I’m running a Ubuntu server on my old laptop with an external HDD connected to it. The external HDD is powered independently from the laptop, as it is plugged into the wall.

During a power outage, my laptop remains operational due to its battery, but the HDD shuts down. When power is restored, my laptop does not automatically remount the HDD, and I have to reboot the system manually to access it.

Does anyone know how I can resolve this issue?

Edit: Not sure if this added context changes anything, but this is the HDD I’m using. It’s a 3.5" HDD that gets its power directly from the wall.

  • irmadlad@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    4 months ago

    I had one back in the day like that. My notes on that event are old so maybe someone can modify or clarify.

    First you’ll have to find the UUID of the external drive. (lsblk -f) Then create a mount file like: sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/mnt-data.mount. In the mnt-data.mount file, insert something like:

    [Unit]
Description=External HDD Mount
Requires=dev-disk-by\x2duuid-<YOUR_UUID>.device
After=dev-disk-by\x2duuid-<YOUR_UUID>.device
After=local-fs.target

[Mount]
What=/dev/disk/by-uuid/<YOUR_UUID>
Where=/mnt/data
Type=ext4  # Change to ntfs, xfs, etc., depending on your drive format
Options=rw,noatime,nofail

    Enable and reload:

    sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable mnt-data.mount
sudo systemctl start mnt-data.mount

    Verify status:

    systemctl status mnt-data.mount

    Should say ‘active’. Reboot and test. Let me know if that works. Like I said, that was a while ago. If it works, it’s just another reason why you should doccument your server setups. If it doesn’t, well shucks I tried. LOL

    • Lenna 🔞@piefed.caOPEnglish
      0·
      4 months ago

      My /etc/fstab file currently has the following:

      UUID=412ea77a-96e1-427c-9f75-2aae2fe0dca1 /mnt/wd ext4 defaults 0 2

      If I were to use the mnt-data.mount you’ve suggested, does that mean I need to delete what I already have in /etc/fstab and replace it with what you suggested?

  • Shimitar@downonthestreet.euEnglish
    0·
    4 months ago

    In short: buy a cheap ups power strip or a generous USB powebank capable to being under charge 24/7 and do not let the HDD switch off on power loss…

    That is a guaranteed recepy to destroy your data and possibly the hardware as well as spinning disks don’t like abrupt shutoff and that applies to data being written on SSDs as well.

    Remounting after the power resumes is the last of the issues, easily fixed by a amount/mount command with the proper fstab setup.

    • Lenna 🔞@piefed.caOPEnglish
      0·
      4 months ago

      Do you have a USB power bank you can recommend? My external HDD requires a wall plug and I’ve never seen a USB power bank where I could plug my HDD into it.

      • GeorgimusPrime@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        4 months ago

        There are DC UPSes that can supply 12V and are typically used to keep wireless routers and security cameras running for a few hours during power failures. They plug into the mains and are about the size of a 3.5" HDD.

        Most USB power banks power cycle when the switch between charging/supplying/pass through mode, so if you use them for computer equipment they will lose power for a few seconds when the mains comes on or off.

        Edit: DC UPSes are also much cheaper than standard ones.