How to Repair Ubuntu Easily | Solve Ubuntu Won’t Boot Problem

Ubuntu is the most reliable and favourite of the Linux distribution systems out there to run web servers. Generally, Ubuntu is highly dependable, but there are times when you may run into some issues with the system. Picture this; you’re booting up your respective device while getting ready to get some work done or play a game. Suddenly, something goes wrong, and you realize that Ubuntu will not boot. Like most operating systems, Ubuntu as well occasionally runs into some issues. Most of the time, you will be able to repair Ubuntu so that it boots up like before.

That being said, you will not find an option for Automatic Repair and Safe Mode on a Linux like you generally would on a Windows machine. However, it does give you a recovery menu. You also have a reinstallation option to ensure that your files and programs have been kept. If you’re unsuccessful in even booting your USB drive or CD, then configuring the boot order within your BIOS might be a possible solution. However, if it doesn’t work, then the Problem may persist within your computer’s hardware. So here is how you can repair Ubuntu not booting error.

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Accessing The GRUB Bootloader

The first step to repairing Ubuntu is to find out whether you’re able to access the GRUB2 bootloader. To access it, press down on your computer’s shift key while booting it. A menu with a database of operating systems should come up; if so, you have successfully accessed the GRUB bootloader. 

accessing grub bootloader
Accessing Grub Bootloader

If the menu doesn’t show up, it is most likely that the GRUB Bootloader has been overwritten. Chances of this happening are probable if you’ve downloaded Windows on a drive right after installing Ubuntu. To fix this issue, you will need to reinstall the GRUB. Don’t worry, though; you will still be able to boot Windows after installation of GRUB. This is because GRUB can also boot Windows for you. That being said, it is preferable in cases of a dual-boot to install Linux after installing windows on a computer. 

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Repairing The GRUB In Case Of Failure Of Accession

If you have not been able to access the GRUB bootloader, you will need to repair it to repair Ubuntu. You will require a USB drive or Ubuntu installation disc for this process. To fix the GRUB, boot into the USB drive and make use of the Linux system. You can also reinstall GRUB by two methods. These are either by using Linux terminal commands or by applying a Graphical Boot repair tool. 

boot repair

Once the GRUB bootloader has been repaired, you can now restart your respective device. The GRUB2 Boot loader will boot Ubuntu normally. This should fix your Ubuntu won’t boot issue. 

Using Recovery Mode If Accession Of GRUB Is Possible 

Now, if you can see your GRUB boot menu, you can use GRUB options to repair the system. Commence by selecting the “Advanced Options for Ubuntu” option by employing the use of the arrow keys and press ‘Enter.’ Next, using the same arrow keys, select ubuntu recovery mode, and press ‘Enter.’

boot recovery mode
Boot Recovery Mode

 

GRUB will now boot Ubuntu in a minute recovery mode menu. It will also load your file system in a read-only mode. Now, from the menu options on your screen, pick one and press ‘Enter.’ These will include-

  • Clean– This will free up space 
  • dpkg-  To repair broken software packages
  • Failsafe X– If your ubuntu boots to a black screen or the graphical desktop doesn’t load properly, this resolves that issue. 
  • Fsck– To scan the system for errors and automatically repair them. 
  • Grub- To update the GRUB holder. If all this time you’ve been using the GRUB loader to get to this point, then this option most likely won’t aid you.
  • Network- to enable your network once again.
  • Root- To leave the menu and exit to a root shell prompt. This option is for those who understand what they’re doing as it requires manually fixing the issues by running commands.

recovery menu

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Reinstalling Ubuntu 

The final step we have for if you’re looking to repair Ubuntu is to reinstall it. This will safeguard all of your files and programs. Firstly, if the issue lies within the installed Ubuntu system, then booting up a USB drive or Ubuntu live CD should be possible. Commence by booting to the live media; a ‘reinstall Ubuntu’ option will come up for you to select. All of your files will be saved. Reinstallation will also return your system-wide settings to their default mode. Any misconfiguration related issues will be solved here. Additionally, reinstalling Ubuntu will reinstall the GRUB2 bootloader as well. Therefore, problems of the GRUB loader will be solved too.

reinstall ubuntu
Reinstall Ubuntu

Now the next step isn’t necessary but can be undertaken as a precautionary measure. You can take a backup of all your files. Choose the ‘try ubuntu’ option to gain admittance to a graphical desktop. From here, you can back up all files on any external storage. Reinstalling Ubuntu shouldn’t harm your files in any way whatsoever. However, you can back up just in case something goes wrong. 

Now, if Ubuntu won’t boot after install, then you’re probably dealing with a much bigger issue at hand. 

See Also: Fix “Application Was Unable to Start” Error

Conclusion

So here is how you can repair Ubuntu and get it to boot again. However, if these steps haven’t proved to be fruitful to you, then the issue may lie within the hardware of your computer. If nothing occurs when you try to boot your computer, it is either a physical defect with the system drive. If you’re on a laptop, it could also be possible that the battery is dead. 

We would love to know how these methods were useful to you. Please leave your experience in the comments section below.

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