«Root file system not defined. Please correct this from partitioning menu» Ubuntu 14.04 installation problem in pre-installed win 8 laptop

Are you facing the «No Root File System is Defined» error on your device?

It is one of the most common error issues that flash on one’s screen while installing Ubuntu using a Windows partition or when a valid Linux Partition has not been created. The error is quite annoying and prevents your access. We are here with some efficient and easy solutions that will help you fix things conveniently.

Sometimes when you try to install Ubuntu on your system, you may encounter the error message, “No root file is defined.” This error message may pop up when you try to install Ubuntu using a Windows partition (FAT32 or FAT).  It may also occur because a valid Linux Partition has not been created. 

Nonetheless, you can clear this error message by performing a few operations. This guide will explain the “No Root File System Is Defined” Error message to help you fix it easily.

Linux is a versatile and open-source operating system that you can use on your computer, server, or embedded device. One of the most common errors when using Linux is the “No Root File System is Defined” error.

Several factors can cause this error, but most often, it is caused by an incorrect or missing root file system. If you are getting this error, don’t worry. In this article, we will show you how to fix the “No Root File System is Defined” and make your computer run normally and able to access the correct partition.

If by any chance you happen to receive the “No Root File System is Defined” error, it means that during the installation process, Ubuntu/Linux could not detect the root partition when it was trying to install the OS.

Partitions are sections of your computer’s hard drive that you can use to keep your data organized. The root partition is where the core files of your Ubuntu/Linux installation are located.

For Ubuntu/Linux to be installed correctly, it needs to be able to find the root partition. If it can’t find the root partition, you will receive the “No Root File System is Defined” error.

Below are the leading causes of this error:

• You are trying to install ubuntu on a FAT/ FAT32 Partition, a windows partition.

• You don’t have a valid created Linux partition.

• You have not defined your root partition.

Root filesystem defines topmost entry point on disk where operating system should be installed, and denoted by /. In the Windows world, that’s C:\ and in Minix — >. In the picture from related post the disk is subdivided into several partitions, and root filesystem is on /dev/sda5.

Of course you can do a lot of fancy things with that: root filesystem can be on one disk or partition and /home can be placed on another partition or whole different disk entirely.

Comments

• I’m fairly new to learning about computers. I have a self-built computer and while installing Ubuntu (my first operating system) I run into a dialog.

  I press install now and it replies

  no root file system is defined. Please correct this from the partitioning menu

  The partition table button is grayed out and the only thing I can do is press the change button. The change button crashes it so I can’t continue and I have no options to press.

• I’m looking at that image except there is no /dev/sda. There is nothing in that area below the words Device Type Mount point. Its blank, and above it is blank as well, also when I press change, +, or — it freezes then crashes. My picture won’t upload or it would be easier to see. Also my understanding of programming or most of this is minimal, please excuse me for that. And finally I read how I’m suppose to be able to select something else if there is no operating system on the computer, it never game me that option

• I dont have a spare as this is brand new. I suppose if that’s the problem I’ll need another, thankyou for the help

Even when you know a lot about computers and their programming, some errors can annoy you. In this article, we’ll take a look at one such case. We’ll discuss the No Root File System is defined error. This error usually appears while trying to install Ubuntu or other Linux distributions. I will explain all the needed information about the Root File System and 3 ways to fix this problem. Get aboard.

About the issue: No Root File System is defined

To understand the issue better, we shall briefly know about Root File System first, and then we’ll move up on the causes of this.

What is the Root File System?

root filesystem that is placed on the same partition on which the  is situated. It is the filesystem on which all the other filesystems are attached upon as the system starts up or booted.  For further knowledge, a partition is a theoretically independent section of a hard disk drive (HDD). A filesystem is a hierarchy of directories that are used to organize files on a computer system. It is also known as a directory tree. When you are on Linux , the directories start with the root directory, which further contains a series of subdirectories. Then each subdirectory also contains further subdirectories. A variant of this definition is the component of the entire directory tree that is located on a single partition or disk.

How does the Root File System work?

What Causes the No Root File System Is Defined Issue?

1. You forgot to create a valid Linux partition.
2. You are unknowingly trying to use a Windows partition (FAT or FAT32) to install Ubuntu, but it requires a Linux partition.
3. A Linux partition exists but you have NOT defined the root partition (“/”), and you must define it to install Ubuntu or other Linux distributions.

You must have caught your fault by now. This error usually occurs with Ubuntu as people don’t have much information about Linux and its partitions. Now we shall move further to the solutions of this problem.

1. Create a Linux Partition and Assign a Root Partition

Step-1: Go to the Installation type page, choose a free partition.

Step-2: Now click on the + sign to add a partition. When you click on the + sign, the Create partition window will appear.

Step-3: In the window,  go to the Size field, the default will be the full size of the partition. Enter a value here in MB.

Step-4: Next, choose the type of partition, Primary Logical 

Step-5: Next, on the Location for the new partition, choose the Beginning of spaceEnd of space

Дополнительно:  Bluesreen Sans Megalovania - Cлушать и Cкачать mp3

Step-6: Then choose a file system. You can select the default, Ext4 journaling

Step-7: Finally, select a Mount point. The Mount point drop-down menu will show you certain options. Here, for a root partition, select /.

After finishing this, click on Ok.

Done. Check if this solved your problem.

2. Delete Existing Windows Partition

Note: You can also modify the partition. 

Step-1: First you have to delete the partition. To do this, right-click on it and choose Delete

Step-2: Now choose Change to change the file system to a Linux file system.

Step-3: When you click on Change, a dialog box will load. In order to change the file system to a Linux file system, click on the drop-down menu. Then select a file system and then click on Ok.

Now check if the problem vanishes with this solution.

3. Define a Root Partition

Step-1: Firstly, Right-click on the partition you wish to use as root and click on Change. You can also double-click on the partition.

Step-2: When the Edit partition option loads, beside Mount point, click on the drop-down menu and select /. 

Step-3: Finally, click on Ok to save the changes

You will now be able to continue with your Ubuntu installation. Just choose the partition you created, check the column, and then click on Install Now.

Conclusion

These were the 3 Best Methods to resolve the No Root File System is defined issue. In case, you are still in trouble, Id’ suggest visiting Ubuntu Forums to seek further help. For any queries, doubts or suggestions, feel free to visit the Comments section. Hope I helped you.

How Do I Find Root Files on my System?

How to access the content of Root directory in Mac OS X

Mac does not show you the Root directory in Desktop or Finder by default. However, there are many ways to view it. I will show you how to see the root directory and hidden directories within the root directory.

Solution 1 – Showing Macintosh HD in Finder and Desktop 

To do this: 

• Step 1:
• Step 2: Go to Finder Preferences from the top finder menu.
• Step 3:Hard disks option in the General tab. This will show the Mac HD on the desktop. 

• Step 1:
• Step 2: Go to Finder Preferences from the top finder menu.
• Step 3:the Sidebar tab and check the Hard disk sub-option listed under Devices. It will make the Macintosh Hd visible in the finder sidebar. 

Method 2 – Go to Folder option in Finder.

You can also access the content of the Root directory in Mac OS X by going to the Folder option in Finder. This opens up a dialog window where you can type the path, and it would open up the content of the given path in Finder. You can use this option to access the root directory. You only need to type the / in path field and click on Go.

To open this, 

• Step 1:
• Step 2: In the Finder menu, under the Go tab, click on Go to Folder
• Step 3: This will open up this dialog box. Type / and click on Go.

Method 3 – Using the command line 

You can also view the root directory from the command line. To do this: Open terminal:

Step 1: Press Command + Space, type terminal, and click on return.

Make sure that you include the space between open and /.

How to show hidden files and subdirectories in the root directory

By default, the root directory will not show you the directories like /usr, /bin, /etc, etc. To make them visible, you need to show the hidden files.

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool TRUE;killall Finder

Step 2: Click on the return button. 

How to Fix the “No Root File System Is Defined” Error

Solution 1 – Create a Linux Partition and Assign a Root Partition

Sometimes creating a Linux partition and assigning a root partition may be the only solution you need to conquer this error. You can smoothly do it by going through the below-given steps.

• Step 1: Select a free partition on the Installation type page, then click on the + sign to add a partition. The create partition will now be created after you must have clicked on the + sign.
• Step 2:
• The default should be the full size of the partition on the Size field. You can now enter a value here in MB.
• Step 3: Then, you will have to select the type of partition. It could be a Primary or Logical partition.
• Step 4: Choose the Beginning of space or End of space on the Location for the new partition.
• Step 5: Then, you will need to choose a file system.
• Step 6: Choose a Mount point. The Mount point drop-down will then show some options: Once you have finished, click on OK.

Solution 2 – Delete Existing Windows Partition

If you have received the “No Root File System Is Defined” Error message, it is because you have chosen a FAT or FAT32 file system, then you will need to delete it. 

When you delete the partition, it will now appear as a free partition. At this point, you may use the steps in the previous section to re-create the partition.

• Step 1: To delete a partition, right-click on it and click on Delete. But you can also click on  Change if you want to change the file system to a Linux file system.
• Step 2: Once you click on Change, an option s going to the lad and pop up on your screen.
• Step 3: Then, to change the file system to a Linux file system, click the Use as drop-down, select a file system, and click on OK.

Solution 3 – Define a Root Partition

• Step 1: You will have to Right-click on the partition you wish to use as root and select Change. You can also double-click on the partition.
• Step 2: When the Edit partition option opens, beside Mount point, click on the drop-down 
• Step 3: Select /.and click on Ok.

What Causes this No Root File System Is Defined Error?

• You tried to install Ubuntu using a Windows partition (FAT or FAT32) 
• A valid Linux Partition may not have been created.
• A Linux partition could exist, but you have NOT defined the root partition (“/”)

What Causes the «No Root File System is Defined» Error

We are here for the complete information if you don’t know much about the root file system and its tributaries. The error usually occurs while installing Ubuntu or other Linux distributions. The error generally occurs due to three leading causes and these are:

• If you have forgotten to create a valid Linux partition, you face the error «No root file system is defined» on your device.
• If you try to use a Windows partition (FAT or FAT32) on your device for installing Ubuntu, where it requires a Linux partition knowingly, the chances are pretty high that you may face such an annoying error on your screen.
• In case your Linux partition exists on your device, but you have not defined the root partition «/» yet, there are chances you will face this annoying error on your device.

You have hopefully gotten the main reasons behind this annoying error. The error usually happens with people who don’t have much information about Linux and its partitions. Once you have it, you can further lead with the different solutions.

If you are just fed up with this annoying error and are looking forward to getting rid of it. Here we are with the complete solutions for you.

Fix 1: Create a Linux Partition and Assign a Root Partition

Step1. Select a free partition on your device’s Installation type page and tap on the «+» sign option. It will help you in adding partitions.

Step 2. The Create partition is usually a full size on the Size field. You can easily configure it as per your preference by entering a valve here in MB.

Step 3. Once done, select the partition type from the Primary or Logical section.

Step 4. Next, go to the Location option for the new partition and select the Beginning of space or End of room over there.

Step 5. On completing the above process, you now have to choose the file system on your device.

Step 6. Select a Mount point and tap on the OK button to confirm the process.

By the way, there is a link for you. If you are interested, just click to learn.

Fix 2: Delete Existing Windows Partition

Deleting existing Windows partitions is also a nice fix for this error and now, let’s try it.

Step 1. Select the partition you are willing to delete from your device and then make a right click on it.

Step 2. Please tap on the Delete button to confirm it.

Step 3. If you’re willing to make some changes to your partition, you can easily tap on the Change button conveniently.

Step 4. Once done, a pop-up message will show up on your screen.

Step 5. Just tap on the Use as a drop-down option to change the file to a Linux file system.

Step 6. Select the preferable file system and tap on the OK button to confirm it.

Fix 3: Define a Root Partition

Well, let’s come down to the third fix to this error, defining a root partition. Let’s try.

Step 1. Make a right-click on the partition you are willing to use as a root.

Step 2. Once done, tap on the Change button to proceed with the process.

Step 3. You can also double-tap on the partition.

Step 4. The Edit partition will open up on your screen beside Mount Point.

Step 5. Just tap the drop-down menu and select «/» partition from there.

Step 6. Once done, tap on the OK button to confirm the same.

There are some links for you since you might run into other problems, such as:

Solution 1

The solution is:

• create an ext4 partition (huge space)
• select mounting point (/) and set as primary drive
• create a swap partition
• and set it as logical

• create bios reserved partition

How Do You Define a Root File System?

No root file system is defined as one of the most annoying error messages that one faces while installing Ubuntu alongside Windows or erasing the disk. The error depicts that you have not determined the root directory, i.e., The «/» partition. The root directory is the root of all of the other directories. Whether it’s about booting, repairing, or restoring the Ubuntu or Linux operating system, the root directory is related to all. 

Where Is the Root File System

Besides, we also prepare another link for you, so if you are interested, just click to learn:

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Root Partition?

A root partition is a section of a hard drive dedicated to housing the files and data associated with an operating system. The root partition is typically the largest partition on a hard drive and is generally used to store the operating system files. In some cases, the root partition may also be used to store application files.

How Much Is A Root Partition?

A root partition is the main partition on a hard drive where the operating system is installed. The size of a root partition depends on many factors, such as the size of the hard drive, the amount of available space, and the needs of the operating system.

It is crucial to consider the root partition size when installing a new operating system or to upgrade an existing one. Otherwise, the system may need more space to function correctly.

How Much Space Do I Need For A Root Partition?

You should allocate more space for the root partition if you have a larger hard drive. Remember that the root partition size will also affect the disk space available for other partitions, such as the home partition.

Do I Need A Separate Home Partition?

If you’re new to Linux or want to try it out, you may wonder if you need to create a separate home partition. The short answer is: it depends. Suppose you’re planning on using Linux as your primary operating system or have a lot of data you want to keep separate from your operating system. In that case, creating a separate home partition is a good idea.

Otherwise, you can get away with just using a single partition for your entire system.

There are a few benefits to creating a separate home partition:

• It can make it easier to reinstall your operating system. If you ever need to reinstall Linux, you can format your root partition and leave your home partition intact. This way, you will retain all of your data and settings.

• It can help to keep your data safe in the event of a system crash. If your root partition becomes corrupted, you may recover your data by mounting your home partition on a different system.

• It can make it easier to upgrade your operating system. If you want to upgrade to a new version of Linux, you can install it on your root partition and leave your home partition alone. This way, you will be able to maintain your data and settings.

• It can make it easier to manage your disk space. If you have a lot of data, keep it on a separate partition, so it doesn’t take up too much space on your root partition.

What Is The Root Of The USB?

The root of a USB is the top-level directory of the drive

. In other words, it is the starting point from which all other directories and files on the drive are accessed. The root is typically represented by a slash (/), although some systems may use a different character, such as a backslash (\).

The root directory can also be used to store files. However, storing files in subdirectories is generally considered good practice, as this can help keep the drive organized.

What Is Root File System In Linux?

The root file system is the file system that contains all the necessary files and directories for the Linux kernel to operate. It is typically mounted on “/” (the root directory). The bootloader usually initializes the root file system (such as GRUB or LILO). Any other file systems are usually mounted on directories under the root file system, such as /home or /usr.

If you are new to Linux, you might wonder what all this talk about the root file system is. The root file system is the most important part of a Linux operating system. It contains all the files and directories for the Linux kernel to operate. The root file system is typically mounted on “/” (the root directory).

How To Create A Root File System In Linux?

You can create a root file system in Linux using various methods. One common method is using a ” dd ” tool to create an image of the root file system. This image can then create a bootable CD or USB drive.

Another method is to use a tool called “mkfs” to create a root file system on a blank hard drive. This method is generally more complicated and is not recommended for beginners.

Once you have created a root file system, you must install a bootloader. This is typically done using the “grub” bootloader. Once the bootloader is installed, you can boot into your new root file system.

If you use a computer with an existing operating system, you may need to modify your bootloader settings to boot into your new root file system. This is typically done by editing the “boot.ini” file.

Once your new root file system is up, you can begin installing software. Most Linux distributions come with a package manager that makes it easy to install the software.

How Do You Create A Root File?

You can create the root file system in several ways. One popular way is to use a tool such as mkfs. Another way is to use a disk partitioning program such as fdisk.

Once you have created the root file system, you need to mount it. The mount point is the location where the file system will be accessible.

What Is The Root Directory In Windows?

The root directory of a drive is the “highest” level directory of that drive. In other words, it is the first or topmost directory in the drive. All other directories on that drive are “subdirectories” of the root directory.

The term “root directory” can also refer to the directory that contains all the files and subdirectories for a particular software program. The Windows root directory is usually something like C:\. In Linux, the root directory is /.

How To Find The System Root Directory in Windows

• Step 1:
• Step 2: Enter the word “cmd” in the program prompt, as shown, and click on OK.
• Step 3: A command window should appear. Enter the command “set systemroot” at the prompt, and hit the enter button on your keyboard. The system will display the system root. (The example is from Windows 2000, but the same procedure works for Windows XP through Windows 7.)

A USB port or DVD drive on your computer

2 GHz dual-core processor

25 gigabytes of hard drive space

2 gigabytes of RAM (system memory)

Step 1: You need to create an installer by placing the Ubuntu ISO file on a disc or flash drive.

Step 2: Download the Ubuntu Linux ISO file by clicking Scroll down and click on Download to the right of your preferred version.

Step 3: Burn the ISO file to a DVD. You can also use a flash drive, but you will need to format it for either MS-DOS (FAT) (Mac) or FAT32 (Windows) and then use UNetBootin or Rufus (recommended) to make the flash drive recognizable by your computer’s operating system.

Step 4: Create a partition section off a determined part of your hard drive to allow that part to function as a separate hard drive.

Step 5: Ensure that your DVD or flash drive is inserted into your computer. Once you are sure that the installer is connected and you have performed the rest of the steps in this section, you can proceed to install Ubuntu Linux on your Windows or Mac computer.

FAQs About No Root File System Is Defined

Now that you know about the error, let’s check out some of the common FAQs you should know about this topic. 

1. What happens if the root file system becomes corrupted?

A corrupted root file system is one of the most prominent reasons behind making your system unbootable. Although one can quickly get access to the same using extraordinary measures, for example, a floppy, CD, or flash drive, the process is still quite risky and needs to be avoided.

2. How do I access root files on Android?

Getting access to the root files on AndroidAndroid is relatively easy. To get access to the same, all you have to do is:

Step 1. Root your Android device and then install ES File Explorer on your Android device’s internal storage. 

Step 2. Once done, it will help you enable the root access for ES File Explorer on your device.

Step 3. Wait patiently for the root folders to appear on your device. It usually takes a very few seconds to refresh. 

Once done, you can easily see your device’s root files and folders.

3. What is the root file system?

The root file system is at the top of the hierarchical file tree. It includes files and directories important for the system operations, such as the device directory and programs.

Solution 2

In windows go to system management —> disk management, select the drive you have windows 8 on , then right click shrink and make space for Ubuntu from the menu (more than 10gb).

See here http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/repartition-hard-disk#1TC=windows-7

Shut-down then boot into the Ubuntu live.

when you get to installation type say «something else».

Then create a ext4 partition in the free space you made in windows and set it to «/» and «format»

you should also partition off some space (same as the amount of ram you have, or more if you want hibernation) and set this as «swap»

Then set the 100mb «UEFI» partition (if you have one) to boot but don’t format it.

Click next and it should continue installation.

Related videos on Youtube

05 : 35

How to use Partiton Editor in Ubuntu Installer

01 : 15

Fix: No root file system is defined.

03 : 11

Can’t install Ubuntu 14.04 because it says root file system is not defined (3 Solutions!!)

02 : 40

FIXED—NO ROOT FILE SYSTEM IS DEFINED -Ubuntu

01 : 37

ubuntu error * no root file system please correct this from the partitioning menu * solution 2021

Comments

• • Create a separate ext4 partition and install Ubuntu on it. For this «No root file system defined», you have to select the mountpoint(/) from the dropdown list.

  • Yes, I mean creating an ext4 partition through gparted on clicking try Ubuntu option on startup. Please upload the screenshot of gparted to imgur.com and post back the uploaded link here.

  • Thank u for your help. I did not know about Gparted until now. I figured out stuff related to partition allocating w.r.t to my HDD. I have successfully installed Ubuntu 🙂 Should (or can) I turn ON Secure Boot and Fast Start-Up for Windows 8 (as it seems horribly slower)

How To Fix “No Root File System Is Defined”?

When you receive the “No Root File System Is Defined” error message, your computer cannot find the file system’s root directory. It can prevent you from accessing your files and your computer from booting up. There are a few things you can try to fix this problem.

1. Create The Linux Partition And Assign It As Root

You only need to create a Linux partition and assign it as root to solve the error. This helps when the root directory needs to be assigned correctly.

• You need to choose the free partition from the installation page. Add the partition by clicking on the + sign. Now the create partition will be created, which allows you to choose the partition size, type, and location.

• You will need to enter the size of the partition you want to create by filling in the Size field on the partition window. Remember, the size of the partitions should be entered in MBs.

• Select the type of partition. It can be either logical or primary.

• You can choose between having the new partition at the beginning or end of your allotted space.

• Choose the file system and opt for Mount point. Select the file system you want from the dropdown beside the mount point. Click Ok to finish the process of partition creation.

2. Delete Windows Partition That Exists

When you choose a FAT or FAT32 while installing Linux, you will get the error ‘No Root File System is Defined.’ In that case, you need to delete the Windows partition and create a new one. The partition will appear as free after you delete it.

• Go to your partitions and right-click on the one you want to delete (choose the one with your windows). From the options that will appear, click on delete, and your partition will be deleted. You can also choose to Change the partition instead of deleting it. This will allow you to change it to a Linux file system.

• When you click on ‘Change,’ a pop-up with options will appear on your screen.

• Click on Use as dropdown menu and select the file system you want.

• Click on the OK button.

• This will change your Windows partition to root file, and you will not get the error ‘No Root File System is Defined’ again.

3. Define A Root Partition

You can use the fdisk tool to create a new partition on your hard drive and set it as the root filesystem. This helps the computer to find the correct location of the root directory. The no partition should be represented using (/) and as mount in case of /etc/fstab.

• Click on your hard disk space and choose the disk volume you want to change to root.

• Right-click on the disk and select change. You can also choose to double-click on the disk.

• The edit option will open, and click on the dropdown next to the mount.

• You will need to select the /. Hit the Ok, and you have successfully set the root partition.

No Root file System is Defined

So, Guys! Hopefully, you have learned how to effectively fix «No root File System is Defined» on your device. We have provided different reasons and solutions to deal with this annoying issue. Make sure to go through the details offered in-depth so you can get effective results effortlessly.

Conclusion

When you encounter the “no root file system is defined” error, your computer cannot find the operating system. This can be caused by various factors, including a corrupt or missing boot sector, a corrupt or missing partition table, or damage to the hard drive’s file system.

The above solutions should help you fix this error and keep your computer running. If you still have difficulty, you may need professional help.

Conclusion

The error message “No root file is defined” can occur while installing Ubuntu on your system. It could be a result of you trying to install Ubuntu using a Windows partition (FAT32 or FAT).  Sometimes creating a Linux partition and assigning a root partition may be the only solution you need to fix it. I hope that the information contained in this guide was useful in tackling this problem.