How To Fix “ata7: com reset failed errno=-32” Error on Ubuntu Boot

In this article, we will guide you through the process of fixing the “ata7: com reset failed errno=-32” error that can occur during the booting process of an Ubuntu system. This error is typically associated with the SATA connection of your hard drive and can prevent your system from booting properly.

Understanding the Error

Before we delve into the solution, it’s important to understand what this error means. The “ata7: com reset failed errno=-32” error is a system error that indicates a communication failure with your SATA device. This could be due to a software glitch or a hardware issue with the SATA connector.

Possible Solutions

There are two main methods to address this issue: using the GRUB menu or a Ubuntu Live DVD/USB. We will walk you through both methods.

Method 1: Using the GRUB Menu

1. Boot into the GRUB Menu: Restart your computer and hold down the Shift key as it boots up. This will bring you to the GRUB menu.
2. Choose Advanced Options: From the GRUB menu, select the “Advanced Options” or “Recovery mode” option.
3. Select Root Access: In the next screen, choose the option for “Root access” or “Drop to root shell prompt”.
4. Run the fsck Command: At the command prompt (#), type the following command and press Enter:

   sudo fsck -f /

   The fsck command is a system utility that checks and repairs file systems in Unix and Unix-like operating systems. The -f option forces the check even if the system believes it is clean.
5. Check for Errors: If any errors are found, repeat the fsck command until no errors are reported.
6. Reboot the System: Once the file system check is complete, type reboot to restart your computer.

Method 2: Using a Ubuntu Live DVD/USB

If you are unable to access the GRUB menu, you can use a Ubuntu Live DVD or USB to fix the error.

1. Boot from Ubuntu Live DVD/USB: Restart your computer and boot from the Ubuntu Live DVD or USB.
2. Open GParted: Once the system boots up, open the “gparted” application. This application will help you identify the Ubuntu EXT4 partition (e.g., /dev/sdaX).
3. Close GParted: After identifying the partition, close the “gparted” application.
4. Open a Terminal Window: Open a terminal window from the applications menu.
5. Run the fsck Command: Type the following command, replacing X with the number of the Ubuntu EXT4 partition you identified earlier, and press Enter:

   sudo fsck -f /dev/sdaX

6. Check for Errors: Repeat the fsck command if any errors are found.
7. Reboot the System: Type reboot to restart your computer.

Hardware Issues

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it is possible that there may be a hardware problem with the SATA connector. In such cases, you may need to physically inspect and clean the SATA port. However, this step should only be attempted if you are comfortable with disassembling your computer and have experience handling hardware components.

Conclusion

The “ata7: com reset failed errno=-32” error can be a daunting issue to encounter, especially if you’re not familiar with Ubuntu’s system and error codes. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your system back up and running. Always remember to backup your important data before attempting any troubleshooting steps. If the issue persists, consider seeking professional help or reaching out to the Ubuntu community for further assistance.