User:Slashme/TIFU
My screwup:
root@davelaptop:/home/david# fdisk -l Disk /dev/sda: 298.1 GiB, 320072933376 bytes, 625142448 sectors Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 4096 bytes I/O size (minimum/optimal): 4096 bytes / 4096 bytes Disklabel type: dos Disk identifier: 0xae09ff0b Device Boot Start End Sectors Size Id Type /dev/sda1 * 2048 625139711 625137664 298.1G 7 HPFS/NTFS/exFAT Disk /dev/sdb: 7.5 GiB, 8019509248 bytes, 15663104 sectors Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes Disklabel type: dos Disk identifier: 0x0006f36d Device Boot Start End Sectors Size Id Type /dev/sdb1 * 2048 2287615 2285568 1.1G 83 Linux /dev/sdb2 2287616 15663103 13375488 6.4G 83 Linux Disk /dev/sdc: 931.5 GiB, 1000204886016 bytes, 1953525168 sectors Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes Disklabel type: dos Disk identifier: 0x7c46eeab Device Boot Start End Sectors Size Id Type /dev/sdc1 208982016 1933043711 1724061696 822.1G 7 HPFS/NTFS/exFAT /dev/sdc2 * 2048 3905535 3903488 1.9G 83 Linux /dev/sdc3 1933043712 1953523711 20480000 9.8G 82 Linux swap / Solaris /dev/sdc4 3907582 208982015 205074434 97.8G 5 Extended /dev/sdc5 3907584 208982015 205074432 97.8G 83 Linux Partition table entries are not in disk order. root@davelaptop:/home/david# dd if=/mnt/big/debian-live-8.2.0-amd64-cinnamon-desktop.iso of=/dev/sdc bs=4M; sync ^C54+0 records in 53+0 records out 222298112 bytes (222 MB) copied, 2.93226 s, 75.8 MB/s
The fix:
First, zero the start of the disk, or nothing will work right:
dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sdc ibs=1MiB count=1 1+0 records in 2048+0 records out 1048576 bytes (1.0 MB) copied, 0.0544217 s, 19.3 MB/s
Next, recreate the partition table:
root@davelaptop:/media/david/7d9d33d0-3269-49ae-8bca-a67701d8f019/backup# parted /dev/sdc
GNU Parted 3.2
Using /dev/sdc
Welcome to GNU Parted! Type 'help' to view a list of commands.
(parted) print
Error: /dev/sdc: unrecognised disk label
Model: TOSHIBA External USB 3.0 (scsi)
Disk /dev/sdc: 1000GB
Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B
Partition Table: unknown
Disk Flags:
(parted) mklabel msdos
Error: Partition(s) 1, 3, 5 on /dev/sdc have been written, but we have been unable to inform the kernel of the change, probably because
it/they are in use. As a result, the old partition(s) will remain in use. You should reboot now before making further changes.
Ignore/Cancel? ignore
(parted) mkpart primary 208982016s 1933043711s
Error: Partition(s) 3, 5 on /dev/sdc have been written, but we have been unable to inform the kernel of the change, probably because
it/they are in use. As a result, the old partition(s) will remain in use. You should reboot now before making further changes.
Ignore/Cancel? ignore
(parted) mkpart primary 2048s 3905535s
Error: Partition(s) 3, 5 on /dev/sdc have been written, but we have been unable to inform the kernel of the change, probably because
it/they are in use. As a result, the old partition(s) will remain in use. You should reboot now before making further changes.
Ignore/Cancel? ignore
(parted) mkpart primary 1933043712s 1953523711s
Error: Partition(s) 5 on /dev/sdc have been written, but we have been unable to inform the kernel of the change, probably because
it/they are in use. As a result, the old partition(s) will remain in use. You should reboot now before making further changes.
Ignore/Cancel? ignore
(parted) print
Model: TOSHIBA External USB 3.0 (scsi)
Disk /dev/sdc: 1000GB
Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B
Partition Table: msdos
Disk Flags:
Number Start End Size Type File system Flags
2 1049kB 2000MB 1999MB primary lba
1 107GB 990GB 883GB primary lba
3 990GB 1000GB 10.5GB primary lba
(parted) quit
Information: You may need to update /etc/fstab.
root@davelaptop:/media/david/7d9d33d0-3269-49ae-8bca-a67701d8f019/backup# fdisk /dev/sdc
Welcome to fdisk (util-linux 2.25.2).
Changes will remain in memory only, until you decide to write them.
Be careful before using the write command.
Command (m for help): p
Disk /dev/sdc: 931.5 GiB, 1000204886016 bytes, 1953525168 sectors
Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disklabel type: dos
Disk identifier: 0xb657c75b
Device Boot Start End Sectors Size Id Type
/dev/sdc1 208982016 1933043711 1724061696 822.1G 83 Linux
/dev/sdc2 2048 3905535 3903488 1.9G 83 Linux
/dev/sdc3 1933043712 1953523711 20480000 9.8G 83 Linux
Partition table entries are not in disk order.
Command (m for help): d
Partition number (1-3, default 3): 1
Partition 1 has been deleted.
Command (m for help): d
Partition number (2,3, default 3):
Partition 3 has been deleted.
Command (m for help): d
Selected partition 2
Partition 2 has been deleted.
Command (m for help): p
Disk /dev/sdc: 931.5 GiB, 1000204886016 bytes, 1953525168 sectors
Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disklabel type: dos
Disk identifier: 0xb657c75b
Command (m for help): n
Partition type
p primary (0 primary, 0 extended, 4 free)
e extended (container for logical partitions)
Select (default p):
Using default response p.
Partition number (1-4, default 1):
First sector (2048-1953525167, default 2048):
Last sector, +sectors or +size{K,M,G,T,P} (2048-1953525167, default 1953525167):
Created a new partition 1 of type 'Linux' and of size 931.5 GiB.
Command (m for help): q
root@davelaptop:/media/david/7d9d33d0-3269-49ae-8bca-a67701d8f019/backup# parted /dev/sdc
GNU Parted 3.2
Using /dev/sdc
Welcome to GNU Parted! Type 'help' to view a list of commands.
(parted) print
Model: TOSHIBA External USB 3.0 (scsi)
Disk /dev/sdc: 1000GB
Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B
Partition Table: msdos
Disk Flags:
Number Start End Size Type File system Flags
2 1049kB 2000MB 1999MB primary ext4
1 107GB 990GB 883GB primary ntfs
3 990GB 1000GB 10.5GB primary linux-swap(v1)
(parted) mkpart extended 3907582s 208982015s
Warning: The resulting partition is not properly aligned for best performance.
Ignore/Cancel? ignore
Error: Partition(s) 5 on /dev/sdc have been written, but we have been unable to inform the kernel of the change, probably because
it/they are in use. As a result, the old partition(s) will remain in use. You should reboot now before making further changes.
Ignore/Cancel? ignore
(parted) print
Model: TOSHIBA External USB 3.0 (scsi)
Disk /dev/sdc: 1000GB
Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B
Partition Table: msdos
Disk Flags:
Number Start End Size Type File system Flags
2 1049kB 2000MB 1999MB primary ext4
4 2001MB 107GB 105GB extended lba
1 107GB 990GB 883GB primary ntfs
3 990GB 1000GB 10.5GB primary linux-swap(v1)
(parted) mkpart logical 3907584s 208982015s
(parted) print
Model: TOSHIBA External USB 3.0 (scsi)
Disk /dev/sdc: 1000GB
Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B
Partition Table: msdos
Disk Flags:
Number Start End Size Type File system Flags
2 1049kB 2000MB 1999MB primary ext4
4 2001MB 107GB 105GB extended lba
5 2001MB 107GB 105GB logical lba
1 107GB 990GB 883GB primary ntfs
3 990GB 1000GB 10.5GB primary linux-swap(v1)
(parted) quit
Information: You may need to update /etc/fstab.
root@davelaptop:/media/david/7d9d33d0-3269-49ae-8bca-a67701d8f019/backup# fdisk /dev/sdc
Welcome to fdisk (util-linux 2.25.2).
Changes will remain in memory only, until you decide to write them.
Be careful before using the write command.
Command (m for help): p
Disk /dev/sdc: 931.5 GiB, 1000204886016 bytes, 1953525168 sectors
Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disklabel type: dos
Disk identifier: 0xb657c75b
Device Boot Start End Sectors Size Id Type
/dev/sdc1 208982016 1933043711 1724061696 822.1G 83 Linux
/dev/sdc2 2048 3905535 3903488 1.9G 83 Linux
/dev/sdc3 1933043712 1953523711 20480000 9.8G 83 Linux
/dev/sdc4 3907582 208982015 205074434 97.8G f W95 Ext'd (LBA)
/dev/sdc5 3907584 208982015 205074432 97.8G 83 Linux
Partition table entries are not in disk order.
Command (m for help): a
Partition number (1-5, default 5): 2
The bootable flag on partition 2 is enabled now.
Command (m for help): t
Partition number (1-5, default 5): 1
Hex code (type L to list all codes): 7
Changed type of partition 'Linux' to 'HPFS/NTFS/exFAT'.
Command (m for help): p
Disk /dev/sdc: 931.5 GiB, 1000204886016 bytes, 1953525168 sectors
Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disklabel type: dos
Disk identifier: 0xb657c75b
Device Boot Start End Sectors Size Id Type
/dev/sdc1 208982016 1933043711 1724061696 822.1G 7 HPFS/NTFS/exFAT
/dev/sdc2 * 2048 3905535 3903488 1.9G 83 Linux
/dev/sdc3 1933043712 1953523711 20480000 9.8G 83 Linux
/dev/sdc4 3907582 208982015 205074434 97.8G f W95 Ext'd (LBA)
/dev/sdc5 3907584 208982015 205074432 97.8G 83 Linux
Partition table entries are not in disk order.
Command (m for help): t
Partition number (1-5, default 5): 3
Hex code (type L to list all codes): 82
Changed type of partition 'Linux' to 'Linux swap / Solaris'.
Command (m for help): t
Partition number (1-5, default 5): 4
Hex code (type L to list all codes): 5
You cannot change a partition into an extended one or vice versa. Delete it first.
Type of partition 4 is unchanged: W95 Ext'd (LBA).
Command (m for help): d
Partition number (1-5, default 5): 4
Partition 4 has been deleted.
Command (m for help): p
Disk /dev/sdc: 931.5 GiB, 1000204886016 bytes, 1953525168 sectors
Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disklabel type: dos
Disk identifier: 0xb657c75b
Device Boot Start End Sectors Size Id Type
/dev/sdc1 208982016 1933043711 1724061696 822.1G 7 HPFS/NTFS/exFAT
/dev/sdc2 * 2048 3905535 3903488 1.9G 83 Linux
/dev/sdc3 1933043712 1953523711 20480000 9.8G 82 Linux swap / Solaris
Partition table entries are not in disk order.
Command (m for help): n
Partition type
p primary (3 primary, 0 extended, 1 free)
e extended (container for logical partitions)
Select (default e): e
Selected partition 4
First sector (3905536-1953525167, default 3905536): 3907582
Last sector, +sectors or +size{K,M,G,T,P} (3907582-208982015, default 208982015):
Created a new partition 4 of type 'Extended' and of size 97.8 GiB.
Command (m for help): p
Disk /dev/sdc: 931.5 GiB, 1000204886016 bytes, 1953525168 sectors
Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disklabel type: dos
Disk identifier: 0xb657c75b
Device Boot Start End Sectors Size Id Type
/dev/sdc1 208982016 1933043711 1724061696 822.1G 7 HPFS/NTFS/exFAT
/dev/sdc2 * 2048 3905535 3903488 1.9G 83 Linux
/dev/sdc3 1933043712 1953523711 20480000 9.8G 82 Linux swap / Solaris
/dev/sdc4 3907582 208982015 205074434 97.8G 5 Extended
Partition table entries are not in disk order.
Command (m for help): w
The partition table has been altered.
root@davelaptop:/media/david/7d9d33d0-3269-49ae-8bca-a67701d8f019/backup#
root@davelaptop:/media/david/7d9d33d0-3269-49ae-8bca-a67701d8f019/backup# fdisk -l /dev/sdc
Disk /dev/sdc: 931.5 GiB, 1000204886016 bytes, 1953525168 sectors
Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disklabel type: dos
Disk identifier: 0xb657c75b
Device Boot Start End Sectors Size Id Type
/dev/sdc1 208982016 1933043711 1724061696 822.1G 7 HPFS/NTFS/exFAT
/dev/sdc2 * 2048 3905535 3903488 1.9G 83 Linux
/dev/sdc3 1933043712 1953523711 20480000 9.8G 82 Linux swap / Solaris
/dev/sdc4 3907582 208982015 205074434 97.8G 5 Extended
Partition table entries are not in disk order.
root@davelaptop:/media/david/7d9d33d0-3269-49ae-8bca-a67701d8f019/backup# parted /dev/sdc
GNU Parted 3.2
Using /dev/sdc
Welcome to GNU Parted! Type 'help' to view a list of commands.
(parted) print
Model: TOSHIBA External USB 3.0 (scsi)
Disk /dev/sdc: 1000GB
Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B
Partition Table: msdos
Disk Flags:
Number Start End Size Type File system Flags
2 1049kB 2000MB 1999MB primary ext4 boot
4 2001MB 107GB 105GB extended
1 107GB 990GB 883GB primary ntfs
3 990GB 1000GB 10.5GB primary linux-swap(v1)
(parted) mkpart logical 3907584s 208982015s
(parted) print
Model: TOSHIBA External USB 3.0 (scsi)
Disk /dev/sdc: 1000GB
Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B
Partition Table: msdos
Disk Flags:
Number Start End Size Type File system Flags
2 1049kB 2000MB 1999MB primary ext4 boot
4 2001MB 107GB 105GB extended
5 2001MB 107GB 105GB logical lba
1 107GB 990GB 883GB primary ntfs
3 990GB 1000GB 10.5GB primary linux-swap(v1)
(parted) quit
Information: You may need to update /etc/fstab.
root@davelaptop:/media/david/7d9d33d0-3269-49ae-8bca-a67701d8f019/backup# fdisk -l /dev/sdc
Disk /dev/sdc: 931.5 GiB, 1000204886016 bytes, 1953525168 sectors
Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disklabel type: dos
Disk identifier: 0xb657c75b
Device Boot Start End Sectors Size Id Type
/dev/sdc1 208982016 1933043711 1724061696 822.1G 7 HPFS/NTFS/exFAT
/dev/sdc2 * 2048 3905535 3903488 1.9G 83 Linux
/dev/sdc3 1933043712 1953523711 20480000 9.8G 82 Linux swap / Solaris
/dev/sdc4 3907582 208982015 205074434 97.8G 5 Extended
/dev/sdc5 3907584 208982015 205074432 97.8G 83 Linux
Partition table entries are not in disk order.
Now re-install GRUB:
root@davelaptop:/media/david/7d9d33d0-3269-49ae-8bca-a67701d8f019/backup# mount /boot root@davelaptop:/media/david/7d9d33d0-3269-49ae-8bca-a67701d8f019/backup# ls /boot/ grub lost+found root@davelaptop:/media/david/7d9d33d0-3269-49ae-8bca-a67701d8f019/backup# grub-install ^C root@davelaptop:/media/david/7d9d33d0-3269-49ae-8bca-a67701d8f019/backup# grub-install --boot-directory=/boot /dev/sdc Installing for i386-pc platform. Installation finished. No error reported.
Also ran blkid and used the output to correct /etc/fstab
reinstall kernel:
root@davelaptop:~# apt-get install --reinstall linux-image-3.16.0-4-amd64 Reading package lists... Done Building dependency tree Reading state information... Done 0 upgraded, 0 newly installed, 1 reinstalled, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded. Need to get 0 B/33.8 MB of archives. After this operation, 0 B of additional disk space will be used. Preconfiguring packages ... (Reading database ... 204683 files and directories currently installed.) Preparing to unpack .../linux-image-3.16.0-4-amd64_3.16.7-ckt20-1+deb8u4_amd64.deb ... Unpacking linux-image-3.16.0-4-amd64 (3.16.7-ckt20-1+deb8u4) over (3.16.7-ckt20-1+deb8u4) ... Setting up linux-image-3.16.0-4-amd64 (3.16.7-ckt20-1+deb8u4) ... /etc/kernel/postinst.d/initramfs-tools: update-initramfs: Generating /boot/initrd.img-3.16.0-4-amd64
But still my system didn't boot: it got me to the grub> prompt. I could still boot by typing
grub> linux (hd0,msdos2)/vmlinuz<tab> root=/dev/sdc5" grub> initrd (hd0,msdos2)/initrd<tab> grub> boot
<tab> is where I pressed the tab key: grub2 is clever enough to do tab completion!
Even after trying another grub-install, the system still wouldn't boot, but I then did the following:
#apt-get purge grub-common
to remove all traces of grub2 from my computer, and then
#apt-get install grub-pc
to do a fresh install of grub2.
Woot! System working!