How to Recover a Linux System After Deleting /lib64/libc.so.6 Using Rescue Mode

Background

When using Linux, accidental operations such as deleting an important dependency library or an rpm can render the system unusable. This article records the specific steps for reference.

Significance

Learning to recover a Linux system after accidentally deleting critical files by using rescue mode.

Case Details

We delete /lib64/libc.so.6, causing most basic commands to stop working, even shutdown. Reboot does not help; the system hangs.

We then boot into rescue mode. First, power on and press ESC when the boot menu appears (quickly before the progress bar finishes).

Select the third option “CD-ROM Drive” to boot from CD, then choose the third option “Rescue mode”.

Choose language (default English).

Select “No” to skip network interface detection, then continue.

In rescue mode the root directory is /mnt/sysimage; to work in the original root run chroot /mnt/sysimage.

After entering a shell, the missing /lib64/libc.so.6 file is present in the rescue environment. Copy it back to its original location.

Finally, choose “reboot” and press Enter. The previously deleted file is restored and all commands work again.

Conclusion

If important system files are accidentally deleted, rescue mode can be used to restore them because it contains the necessary system files. This article demonstrates a basic use of rescue mode.