How do you recover a Linux operating system?

1 Identify the issue

When attempting to recover a Linux operating system, the first step is to identify the nature and cause of the issue. This could be due to a hardware failure, corrupted file system, misconfigured boot loader, damaged kernel, or software conflict. To help diagnose the problem, you can look at error messages or codes that appear on the screen, the output of the dmesg command which shows system messages and logs, the contents of the /var/log directory which stores various log files for different system components and services, the status of the fsck command which checks and repairs file system integrity, and the output of the lshw command which lists hardware information and details. By analyzing these sources of information, you can determine possible causes and solutions for your issue.

2 Use a live CD or USB

A live CD or USB is a useful tool for recovering a Linux operating system. It's a bootable media containing a Linux distribution and some recovery utilities which can help you access your system and data without relying on the installed operating system, which might be corrupted or inaccessible. You can use a live CD or USB to backup your data, repair your file system with fsck , restore your boot loader with grub-install or grub-repair , update or reinstall your kernel with apt , yum , or rpm , and remove or fix any problematic software or configuration files. To use it, you need to download an ISO image of a Linux distribution like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Knoppix, burn it to a CD or USB drive, and boot your computer from the live media either by changing the BIOS settings or using a boot menu. Then, you can launch a terminal and execute the commands you need to recover your system.

3 Try recovery mode

An alternative for restoring a Linux operating system is recovery mode, a special boot option that loads a minimal system with some basic services and features. This can be useful for troubleshooting and fixing common issues, such as resetting the root password, enabling or disabling network access, cleaning up disk space, updating or upgrading system packages, running a file system check, or dropping to the root shell prompt. To use recovery mode, reboot your computer and select the recovery mode option from the boot menu, usually by pressing Esc or F2. Then, you will be presented with various options to choose from depending on your issue. After selecting an option you may either see instructions on screen or be taken to a root shell prompt where you can enter the commands or tools needed for system recovery.

4 Use a backup or snapshot

The best way to recover a Linux operating system is to prevent the need for recovery in the first place, by creating and maintaining regular backups or snapshots of your system and data. A backup or snapshot is a copy of your system state and files at a certain point in time, which you can use to recover your entire system or specific partitions, restore data or configuration files, roll back to a previous version, compare differences between your current and previous system states, or test new features without affecting your main system. To create and use a backup or snapshot, you need to use a tool that supports your system and file system type, such as rsync , tar , dd , btrfs , or LVM , as well as have a reliable and secure storage location such as an external drive, network share, or cloud service. Remember to schedule and verify your backups or snapshots regularly to ensure they are up to date and functional.

5 Seek professional help

If you are not comfortable with performing any of the methods listed above to recover your Linux operating system, or if none of them work for you, you may want to consider seeking professional help. Professional help can provide expertise and experience in handling complex or rare issues, access to specialized tools and equipment, warranty and guarantee for the service and results, as well as peace of mind and confidence in the recovery process. To find professional help, look for reputable and certified Linux service providers or technicians in your area or online. Additionally, ask for recommendations or referrals from friends, colleagues, or online communities. Before hiring professional help, make sure to check their credentials, reviews, rates, and terms of service. Also, be sure to communicate your issue and expectations clearly and honestly. Although recovering a Linux operating system can be a daunting task, it is not impossible. By following the methods and tips in this article, you can hopefully restore your system to a working state or salvage your data and settings. However, it is important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario by having a backup or snapshot of your system and data ready.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?