Starting and stopping the system

Cleaning filesystems

The root filesystem must be ``cleaned'' (checked and cleared of any inconsistencies) using fsck(ADM) if the following message is displayed:

   fsstat: root filesystem needs checking
   OK to check the root filesystem (/dev/root) (y/n)?

This message is displayed only if the system was not shut down properly, as described in ``Stopping the system''. Your additional filesystems may also require cleaning.

To clean the filesystem, enter y (for ``yes'') and press the <Enter> key. fsck cleans the filesystem, repairing damaged files or deleting files that cannot be repaired. It reports on its progress as each step is completed. At some point, you may be asked if you wish to salvage a file. Always answer by entering y or n and pressing the <Enter> key. You can also enter y! and yes answers will be assumed for all succeeding prompts. For an explanation of how fsck works, refer to ``Filesystem check phases (HTFS, EAFS, AFS, S51K)''.

In the following case, cleaning will be skipped (or shortened considerably):

Intent logging: If ``intent logging'' is enabled on the filesystem, it is unlikely that cleaning will be necessary; fsck will not be invoked in this case. If any cleaning is necessary, a ``fast fsck'' will be performed that replays the transaction log for the filesystem. This process lasts several seconds (instead of minutes). See ``Understanding intent logging'' for more information.

When cleaning is complete, the system asks you to choose the mode of operation.

NOTE: When restarting automatically, the default system behavior is to fix filesystems without operator intervention; the system boots and runs fsck assuming ``yes'' answers. To change this, use the System Startup Manager or change FSCKFIX=YES to FSCKFIX=NO in /etc/default/boot.