Chromebook Linux failed to get authorization is a common issue faced by many users who have installed Linux on their Chromebooks. This error message can be quite frustrating, especially when you are trying to perform essential tasks or access critical files. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this error and provide you with effective solutions to resolve it.
The Chromebook Linux failed to get authorization error typically occurs when the Linux installation on your Chromebook encounters a permissions issue. This can be due to various reasons, such as incorrect file permissions, a corrupted installation, or a problem with the Linux distro itself. In this article, we will discuss each of these reasons and provide you with the steps to fix the issue.
1. Incorrect File Permissions
One of the most common reasons for the Chromebook Linux failed to get authorization error is incorrect file permissions. When you install Linux on your Chromebook, the system creates a new user account for you. If the permissions for this account are not set correctly, you may encounter the authorization error.
To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
1. Open a terminal window on your Chromebook.
2. Type the following command to check the permissions of your home directory:
“`
ls -l ~
“`
3. Look for any directories or files with incorrect permissions. Permissions should be set to `-rw-r–r–` for directories and `-rw-r–r–` for files.
4. If you find any files or directories with incorrect permissions, use the `chmod` command to change them. For example, to change the permissions of a file named `example.txt`, use the following command:
“`
chmod 644 example.txt
“`
5. Restart your Chromebook and try running the Linux application or command again.
2. Corrupted Linux Installation
Another possible cause of the Chromebook Linux failed to get authorization error is a corrupted Linux installation. This can happen due to a power outage, interrupted installation, or a faulty update.
To fix a corrupted Linux installation, follow these steps:
1. Restart your Chromebook and enter recovery mode by pressing the Refresh button (the circular button on the right side of the Chromebook) for about 10 seconds.
2. Once in recovery mode, select “Powerwash” and confirm the action.
3. After the Chromebook resets, go to the Linux section in the settings and install your preferred Linux distribution again.
4. Once the installation is complete, try running the Linux application or command that was previously causing the authorization error.
3. Problem with the Linux Distro
Sometimes, the issue may not be with the Chromebook or the installation process, but with the Linux distribution itself. In such cases, updating the distro or installing a new one might resolve the problem.
To update your Linux distribution, follow these steps:
1. Open a terminal window on your Chromebook.
2. Update the package lists with the following command:
“`
sudo apt update
“`
3. Upgrade the installed packages with the following command:
“`
sudo apt upgrade
“`
4. Restart your Chromebook and try running the Linux application or command again.
If updating the distro doesn’t work, you can try installing a different Linux distribution. To do this, follow the steps outlined in the previous section (Corrupted Linux Installation) and choose a different Linux distribution during the installation process.
In conclusion, the Chromebook Linux failed to get authorization error can be caused by incorrect file permissions, a corrupted Linux installation, or a problem with the Linux distribution itself. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and continue using your Chromebook with Linux.
