Exact procdure for using fsck

PeaceTank · 03-13-2005, 06:31 AM

I'm a bit confused on the exact procedure for using fsck. I need to check my system, but when I go down to init 1 and try to fsck it still tells me that I'm mounted read/write, so it can't do anything. What is the exact procedure that I should follow for using fsck?

__J · 03-13-2005, 06:42 AM

use the remount option with mount, make sure you mount it read-only (see man mount).

as far as the procedure, it depends on the file system you are using. The file system utilities differ a little on syntax and usage, so make sure you pass the --help option before you do anything.

PeaceTank · 03-13-2005, 06:58 AM

Okay, but I don't see how to use 'remount'. I'm trying to fsck my root files system (/dev/sda3, reiserfs), but I can't figure out how to remount read only. If you could clarify what you mean I would appreciate it.

__J · 03-13-2005, 07:14 AM

do you still have your gentoo install cd?

PeaceTank · 03-13-2005, 07:26 AM

I believe so.

__J · 03-13-2005, 07:35 AM

you can either use that ( boot it, when you get to the prompt do "reiserfsck --help" to get your options ( I believe the gentoo cd has the file-system utils on it - most distro's do))

or try:

mount -n -o remount,ro /

to try to remount the filesytem ro

keep in mind, you'll have to offload it first ( turn off the swap, unmount the proc file-system, devpts, and whatever else is mounted)

the easiest way is usually the install cd route.

tredegar · 03-13-2005, 08:11 AM

PeaceTank,

It may be easier to let the system do a fsck at boot time:

shutdown -Fr in a console will force fsck to run as the machine is rebooted.

PeaceTank · 03-13-2005, 05:39 PM

Yeah, so I tried using the forced fsck on shutdown, but it didn't catch the error for some reason. I used the Live CD method and it fixed everything up great! Thanks!