[SOLVED] edited mount options, can no longer log in

[johnbr8]

I created a spare partition for a backup and then used the Gnome Disks tool to edit the mount options since I didn't want this partition to auto mount. Unfortunately I must have done something wrong because when I boot up I get to the login screen and no further. Is this recoverable? (Debian Stretch).Thanks.

[dilberts_left_nut]

Yes.

[johnbr8]

Great. I was hoping for some hints too!

[dilberts_left_nut]

Oh, sorry - since you didn't post any details, I assumed you didn't want any in return, so just answered your question.

What does "and no further" mean?

[johnbr8]

I have used systemrescuedc to check /etc/fstab. It is blank.

[johnbr8]

OK, I think the quickest option is a reinstall. Thanks anyway for your help.

[Head_on_a_Stick]

used the Gnome Disks tool to edit the mount options

^ Don't do this.

If you had edited /etc/fstab directly then at least you would have known how to revert the changes and fix your system without needing a working graphical desktop.

[GarryRicketson]

Also, the way I interpret this:

Post by johnbr8 » 2019-03-22 20:13
I created a spare partition for a backup and then used the Gnome Disks tool to edit the mount options since I didn't want this partition to auto mount.

If the "spare partition " is on the same drive, it is self defeating, the drive could fail, and then no backup is available, a back up should be on a completly separate device/drive, not just a extra partition on the same drive. On a separate device, there is no worry about "auto mount " or no, it does not mount as long as the storage device is not attached, but when you do need the backup, it is available, all you need to do is connect the device, once you get the drive working again, and then restore with the backup.

used the Gnome Disks tool to edit the mount options since I didn't want this partition to auto mount.

You should have made a copy of the original mount options, and stored then on a separate device, Then you could have used that to restore the original options.

by johnbr8 » 2019-03-22 23:58
I have used systemrescuedc to check /etc/fstab. It is blank.

Just think, if you had just copied the /etc/fstab to a usb device, before you modified it, you would have had the default file, and could have copied it back, that is what backups are all about.

[johnbr8]

HeadonaStick and Garry,

Points taken, lesson learnt. Gary the backup on the same drive was more of a convenience exercise so that if I need to reinstall Linux I could easily copy over all my music files etc. I completely agree that a backup to a separate device is the way to go. I guess the temptation of a easy simple looking tool got the better of me. Cheers.

[Head_on_a_Stick]

The gold standard is the 3-2-1 backup:

• Three copies of the data.
• Two local copies on two different media.
• One off-site backup.