Recover a Deleted /lib64/libc.so.6 with Linux 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 detailed steps for recovery.

Significance

Learning how to recover essential system files after accidental deletion using rescue mode helps restore a Linux system to normal operation.

Case Details

We delete the critical file /lib64/libc.so.6, which disables many basic commands, including shutdown. After a hard power‑off and restart, the system hangs and cannot proceed.

We then use rescue mode to fix the issue.

Recovery Steps

1. Reboot the machine and press Esc at the boot screen to enter the Boot Menu.

2. Use the arrow keys to select the third option, CD-ROM Drive , and choose to boot from the CD.

3. Choose the third option, Rescue Mode .

4. Select the language (default English ).

5. When prompted for network detection, choose No to skip.

6. Continue until the rescue environment is loaded. Note that the root directory in rescue mode is /mnt/sysimage. To work with the original system root, run:

chroot /mnt/sysimage

7. Open a shell in the rescue environment and verify that /lib64/libc.so.6 exists there.

8. Copy the missing library back to its original location:

cp /mnt/sysimage/lib64/libc.so.6 /lib64/

9. Reboot the system:

reboot

After reboot, the previously deleted file is restored and all commands function normally, indicating a successful recovery.

Summary

If important system files are accidentally deleted, rescue mode can be used to restore them because it provides access to the full system image. This guide demonstrates a basic use case of rescue mode for file recovery.