In that case you obviously did something wrong.KernelJ wrote: After changing my /etc/fstab to include some FAT and NTFS partitions, which are perfectly okay but get stuck on a file-system check and hang the startup, I can't run Linux Mint.
You mean single-user mode? Do you still have the "failsafe" boot options?KernelJ wrote: I have often thought that Linux distros should have a plain text, safe mode that bypasses mounting, many of the normal initialisation commands, and allows the user access to a command-line shell. I set up my own GRUB and menu.lst, so does such a boot option exist? That will bypass file system mounting other than the root Linux partition?
I don't have a Mint installation here ... but in general: You have to get into the GRUB selection menu (the one you'd see when the machine boots), then select a kernel line, then hit "e" to edit it. Add a "1" or the word "single" (not sure there, sorry ... try both) to the end of the kernel options, so that the entire line now says e.g.
Code: Select all
root=/dev/sda2 ro quiet splash vga=791 single
Your Linux machine should now boot straight into single-user mode and ask for a 'root' password. Because there is none you probably just have to hit the ENTER key and you're in. I suggest you comment out (e.g. place a hash # sign) the lines you added to your /etc/fstab and then try a normal reboot.
Alternatively: Boot with a live CD, mount your harddisk and then repair /etc/fstab from there ... that's much easier for new users.