[Solved] You run useradd -m john but the home directory is not created. What is the likely cause? — Ans: The /etc/default/useradd file has HOME variable unset | Linux CLI

Linux CLI - Users and Groups

You run useradd -m john but the home directory is not created. What is the likely cause?

AThe system has no disk space

BThe <code>-m</code> option was misspelled

CThe user already exists

DThe <code>/etc/default/useradd</code> file has HOME variable unset

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Check useradd configuration
The /etc/default/useradd file defines default home directory base. If HOME is unset or incorrect, -m may fail to create the directory.
Step 2: Consider other options
Misspelling -m would cause a syntax error, existing user would cause useradd to fail, and disk space issues cause different errors.
Final Answer:
The /etc/default/useradd file has HOME variable unset -> Option D
Quick Check:
Unset HOME in config stops home dir creation [OK]

Quick Trick: Check /etc/default/useradd HOME variable if home missing [OK]

Common Mistakes:

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You run useradd -m john but the home directory is not created. What is the likely cause?