The Linux command that knocks out some laptops
The command rm -rf -no-preserve-root / can determine the deletion of files needed to start some Linux laptops. Several reports spread on the network in relation to MSI models.
The case of the command of Linux can potentially create many headaches for those who use a laptop started following the testimony of an Arch Linux user forum that signaled the inability to start the notebook after you send the command rm -rf -no-preserve-root / (Note: the light of what is discussed below is highly recommended to do so).
In itself, the command is not able to damage the laptop in an insignificant manner, merely delete the installation of Linux, on some laptops – the user specifically mentions a laptop MSI – by running it is also completely erased the boot partition EFI from within Linux. The result is obvious: you run the risk of not being able to start the laptop.
The user who has recently noticed the problem says about it:
Today me and my friend we ran ” echo -no-preserve-root / ” on a laptop MSI because we wanted to get rid of the Arch partition rather ” bloated “. Of course, we could just format the root partition and reinstall Arch. Instead we thought it would be fun to watch the installation of GNOME. We were not stupid enough to leave mounted major partitions. We removed everything except root (/).
Among the deleted material also included the contents of the folder /sys/firmware/efi/efivars/ or scripts and necessary information so that the laptop will boot using the EFI standard. The inability to find the firmware – which was to be read-only – makes it impossible to turn on the handset. The case made in a rather widespread on GitHub highlights mainly the fault linked to the ability to delete an item as the firmware so important to ensure the proper functioning of the laptop.
It correctly pointed out that the problem, quite broadly documented in relation to portable MSI, may also relate to products from other brands. You do not have an extended case study or you can proceed with empirical evidence seen the potential damage that can cause to your laptop. In light of the potential risks associated with this operation, use a more innocuous formatting procedure is an operation more recommended.
