Ubuntu
util-linux package

usb flash drive won't mount

Asked by chris

hi
I'm new to ubuntu (v10.10). so go easy.

all is fine apart from I can't mount a USB drive.
i've searched the forums and I don't think you should have to mess around with fstab for a removable drive.

In disk utility when I try to mount the volume I get this:

Error mounting: mount exited with exit code 1: helper failed with:
mount: according to mtab, /dev/sda1 is already mounted on /
mount failed

a bit weird because the usb drive is /dev/sdb1?

any ideas?

Also, where's the equivalent to My Computer?

Cheers C

Question information

Language:
English Edit question
Status:
Solved
For:
Ubuntu util-linux Edit question
Assignee:
No assignee Edit question
Solved by:
Wim
Solved:
Last query:
Last reply:
Revision history for this message
Best Wim (launchpad-xs4all) said : 		#1

Chris,

First to copnclude that U-10.10 can mount your USB,
you can try to mount the usb drive manually this way:
open a Terminal Window
<Applications>,... <Accesoires>,... <Terminal>,...

Now connect your USB to the PC, wait a minute, and give the commands
(exactly as typed here)

   mount | grep sd

   ls /dev | grep sd

probably you will see that /dev/sda1 is mounted on /
and that there is a drive /dev/sdb1; if the name is different, then replace /dev/sdb1 by the correct string in the second command

now enter these commands (the first will ask for your password)

   sudo mkdir /tmp/try-mount

   sudo mount -t auto /dev/sdb1 /tmp/try-mount

   mount | grep sd

If mount works, let us know; if there comes an error, paste it here.
You can close the Terminal window in 3 ways:
either by the key-combination <Ctrl-D>
or by the command exit
or by clicking the Close-cross in the corner above.

Revision history for this message
chris (chris-birks) said : 		#2

Thanks - that worked a treat. How come?

Cheers Chris