Similar to all other operating systems, Linux can also become unbootable at next start after an unexpected power outage. The reason for such a behavior is that such events can directly affect the metadata of your root partition and damage it eventually. During such situations, if the user loses data because of unavailability of proper data backup, Linux Recovery utilities can help.

In order to particularize the unexpected power outage problems, here is a realistic problem. Suppose you use a RedHat installed computer that stores important data required for critical operations. An unexpected power failure occurs and after this, you cannot boot your computer. Each time you attempt to start your RedHat, the Linux Kernel loads, but the boot process cannot proceed further. In addition, you receive the below or similar error messages appearing on the screen:

mount error 15 mounting ext3

mount error 2 mounting none

switchroot mount failed 22

umount /initrd/dev/

In some cases, on trying to mount the same disk on another computer and using fdisk command shows that the partition table has gone corrupted.

Explanation

‘Mount error’ is most likely to occur because of issues like, file system corruption and partition table damage.

Useful Suggestion

Users who encounter problems such as above, should first check ‘/proc/partitions’ file to check whether or not any of the partitions is detectable. In this specific case, root partition has become inaccessible, due to which chances of complete data loss are high.

If the hard disk has not been partitioned, all your data is lost. However, to isolate the behavior, you can boot your computer using RedHat install disc, enter in its ‘Rescue Mode’, and access its command prompt to run commands like, fsck. In case, the issue persists, you need to repartition the hard disk and reinstall RedHat. But if the hard disk has been partitioned, data stored on other partitions can be rescued if they can be detected on another computer.

To restore lost data, two possible solutions are ‘Data Backup’ and Linux Data Recovery software. Linux Recovery utilities are efficient programs that have competency to scan and restore lost data after instances like, file system corruption, partition reformatting, and others.

Stellar Phoenix Linux Data Recovery is a high-end tool that can locate, recover, and restore lost Linux partitions with just a few simple clicks. Incorporated with advanced scanning algorithms, this Linux Recovery utility supports Ext2, Ext3, Ext4, and FAT file system volumes and is compatible with all Linux distributions, including RedHat.