In this article, we will delve into a common issue faced by many Ubuntu users after upgrading their system to Ubuntu 20.04 – the “Kernel Panic – Unable to Mount Root FS” error. This error can be quite frustrating, but with the right steps, it can be resolved. We will guide you through these steps in detail.
To fix the "Kernel Panic – Unable to Mount Root FS" error after upgrading to Ubuntu 20.04, you can try repairing broken packages using recovery mode, checking the file system, reinstalling the kernel, modifying the GRUB configuration, or reporting the issue as a bug.
Understanding the Error
The “Kernel Panic – Unable to Mount Root FS” error typically occurs when the system cannot find the root file system. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as a corrupted file system, an incorrect configuration in the GRUB bootloader, or a failed kernel upgrade.
Solution 1: Repair Broken Packages Using Recovery Mode
The first solution we will explore involves repairing broken packages using the recovery mode of an older kernel. Here are the steps to follow:
- Access the GRUB Menu: During the boot process, hold the
SHIFTkey. This will bring up the GRUB menu. - Choose Advanced Options: In the GRUB menu, select the option titled “Advanced options for Ubuntu”.
- Select the Older Kernel in Recovery Mode: In the subsequent menu, select the older kernel with the recovery mode option (e.g., Linux 5.3.0-51-generic (recovery mode)).
- Repair Broken Packages: In the Recovery Menu, select the option “dpkg – Repair broken packages”. This command will attempt to fix any broken or partially installed packages.
- Reboot the System: After the repair process is complete, reboot the system. During the reboot, hold the
SHIFTkey again to access the GRUB menu. - Boot with the Older Kernel: In the GRUB menu, select “Advanced options for Ubuntu” and choose the older kernel without recovery mode. The system should now boot properly with the graphical user interface (GUI).
- Verify the Kernel Version: To ensure that the system is using the old kernel version, open a terminal and run the command
uname -a. This command will display the current kernel version. - Reboot the System Again: Finally, reboot the system one more time. It should now boot with the new 5.4.0 kernel without any issues.
Solution 2: Check the File System, Reinstall the Kernel, or Modify the GRUB Configuration
If the first solution does not resolve the issue, you might need to check the file system, reinstall the kernel, or modify the GRUB configuration. These solutions are more advanced and should be attempted with caution. Detailed instructions for these solutions can be found on Geeks Warrior.
Reporting the Issue as a Bug
If none of the above solutions work, it might be necessary to report the issue as a bug to the Ubuntu community. You can do this by visiting the Ubuntu bug reporting website and providing detailed information about your system configuration and the steps you took to reproduce the issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “Kernel Panic – Unable to Mount Root FS” error after upgrading to Ubuntu 20.04 can be resolved by repairing broken packages using an older kernel’s recovery mode, checking the file system, reinstalling the kernel, modifying the GRUB configuration, or reporting the issue as a bug. We hope this guide has been helpful in resolving your issue. Remember, when dealing with system-level issues, always proceed with caution and ensure you have a backup of your important data.
The GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader) is a boot loader that allows you to select which operating system to boot when you start your computer. It is commonly used in Linux-based systems like Ubuntu.
To access the GRUB menu, hold the SHIFT key during the boot process. This will bring up the GRUB menu where you can select different options.
When the system cannot find the root file system, it means that it is unable to locate the main file system where the operating system is installed. This can be caused by various issues such as a corrupted file system, incorrect GRUB configuration, or a failed kernel upgrade.
To repair broken packages using recovery mode, access the GRUB menu, choose the older kernel in recovery mode, and select the option "dpkg – Repair broken packages" in the Recovery Menu. This command will attempt to fix any broken or partially installed packages.
To check the current kernel version, open a terminal and run the command uname -a. This will display the current kernel version of your system.
If none of the solutions mentioned in the article work, it is recommended to report the issue as a bug to the Ubuntu community. You can do this by visiting the Ubuntu bug reporting website and providing detailed information about your system configuration and the steps you took to reproduce the issue.
