MX Linux Forum

Not sure if this is the right place for this, but here goes.

The other day, I accidentally reformatted an external hard drive. After learning about photorec, I installed it and gave it a try. It seemed to be recovering my files, but the directory I was saving those recovered files to was on a partition that ran out of space. After killing the process, my computer locked. So I did a hard shutdown. Now, my computer won't boot from the hard drive. I get to the login screen, but after entering my password, nothing happens. The screen goes black and hangs there.

Unfortunately, it never occured to me to use Timeshift, so I do not have that available to me. I was able to boot up a USB with MX on it to see my files. So I think I think I can save them if I have to do a fresh install (shuddering to think about reliving my printer installation nightmare). Before I do that, though, I thought I would reach out to see if there is anything else I can or should do to recover my system. I'm running (or have installed on my hard drive) MX 21 KDE (with all the updates that have come since installing).

Is the partition you were saving files to the same one that has your home ?

If so, using the Live USB, boot up and try moving some of those files off your installed hard drive. Once you get a few mb of space it should boot up.

CharlesV wrote: Fri May 26, 2023 11:36 am Is the partition you were saving files to the same one that has your home ?

If so, using the Live USB, boot up and try moving some of those files off your installed hard drive. Once you get a few mb of space it should boot up.

I'm in the process of moving some of those files now. Hopefully, that will do the trick.

Okay, it looks like I can boot again. Thanks.

Not to be condescending, but I'd use Timeshift (as you yourself mentioned) and create MX Snapshots.
Many people have insurance, consider them as well invested time for insurance.

The default settings are both dead simple.
HTH or motivates!

MXRobo wrote: Fri May 26, 2023 1:05 pm Not to be condescending, but I'd use Timeshift (as you yourself mentioned) and create MX Snapshots.
Many people have insurance, consider them as well invested time for insurance.

The default settings are both dead simple.
HTH or motivates!

I'm sure I'll look into it once this recovery process is finished.