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Linux GRUB Rescue — Unknown Filesystem Fix

Criticallinux boot

Overview

Fix "GRUB rescue>" prompt. GRUB cannot find its configuration files or the boot partition.

Key Details

  • Error: error: unknown filesystem / GRUB rescue>
  • Category: Linux Boot Error
  • GRUB bootloader is broken
  • System cannot boot into Linux

Common Causes

  • Partition table changed (Windows update, resize)
  • GRUB files deleted or corrupted
  • Dual-boot Windows update overwrote bootloader
  • Drive order changed in BIOS

Steps

  1. 1Find correct partition: ls (hd0,gpt1)/
  2. 2Set root: set root=(hd0,gpt2)
  3. 3Load normal mode: insmod normal → normal
  4. 4After booting: sudo grub-install /dev/sda && sudo update-grub
  5. 5Use a Live USB to chroot and repair GRUB

Tags

linuxlinux-bootlinux grub rescueubuntuterminal

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Frequently Asked Questions

Often yes — Windows updates can overwrite the EFI boot entry.