Get to know the fsck command
Environmental Variables
Environmental Variables can have as much effect on fsck
's behavior as the available options. The command's man page includes these variables:
FSCK_FORCE_ALL_PARALLEL
: Setsfsck
to run in parallel. This setting helpsfsck
to run on RAID systems or on filesystems on the same device.FSCK_MAX_INST
: Sets the maximum number of filesystem checks that can run at the same time so that system resources are overloaded.0
means that no limit is set and is currently the default, although the man page hints that might change in later releases.PATH
: Sets the directories wherefsck
should look for filesystem checkers. Fsck searches/sbin
,/sbin/fs.d
,/sbin/fs
,/etc/fs
, and/etc
, then the directories in the path.FSTAB_FILE
: Sets an alternate location for/etc/fstab
, allowing users to testfsck
with less worry over consequences.
Taking Control
Faced with the need to check a filesystem, many users – including me – often simply enter the filesystem. Sometimes, that is all that is needed, but it leaves you helpless if the problem remains unsolved.
If you learn more about fsck
's capabilities, however, you can consider the options systematically instead of panicking. Just remember that, when all repairs are made, you should remount each filesystem or else reboot.
Infos
- fsck: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fsck
- fstab: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fstab
- mount (Unix): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Unix
« Previous 1 2
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.