SDB:YaST System Repair

From openSUSE

Version: 9.x - 10.x

All versions after 9.0 Excepting Version 10.3

What Is YaST System Repair?

YaST System Repair can be used to various facets of a damaged SUSE LINUX system. An extensive system check is run for this purpose. If an error is encountered, YaST offers one or several possibilities to remedy the problem.

Important note:
Errors that occur during the installation cannot be repaired later on with YaST System Repair. Also note that there is NO GUI repair interface in OpenSuse 10.3 GM DVD and this will not change

Which Problems Can Be Resolved with YaST System Repair?

The following table shows what problems can be solved in each of repair modes:

How Is YaST System Repair Started?

1. Boot the system from the DVD or CD1 of SUSE LINUX.
2. Select "Installation".
3. Select your language. A new window will open up.
4. Select "Repair Installed System"
5. Subsequently, three YaST System Repair modes are offered:
   1. Automatic Repair
   2. Customized Repair
   3. Expert Tools

Usually the "Automatic Repair" is sufficient to solve the problem. In rare cases where this does not work, use the "Customized Repair" or "Expert Tools".

Observe the Notes regarding the repair modes.

Automatic Repair

The following problems can be solved with the "Automatic Repair":

1. • Correcting /etc/fstab entries:
     Following the deletion or faulty editing of the file /etc/fstab, "Automatic Repair" restores the file and automatically performs all needed settings.
     
   • Inadvertent deletion of important system packages:
     All inadvertently deleted base packages needed for operating the system, including the packages for the X server such as kde-base, rpm, man, or hotplug, are reinstalled.
     
   • Checking the partition table:
     The partition table, i.e. the hardware partitioning is checked. This is vital for being able to mount the file systems.
     
   • Checking or repairing the file systems:
     All common file systems (e.g., ext2, fat, xfs, raid) are checked, examined for errors, and repaired if necessary.
     
   • Checking the rpm package database:
     The package database (rpm) is checked.
     
   • Checking the swap area:
     The swap area is identified, checked, and activated or restored if necessary.
     
   • Boot problems:
     
     • Errors due to manual editing of the boot loader (GRUB) or menu.lst can be corrected. Even if the boot loader was deleted entirely, the "Automatic Repair" can restore it. This procedure comprises the installation and full configuration of the boot loader (GRUB).
       
     • Linux can no longer be booted after overwriting the master boot record with "fdisk /mbr" or "FIXMBR". "Automatic Repair" can solve this problem by installing the boot loader anew and performing all needed entries.
       
     • Windows and Linux on one hard disk:
       If one of the two operating systems can no longer be booted, the "Automatic Repair" can solve the problem. No matter in which order the two operating systems were installed, the GRUB boot loader is reinstalled or reconfigured correctly. If the entry for Windows was manually removed from GRUB, the "Automatic Repair" will restore the entry. The next time the system is powered up, the boot option "windows" will be available once more. Even after running fdisk /mbr or FIXMBR, which deletes the master boot record and only leaves the Windows boot option, the boot system can be repaired. In this case, the boot loader is reinstalled and automatically configured correctly. The next time the system is powered up, GRUB will offer both operating systems for booting.
       
     • Windows and Linux on two hard disks:
       The "Automatic Repair" can also provide assistance for boot problems if Windows is installed on the first hard disk (/dev/hda) and Linux on the second hard disk (/dev/hdb or /dev/hdc). If GRUB does not have the required boot loader entries, the "Automatic Repair" will reinstall the boot loader if necessary and performs all settings for you.
       

Caution!

If Linux is installed on the first hard disk (/dev/hda) and Windows on the second hard disk (/dev/hdb or /dev/hdc), the boot loader can NOT be restored with the "Automatic Repair" function. To modify the boot loader in such a way that both operating systems can be started, follow the instructions of the following article: SDB:Booting Windows from the Second HD

Notes:

To execute the "Automatic Repair" function, simply press the respective menu item. The repair procedure will start immediately. When you are asked whether you want to activate the displayed swap partition, confirm with "Yes". In some cases you may be prompted to correct entries in the file /etc/fstab. Simply confirm by clicking "Repair". Next, a question will appear regarding the repair of the boot loader. If your systems boots without any problems, simply click "Next".

Customized Repair

In the "Customized Repair" mode, you can select individual repair items. This option is useful if you are already aware of the cause of a problem.

Notes:

Select the needed repair options. Any dependencies on other repair options are added automatically. Then confirm by clicking "Next".

Expert Tools

Here you can directly start individual dialogs such as the ones you are familiar with from the YaST Control Center of a running system.

1. • Install New Boot Loader:
     This option allows you to install a new boot loader or reconfigure the old boot loader directly without passing the other stages of the "Automatic Repair".
     
   • Recover Lost Partitions:
     Partitions that are lost for the operating system, e.g. due to accidental deletion of the partition table, can be restored with this option.
     
   • Start Partitioning Tool:
     This option allows you to modify the entire hard disk partitioning of your system. You can resize, delete, or create partitions. Even NTFS partitions can be edited from here.
     
     Caution! Do not edit the partitions unless you are fully aware of what you are doing!
     
     Proceed as follows to edit the partitions: Resize, delete, or create partitions according to your needs. Subsequently, return to the start screen of YaST System Repair by clicking "Back". To exit the YaST System Repair, click "Cancel". The system will reboot. The button "Next" does not work here.
     
   • Save System Settings to Floppy:
     This menu item is not yet functional!
     
   • Repair File System:
     This menu item allows you to check the file system directly without passing the entire "Automatic Repair".
     
   • Verify Installed Software:
     If you have problems with installed software packages, you can check them with this option without passing the entire "Automatic Repair".