subject: Init and Initrd File Corruption Cause Data Loss in Linux [print this page] Init and Initrd File Corruption Cause Data Loss in Linux
Every computer operating system performs various system level operations during boot time or while executing installed applications. These operations are critical from system point of view to access data from hard drive and run the software, both application and system software. Linux operating system manages all the system related operations through init. It is the most significant step of booting process. However, if it fails to run properly, system becomes unbootable and stored data become inaccessible. This behavior leads to data loss and put you in need of Linux data recovery solutions.
When you boot your Linux computer, init is the step of the process that is identified through process id 1. The init data structure has all controls sequences and processes when you shut down your Linux machine. If you encounter errors while starting or shutting down the Linux system, it can be due to missing init file or initrd file corruption.
As a practical example of this problem with your Linux operating system based computer, you may get the below error while booting the computer-
"Kernel panic: No init found. Try passing init= option to kernel"
As stated in the error message, Linux cannot find init file. The file may also be inaccessible due to corruption. At this point, data become inaccessible and Linux recovery becomes need of hour.
Root of the problem-
You may face this problem due to any of the below reasons-
The root' parameter of Linux Kernel statement is not pointing to a valid hard drive volume or hard drive.
Initrd file is damaged or corruption. The problem can also occur if the file has been deleted.
Initrd statement is not put at right place when GRUB requires it.
Resolution
Follow the below given Linux recovery steps to recover lost data-
Make sure that initrd file is at correct position.
Change root parameter to the additional parameter that contains root directory of your Linux system.
Use Linux Rescue CD to restore damaged initrd and init files from it.
If the problem persists, format entire hard drive and reinstall operating system. Afterwards, restore data from backup.
If backup is not in place, then you need to perform data recovery Linux using third-party applications.
These data recovery tools are capable of methodically handling all data loss situations. They help you recover data in a safe and easy way.
