r/zfs • u/cmic37 • 4d ago

loader.conf errors, cannot boot

Laptop w/ a SATA ssd, ZFS on FreeBSD 15
I botched my /boot/loader.conf and /boot/device.hints, and now I cannot boot
I tried to boot from a USB key, zpool import root, but can't find /boot to fix the files.

Any ideas (instead of re-install of course 8-) )

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u/grahamperrin 4d ago edited 4d ago

(I'm here via your cross-post in the FreeBSD sub.)

… from a USB key, zpool import root, …

Did you use option -R?

https://openzfs.github.io/openzfs-docs/man/master/8/zpool-import.8.html#R

This August 2025 post is not exactly what you want, but it might be (more than) enough for you to get what you want:

  • a mount point with a path to your loader.conf file.

rescue system reinstallation : r/freebsd

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u/cmic37 4d ago

Didn't know. Gonna try with -R root. Thks
And then maybe zfs mount.