Backup to read-only fs (mnt/sda1)

[P4531]

I must be missing something obvious!  I specify (in filetool) the Device sda1/tce-b -- a tce-b directory is present at the root of the flash stick (fat32).  But the backup fails, because the /mnt/sda1 fs is read-only.   Like I said, it must be obvious.  Any hints appreciated.  Thanks.

[tinypoodle]

Please post output of:
"ls -ld /mnt/sda1"
"mount|grep sda1"

[P4531]

I'm having trouble with copy/past, but the output of

ls -ld /mnt/sda1

is

777 root root 32768 date /mnt/sda1

output of mount|grep sda1

is

/dev/sda1 on /mnt/sda1 type vfat (ro,relatime,fmask=0000,dmask=0000,allow_utime=0022,codepage=cp437,icharset-iso8859-1,shortname=mixed,errors=remount-ro)

This is running in a virtualbox instance.

When the system starts, /mnt/sda1 is rw.  I can run tce-setdrive and set to sda1.  /mnt/sda1/tce dir appears and has initial entries.  Right about that point sda1 switches to ro.  When I try to create a /mnt/sda1/opt dir to put .filetool.lst in, it never appears.  Then it looks like the tce dir has vanished.  And I'm back to square 1.

Thanks.

[tinypoodle]

Have you done a fsck yet? If not, please do so.

On a sidenote: You had not mentioned until now that this is about virtualization.
Better to open topic in according subforum next time and be clear from the beginning.

[P4531]

/mnt/sda1 is a fat32 fs, so presumably is unsuitable for fsck ...

[tinypoodle]

You need to install the dosfstools extension first

[P4531]

OK, will do.  Thanks.  I should note though that I've reinstalled from scratch a couple of times and ended up in the same situation each time (formatting the stick on each occasion).

[P4531]

dosfsck found a minor bit of lost free space -- nothing else.  Rebooted and the same behavior.  Everything looks fine at boot.  Ran tce-setdrive and set to sda1.  tce dir with default files appears in /mnt/sda1.  Create opt directory.  Create .filetool.lst -- no errors.  Then when I look again a few seconds later both the tce and opt dirs have vanished.

[Rich]

Hi P4531
Did you remember to use the  waitusb=10  boot code?

[P4531]

Hi.  The boot versions with waitusb=5 (or with 10) boot to shell instead of the GUI.  I haven't looked at them past that point.  Thanks.

[Rich]

Hi P4531

When the system starts, /mnt/sda1 is rw.  I can run tce-setdrive and set to sda1.  /mnt/sda1/tce dir appears and has initial entries.  Right about that point sda1 switches to ro.

After it switches to RO, does the command:

Code: [Select]

dmesg | tailshow any errors?

[P4531]

I reinstalled after format, and I'm seeing a variety of I/O errors.  I'm going to run an integrity check on the flash drive (which is new) and check back.  Thanks.

[Rich]

Hi P4531
I/O errors on the drive might explain it considering the mount parameter:

Code: [Select]

errors=remount-ro

[P4531]

I'm currently running another round of tests with an even more robust flash testing utility, but my first round with a good (but simpler) test program gave the drive a clean bill of health with no errors.

[Rich]

Hi P4531
Maybe there's something you have to setup in virtualbox to make this work? I don't know anything about
virtualbox so I can't help you there.