannot be repaired by fsck; they require xfs_repair. Running fsck on an XFS filesystem simply reports the clean flag without performing a real check, leaving the kernel to enforce read-only status if any issues persist.
Key principle: fsck
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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
Incorrect. fsck can repair ext4 filesystems; it is a standard tool for checking and fixing ext2/3/4 metadata.
- ✗
The filesystem is still mounted; fsck cannot fix it while mounted.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. While fsck should not be run on a mounted filesystem, the presence of a 'clean' status and read-only mount suggests the filesystem is not actively mounted for writes; the issue is with the filesystem type.
- ✓
The filesystem is XFS, and fsck does not repair XFS.
Why this is correct
Correct. XFS uses a different repair utility (xfs_repair), and fsck only checks the journal flag, reporting 'clean' without performing any actual verification or repair.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
fsck
- ✗
fsck detected errors but did not fix them automatically.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. A 'clean' status indicates no errors were detected; if errors were found, fsck would report them. Therefore, the read-only state is not due to unfixed errors but rather the filesystem type.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates often assume that 'clean' means the filesystem is fully healthy and that fsck repairs all filesystem types. The trap is that fsck is for ext four, and XFS requires xfs_repair.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- fsck
- clean status
- XFS
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
fsck
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. fsck 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.
Review fsck, then practise related EX200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Create and configure file systems — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Create and configure file systems — This question tests Create and configure file systems — fsck.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The filesystem is XFS, and fsck does not repair XFS. — If fsck reports 'clean', it means no errors were found in the filesystem's journal, so option D is incorrect. Option C is correct because XFS filesystems cannot be repaired by fsck; they require xfs_repair. Running fsck on an XFS filesystem simply reports the clean flag without performing a real check, leaving the kernel to enforce read-only status if any issues persist.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Review fsck, then practise related EX200 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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?
fsck
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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