Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs

[NickShades]

Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block (179,2)

This thing is giving me a headache. I had to go off on a tangeant, but since I opened the box, this thing has been hell. The SD card holder was damaged (the tray was cracked, unable to hold the SD card in without the spring of the terminals popping it out).

THe instructions have not been straight forward, despite having all the identical materials listed on the quick start instructions, etc.


now, without a single success of the thing booting, it constantly comes back to this line, listed at the top.

Code: Select all

Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block (179,2)

If i'm reading this correctly, it is saying there is a problem in the Virtual File System - Unable to mount the Root FIle System on an unknown block of the SD cartridge?

I bought the 4GB SD Card with Raspberry Pi OS installed. I thought this would avoid problems of the flashing/formatting my SD card myself, but all this so far is headache.

Anybody want to buy a Raspberry Pi in the states, 2nd hand?

[Jim JKla]

This thing is giving me a headache. I had to go off on a tangeant, but since I opened the box, this thing has been hell. The SD card holder was damaged (the tray was cracked, unable to hold the SD card in without the spring of the terminals popping it out).

Why wasn't it returned?

[NickShades]

I just received it today, and e-mailed the distributor. awaiting correspondance back from them.

The device came with no listed warranty, so I have no idea how that holds itself up

[Jim JKla]

I just received it today, and e-mailed the distributor. awaiting correspondance back from them.

The device came with no listed warranty, so I have no idea how that holds itself up

If it's a UK purchase your covered by the "Sale of goods act" fit for purpose. I am not sure about the rest of the world.

But as sales approach the half million (source of info Liz) there's bound to be a few rogue boards and some damaged in transit.

[stonesong]

I'm having a similar problem.
I get the same error message - VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block (179,2).

I've tried using different SD cards, with or without USB keyboard attached and have tried reformatting the cards and am still getting the same message. Using wheezy raspbian and kernel.img, start.elf etc all appearing when SD card plugged into PC.

Does this mean the Pi board is not working? I can't find anything else to do to get a successful boot up.

Thanks in advance

[Jim JKla]

With sales approaching the half million there must be some broken ones and this does look like they may be in that category.

[MaxK1]

Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block (179,2)
Bad card, or not imaged properly.

This thing is giving me a headache. I had to go off on a tangeant, but since I opened the box, this thing has been hell. The SD card holder was damaged (the tray was cracked, unable to hold the SD card in without the spring of the terminals popping it out).

Sounds like shipping damage - bummer.

THe instructions have not been straight forward, despite having all the identical materials listed on the quick start instructions, etc.

Instructions that shipped with the pi or from somewhere on-line?

now, without a single success of the thing booting, it constantly comes back to this line, listed at the top.

Code: Select all
Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block (179,2)

Can you look at the partition table from another Linux box? If so, what does it say about the 2nd partition? Can it be mounted?

If i'm reading this correctly, it is saying there is a problem in the Virtual File System - Unable to mount the Root Flle System on an unknown block of the SD cartridge?

Could mean a bad image was written, improperly written or only partially written.

Downloading and writing an image to a different SD card is no big deal. The damaged SD card slot
might be. I'd send it back for replacement.