Linux Recovery Mode on various Distributions
Linux Recovery Mode on various Distributions
Sometimes Linux systems face issues like boot failures, disk errors, or forgotten passwords. In such situations, Linux Recovery mode becomes a powerful rescue option. It allows users to troubleshoot and fix problems using a minimal, safe environment. Different Linux distributions have slight variations in accessing this mode, but the core idea remains the same: give users a way to fix their system without needing a full desktop session.
Linux Recovery mode is a special boot option that starts the system with limited services, usually in single-user mode. It bypasses the regular graphical desktop and provides root access via a command-line interface. This mode is ideal for performing administrative tasks such as repairing broken packages, fixing disk errors, or resetting forgotten passwords.
Top Linux Distributions
- Ubuntu
- Debian
- Fedora
- CentOS / RHEL
- Arch Linux
Ubuntu
To boot into Recovery mode on Ubuntu:
- Reboot the system.
- Hold the Shift key (BIOS systems) or press Esc (UEFI systems) to bring up the GRUB menu.
- Select the entry that includes (recovery mode) using arrow keys.
- Press Enter to boot into recovery mode.
- Choose from available recovery options like fsck, root shell, or network.
Debian
To boot into Recovery mode on Debian:
- Reboot the system.
- At the GRUB menu, select the kernel entry and press e to edit it.
- Find the line starting with
linux
and appendsingle
orinit=/bin/bash
at the end. - Press Ctrl + X or F10 to boot into recovery.
Fedora
To boot into Recovery mode on Fedora:
- Reboot the system.
- At the GRUB menu, highlight the Fedora entry and press e.
- Append
systemd.unit=rescue.target
oremergency.target
to the line starting withlinux
. - Press Ctrl + X to start in recovery mode.
CentOS / RHEL
To boot into Recovery mode on CentOS or RHEL:
- Reboot and access the GRUB menu.
- Select the kernel line and press e to edit.
- Append
systemd.unit=rescue.target
orsystemd.unit=emergency.target
at the end of the kernel line. - Press Ctrl + X to boot.
Arch Linux
To boot into Recovery mode on Arch Linux:
- Reboot and access the GRUB menu.
- Highlight the Arch entry and press e.
- Append
init=/bin/bash
to the kernel line. - Press Ctrl + X or F10 to start the system.
- Remount the root filesystem using
mount -o remount,rw /
if necessary.