umount & e2fsck on root file system (/)

windycity_linux · 03-09-2007, 02:50 AM

can i umount the / (root) file system? and should i run e2fsck on the / root filesystem?

I have tried to umount the / in single user mode but i am getting an error msg the device is busy. (also tried with l switch).

I am using ext3 filesystem.

thanks for your help and sorry if it is a stupid question.

jay73 · 03-09-2007, 03:28 AM

I would put in a LiveCD to have those tasks performed, or boot from a different distribution if you have more than one Linux installed on your computer. That way you're always sure that your / isn't mounted (unless you've mounted it manually, of course).

I suspect you were unable to umount / because you were effectively using while doing the maintenance job. After all, even in single-user mode, some part of the system needs to be up and running.

windycity_linux · 03-09-2007, 03:30 AM

can u force umount the / root file system then? just curious