ext3-fs: corrupt root inode, run e2fsck

[Ravi S. Banda]

ext3-fs: corrupt root inode, run e2fsck
mount: error mounting /dev/root on /sysroot as ext3: invalid argument

...when starting the Oracle Enterprise Linux server.

typed 'linux rescue' was used and I'm at the shell prompt.

I tried
e2fsck /dev/root - doesn't work.

I tried fsck - it says /etc/fstab not found. please help - no backup of OS or the data!

Thanks!

[Ravi S. Banda]

I have 4 disks - on which not just the OS exists, but also the Applications R12 data on the same disks.

Is there anyway that I can boot off the CD and use the data that resides on the same set of disks (locally)?

If there's no backup, am I doomed and is the server doomed?

please see the error messages that come up during reboot of the linux (i hope the attachment works).

Thanks!
Ravi.

[Steven Schweda]

As usual, some description of the system
might be helpful. Which hardware? Which
Linux kit?

> e2fsck /dev/root - doesn't work.

What, exactly, does "doesn't work" mean here?


> [...] no backup of OS or the data!

This should be an educational experience in
one way, at least.

[Ravi S. Banda]

As usual, some description of the system
might be helpful. Which hardware? Which
Linux kit?

Ravi: Oracle Enterprise Linux relese 5 update 3 (consider RedHat). HP Proliant DL

> e2fsck /dev/root - doesn't work.

What, exactly, does "doesn't work" mean here?

Ravi: No such file or directory while trying to open /dev/root. I should NOT do
e2fsck -y /dev
correct? because in the rescue mode, it is mounted and it is hazardous!

> [...] no backup of OS or the data!
Ravi: no backup of OS or data. We don't have the 'linux license' for Data Protector that we already use. (in the process of acquiring one and this happened!)

This should be an educational experience in
one way, at least.
Ravi: UAT/Dev/ server.

[Ravi S. Banda]

when I'm at the shell prompt in the rescue mode, I can navigate to
cd /etc/lvm directory.
I see backup, archive, cache directories underneath. Would any of these help in restoring?
I'm thinking some INODE related stuff has changed; the data is there.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Hemmetter]

Hi

From your screen shot i see there is lvm involved.

boot from cd. Then try pvs/pvscan, vgs/vgscan and lvs/lvscan.

Then fsck every lvol and try reboot.


rgds
HGH

[Ravi S. Banda]

I managed it myself.