2.2 KiB
Linux System Recovery
1. Assess the Problem
First, determine the nature of the issue:
- Boot failure
- File system corruption
- Broken package dependencies
- Kernel panic
- Forgotten root password
2. Boot into Recovery Mode
Most Linux distributions offer a recovery mode:
- Restart your system
- Press and hold Shift (for GRUB2) during boot
- Select "Advanced options" then "Recovery mode"
3. Check File System Integrity
Use fsck (file system check) utility:
fsck /dev/sdXY
Replace X with the drive letter and Y with the partition number.
4. Mount File Systems
If necessary, remount the root file system as read-write:
mount -o remount,rw /
5. Network Connectivity
Enable networking for package management:
dhclient -v
6. Package Management Recovery
Fix broken dependencies:
apt --fix-broken install # For Debian-based systems
dnf distro-sync # For Fedora-based systems
7. Kernel Issues
Boot into an older kernel version from GRUB menu. If successful, investigate the issue with the newer kernel.
8. Reset Root Password
If you've forgotten the root password:
passwd root
9. Recover GRUB
If GRUB is corrupted:
- a. Boot from a live USB
- b. Mount your root partition
- c. Chroot into it
- d. Reinstall GRUB:
grub-install /dev/sdX
update-grub
10. Repair Corrupted Files
Use tools like dd or ddrescue to recover data from failing drives.
11. Log Analysis
Check system logs for clues:
journalctl -xb # For systemd-based systems
less /var/log/syslog # For traditional syslog systems
12. Backup and Restore
Always maintain backups. Use tools like rsync or tar for backing up, and restore when needed.
13. Rescue Disk
Keep a rescue disk (like SystemRescue) handy for severe cases.
14. Data Recovery
For deleted files, use tools like testdisk or photorec.
15. Safe Mode and Single-User Mode
Boot into these modes for minimal system access to perform repairs.
16. Reinstallation
As a last resort, reinstall the system while preserving /home if possible.
Remember: Always approach system recovery cautiously. If you're unsure, consult documentation or seek help from the Linux community.