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LFCS · Question #82

When trying to unmount a device it is reported as being busy. Which of the following commands could be used to determine which process is causing this?

The correct answer is B. lsof. The lsof command is used to list open files and the processes using them, which is essential for identifying why a device cannot be unmounted because it is busy.

Submitted by thandi_sa· Apr 18, 2026Storage Management

Question

When trying to unmount a device it is reported as being busy. Which of the following commands could be used to determine which process is causing this?

Options

  • Adebug
  • Blsof
  • Cnessus
  • Dstrace
  • Etraceroute

How the community answered

(45 responses)
  • A
    7% (3)
  • B
    87% (39)
  • C
    4% (2)
  • E
    2% (1)

Why each option

The `lsof` command is used to list open files and the processes using them, which is essential for identifying why a device cannot be unmounted because it is busy.

Adebug

`debug` is a general term for troubleshooting and not a specific command to list open files.

BlsofCorrect

The `lsof` (list open files) command identifies all open files and the processes that currently have them open. When a device cannot be unmounted due to being "busy," `lsof` can pinpoint exactly which process is accessing files or directories on that device, thus preventing its unmount.

Cnessus

`nessus` is a vulnerability scanner, not a tool for checking open files.

Dstrace

`strace` is used to trace system calls and signals, not to list open files.

Etraceroute

`traceroute` is used to trace the path of network packets, not to identify processes holding files open.

Concept tested: Identifying processes holding open files

Source: https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man8/lsof.8.html

Topics

#lsof#unmounting#file systems#process identification

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