A/UX 3.0: "Root File System Is Full" Error Workaround (3/95)


I think I overfilled one of the drives with data; when I enter any A/UX command, I get "Cannot execute this command. The root file system is full".

I have tried cancelling when booting A/UX, but I still cannot execute any commands, even from that shell. Is there any way to get in and erase some files in my root file system?

Interrupting A/UX from booting will bring you to the "A/UX Startup" mode or what is called SASH (Standalone Shell). You should get a startup# prompt.

Under startup#, try a "fsck" (file system check and repair) or a "rm" (remove a file).

If neither of these works, try the "chroot" (change root) command to change the current working root directory to a different one, like "Eschatology 1". To change the current working root directory to "Eschatology 1", do the following (where X is the SCSI ID of the A/UX boot drive):

startup# pname -cX -s3 "Eschatology 1"
startup# chroot (X,0,3)/

startup# rm (X,0,0)/FILES-ON-THE-DEFAULT-ROOT-TO-BE-REMOVED

After removing all the files you need, you can change back to the default root directory by issuing the command

"chroot (0,0,0)/"

Make sure do "fsck" on the default root filesystem to get a "clean" root file system.


Article Change History:
24 Mar 1995 - Changed title for clarity.
18 Jun 1993 - Retitled for accuracy and clean up article.
31 Aug 1992 - Reviewed for technical accuracy.

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Published Date: Feb 18, 2012