How to Run a pfSense Software File System Check

In this video, we walk through running a file system check with pfSense software. Our documentation for running a file system check can be found here: https://docs.netgate.com/pfsense/en/latest/hardware/troubleshooting-disk-check-errors-fsck.html#

For Intel devices, use the following commands:

1. Boot into Single User Mode by pressing ‘2’ at the loader menu. It will boot to a question asking for a path to the shell, just press return to reach the # prompt.

2. At the # prompt run the following command: ‘fsck -y /’

3. Reboot by running: ‘/sbin/reboot’

For ARM devices, use the following commands:

1. At the console press any key to interrupt the boot loader when you see:
   Hit Enter to boot immediately, or any other key for command prompt.
   Please note that this is the second prompt for a keystroke you will see when booting the device.

Please let the first one (“Hit any key to stop autoboot”) pass without taking any action.

1. At the ‘loader’ prompt enter: ‘boot -s’
   That will boot in single user mode to a question asking for a path to the shell, just press return to reach the # prompt.

2. At the # prompt run the following command: ‘fsck -y /’

3. Reboot by running: ‘/sbin/reboot’