[resolved] partition table switch, superblocks gone bad

htedrom · 2012-08-11 07:16:40

Hey all, was trying to switch around some partitions with the aim of changing the root partition, but now I can't seem to make any good parititons, every one I make won't mount, I can't fsck it, and it's just generally a bad time. Sorry this is a bad post but I'm having to type it on my phone, basically here's what it looks like:

when I try to make a new partition, either as primary or logical (I have an extended part) I can 'file -sL' it and it looks good but it doesn't mount and e2fsck complains about bad superblock/ext2. Sorry I don't understand but why isn't it making a new superblock? It is as if its looking for the old super blocks from the old partition table but I use partprobe and rebooted too..I've used cf disk and fdisk, and tried many different fs types

'Badblocks' says everything is fine

This happens for both the 2 partitions I'm trying to make, the one before the extended and the one after, I can make the second primary or logical doesn't change the error.

Tomorrow I'll get access to a laptop and post some output for you, just wondering if anyone had any thoughts over it tonight TIA

Last edited by htedrom (2012-08-17 20:25:39)

WonderWoofy · 2012-08-11 08:18:25

I have had this problem (or at least something similarly related to bad superblocks) and a quick google of "linux fix superblock" gave me some pretty explicit instructions. I don't remember where I foudn them, I just remember I found them near instantly. It involved using e2fsck (I think) to print the superblock backup offsets and then using those to fix it. Sorry I can't be more specific, but i have to get off my computer right now so my sibling can use it real quick. Maybe I can give you more info in a bit if you can't find it yourself in that time,

htedrom · 2012-08-11 20:49:53

Hi, thanks for reply, yes I have tried several backup superblocks but they didn't work, what I don't understand is that these are new partitions there's no data to preserve, I am fine deleting them. Sorry still no laptop will post screens in around an hour

WonderWoofy · 2012-08-11 20:51:39

Yeah, if you tried the backup superblocks, I am not sure what to tell you. I would say, if there is no data on them, repartition and go from there. Maybe something went drastically wrong while running mkfs? Dunno... good luck tho.

htedrom · 2012-08-11 21:07:29

My home partition is stuck between the two new ones, and I want to keep it, but I think you're right, I'll just back it all up and redo it

htedrom · 2012-08-12 04:41:09

OK now I'm really confused, I backed up the drive and wiped all the partitions, but now when I create new partitions only the first partition will mount! Everything else has superblock errors.

I assume the first one is mounting because the old superblock is there. What is going on?

Last edited by htedrom (2012-08-17 20:28:29)

WonderWoofy · 2012-08-12 07:42:19

It could be just total drive failure. I have a drive that is on its way out, so I put it in an external encolure and mess with it from time to time to see the crazy things it does. This sounds like what my drive does sometimes on its bad days.

ghost333 · 2012-08-13 09:48:49

Can you give us the output of

# smartctl /dev/sdx --all
(replace sdx with apropriate disk)

and a

# fdisk -l

Last edited by ghost333 (2012-08-13 09:49:35)

htedrom · 2012-08-17 20:27:12

hi, sorry I got really busy with school. I resolved this with the sledgehammer, nuking all the partitions and creating new different ones than I had before..

I think this laptop is a POS

thanks for the help guys

cfr · 2012-08-18 22:24:13

I'd still recommend checking it with smartmon tools as suggested above. I've had a dying drive appear healthy after wiping and reformatting it but the rejuvenation has not lasted long...

Arch Linux

#1 2012-08-11 07:16:40

[resolved] partition table switch, superblocks gone bad

#2 2012-08-11 08:18:25

Re: [resolved] partition table switch, superblocks gone bad

#3 2012-08-11 20:49:53

Re: [resolved] partition table switch, superblocks gone bad

#4 2012-08-11 20:51:39

Re: [resolved] partition table switch, superblocks gone bad

#5 2012-08-11 21:07:29

Re: [resolved] partition table switch, superblocks gone bad

#6 2012-08-12 04:41:09

Re: [resolved] partition table switch, superblocks gone bad

#7 2012-08-12 07:42:19

Re: [resolved] partition table switch, superblocks gone bad

#8 2012-08-13 09:48:49

Re: [resolved] partition table switch, superblocks gone bad

#9 2012-08-17 20:27:12

Re: [resolved] partition table switch, superblocks gone bad

#10 2012-08-18 22:24:13

Re: [resolved] partition table switch, superblocks gone bad

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