Fixing “invalid arch independent ELF magic” error in GRUB2

In this article, we will be discussing how to fix the “invalid arch independent ELF magic” error in GRUB2. This error often occurs during the boot process and can prevent the system from booting up correctly. Let’s delve into the methods to resolve this error.

Understanding the Error

The “invalid arch independent ELF magic” error is related to the GRUB bootloader, which is an essential component in many Linux systems. This error typically arises when there’s an issue with the bootloader configuration or when the system is trying to boot in an unsupported mode.

Method 1: Mounting and Installing GRUB-efi

One of the most effective ways to resolve this error is by mounting and installing grub-efi-amd64 from a live CD. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

1. Boot into the live CD and open a terminal. This can be done by restarting your computer, booting from the live CD, and selecting the option to try Ubuntu without installing.
2. Install the grub-efi-amd64 package. In the terminal, run the command sudo apt-get install grub-efi-amd64. This command uses the apt-get install function to install the grub-efi-amd64 package, which is necessary for the next steps.
3. Identify the partition where your Ubuntu OS is installed. Use the fdisk -l command to list all the partitions on your system. Look for the partition where Ubuntu is installed.
4. Mount the Ubuntu partition to the /mnt directory. Use the command sudo mount /dev/sdaX /mnt, replacing sdaX with the correct partition. This command mounts the specified partition to the /mnt directory.
5. Mount the boot partition to the /mnt/boot directory. Use the command sudo mount /dev/sdaY /mnt/boot, replacing sdaY with the correct boot partition. This command mounts the boot partition, which is necessary for installing GRUB.
6. Install GRUB to the correct location. Use the command sudo grub-install --root-directory=/mnt /dev/sda. This command installs GRUB to the root directory of the mounted partition.

After following these steps, the error should be resolved and GRUB should boot without errors.

Method 2: Booting without UEFI mode

Another method to resolve this error is to boot without UEFI mode. This can be done by changing the boot settings in your BIOS. Here’s how:

1. Restart your computer and open the BIOS settings. This is usually done by pressing a specific key (like F2, F12, DEL, or ESC) during the boot process.
2. Find the boot settings and disable UEFI mode. The exact process can vary depending on your BIOS, but look for a setting related to boot mode or UEFI.
3. Save the changes and exit the BIOS. The system should now boot in non-UEFI mode.
4. Retry the installation process. If the error was caused by trying to boot in UEFI mode, it should now be resolved.

Method 3: Using Boot Repair

If the above methods don’t work, you can try using the Boot Repair tool. This tool can automatically detect and fix many common boot issues.

1. Boot into the live CD and connect to the internet. This can be done by restarting your computer, booting from the live CD, and selecting the option to try Ubuntu without installing.
2. Install the Boot Repair tool. Open a terminal and run the command sudo apt-get install boot-repair. This command installs the Boot Repair tool.
3. Launch the Boot Repair tool and choose the recommended repair option. The tool will automatically detect any issues and suggest the best repair option.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and let Boot Repair fix the GRUB issues. The tool will automatically repair any detected issues.
5. Restart your system. After the repair process is complete, restart your system to check if the error is resolved.

Conclusion

The “invalid arch independent ELF magic” error in GRUB2 can be a frustrating issue to deal with, but with the right approach, it can be resolved. Whether you’re installing grub-efi-amd64, booting without UEFI mode, or using the Boot Repair tool, there’s a solution that can help you get your system back up and running. Always remember to double-check your partition names and settings to avoid any potential issues.