Recovery from rm * from the Root (/) Directory in AIX 4 and 5

Answer

This document describes how to recover after running the rm command in the root directory and applies to AIX Versions 4 and 5.

Deleting the files in the root directory will delete the following links:

bin -> /usr/bin
lib -> /usr/lib
u -> /home
unix -> /usr/lib/boot/unix_up    ( or unix_mp )

In the root directory, removing the bin directory link disables the korn shell needed for login. The recovery will boot in service mode and rebuild the links.

NOTE: The following procedure describes how to boot the machine into maintenance mode, access the rootvg volume group and start a shell prior to mounting the file systems. If the system does not have a key or if additional details are needed, please contact your AIX support center.

1. For booting the system into Service mode, please refer to Kernel fax, "Booting in Service Mode" for specific machine type.

2. With bootable media of the same version and level as the system, boot the system.

   The bootable media can be any one of the following:

   • Bootable CD-ROM
   • NON_AUTOINSTALL mksysb
   • Bootable Install Tape

   Follow the prompts to the Welcome to Base OS menu.

3. Choose Start Maintenance Mode for System Recovery (Option 3).

   The next screen prompts the Maintenance menu.

   1. Choose Access a Root Volume Group (Option 1).
   2. Choose 0 continue and Select Volume Group by number.

      At this stage the console should display information about rootvg and also display a menu with two options.

   3. Choose Access this volume group and start a shell before mounting the file systems (Option 2).

   NOTE: If there are errors from the preceding option, do not continue with the rest of this procedure. Correct the problem causing the error. If you need assistance in correcting the problem causing the error, contact one of the following:

   • local branch office
   • your point of sale
   • your AIX support center

   If no errors occur, proceed with the following steps.

4. Mount the root file system. Enter:

       fsck -y /dev/hd4
   

   NOTE: When running the preceding command with -y, yes will be answered automatically.

       mount /dev/hd4 /mnt
   

5. Rebuild the missing links. Enter:
   

   cd /mnt
   ln -s /usr/bin bin
   ln -s /usr/lib/boot/unix_up unix    OR    ln -s /usr/lib/boot/unix_mp unix
   ln -s /usr/lib lib
   ln -s /home u

6. Enter:

       cd / 
       umount /dev/hd4 
       exit 
       sync;sync;sync
   

   Turn the key back to normal mode and reboot.

7. This should allow the machine to reboot in normal mode so logging in is possible. Depending on what else was in the root directory, files may have to be restored from a backup tape at this point.