You run userdel -r bob but get an error saying user bob does not exist. What is the likely cause?

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Linux CLI - Users and Groups

You run userdel -r bob but get an error saying user bob does not exist. What is the likely cause?

AThe home directory is missing

BUser bob was never created

CYou need to use useradd to delete users

DThe -r option is invalid with userdel

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand the error message
The error says user bob does not exist, so the system cannot delete a non-existent user.
Step 2: Check command validity
userdel -r bob is valid syntax to delete user and home directory, so the error is not due to syntax.
Final Answer:
User bob was never created -> Option B
Quick Check:
User must exist before deletion [OK]

Quick Trick: Check if user exists before deleting [OK]

Common Mistakes:

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