Solved: How to Fix the Flashing Prohibited Sign on Linux

If you see a flashing prohibited sign on your Linux system, don’t panic. Here’s how to fix it and prevent it from happening again.

Problem

Linux is a great operating system for many users, but sometimes it can show some annoying errors. One of them is the flashing prohibited sign, which looks like a red circle with a diagonal line across it. This sign usually appears on the top right corner of the screen, and it means that the system is trying to perform an action that is not allowed.

In this article, we will explain what causes this error, how to fix it, and how to prevent it from happening again.

What Causes the Flashing Prohibited Sign on Linux?

The flashing prohibited sign on Linux is usually caused by one of the following reasons:

• The system is trying to access a device or a file that does not exist or is not available.
• The system is trying to execute a command or a script that has incorrect syntax or permissions.
• The system is trying to mount a partition or a drive that is already mounted or has errors.
• The system is trying to perform an operation that requires root privileges, but the user does not have them.

Troubleshoot the Flashing Prohibited Sign on Linux

The flashing prohibited sign on Linux can be fixed by following these steps:

1. Identify the source of the error. You can do this by checking the system logs, which are usually located in the /var/log directory. You can use the tail command to view the last lines of a log file, or the grep command to search for a specific keyword. For example, tail -f /var/log/syslog will show the latest messages from the system log, and grep -i error /var/log/syslog will show all the messages that contain the word “error”.
2. Fix the error. Depending on the source of the error, you may need to do different things to fix it. For example, if the error is caused by a missing device or file, you may need to plug in the device or create the file. If the error is caused by a wrong command or script, you may need to correct the syntax or the permissions. If the error is caused by a mounting issue, you may need to unmount or repair the partition or the drive. If the error is caused by a lack of root privileges, you may need to use the sudo command or log in as root.
3. Restart the system. After fixing the error, you may need to restart the system to apply the changes and clear the flashing prohibited sign. You can use the reboot command or the graphical interface to do this.

Solution 1: Check Input Devices

First, determine if your keyboard, mouse, or other input devices are causing the issue. Unplug and replace each device, checking after each one whether the alert still appears.

Solution 2: Disable Stuck Keyboard Keys

If the keyboard is at fault, a stuck key may be sending invalid signals. Use the sudo evtest command to see which keyboard inputs are registering. Fix any stuck keys or remap problematic keys.

Solution 3: Troubleshoot Linux Kernel Issues

The alert may be due to bugs with the Linux 5.x kernel and intel_vbtn driver, especially on 2-in-1 laptops.

1. Open the terminal and edit /etc/modprobe.d/block-intel_vbtn.conf.
2. Add blacklist intel_vbtn to disable the problematic driver module.
3. Save, exit, and reboot.

You can also try booting into an older Linux kernel version instead to avoid the issue.

How to Prevent the Flashing Prohibited Sign on Linux?

The flashing prohibited sign on Linux can be prevented by following these tips:

• Check the devices and files before accessing them. Make sure they exist and are available, and that you have the proper permissions to use them.
• Check the commands and scripts before executing them. Make sure they have the correct syntax and permissions, and that they do not contain any harmful or malicious code.
• Check the partitions and drives before mounting them. Make sure they are not already mounted or have errors, and that you have the proper permissions to mount them.
• Use root privileges only when necessary. Do not use the sudo command or log in as root for every operation, as this can pose a security risk and cause unintended consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What does the flashing prohibited sign look like?

Answer: The flashing prohibited sign looks like a red circle with a diagonal line across it. It usually appears on the top right corner of the screen, and it flashes on and off.

Question: What does the flashing prohibited sign mean?

Answer: The flashing prohibited sign means that the system is trying to perform an action that is not allowed. It can be caused by various reasons, such as accessing a non-existent device or file, executing a wrong command or script, mounting a problematic partition or drive, or lacking root privileges.

Question: How do I get rid of the flashing prohibited sign?

Answer: You can get rid of the flashing prohibited sign by identifying and fixing the source of the error, and then restarting the system. You can use the system logs, the tail and grep commands, and the reboot command to do this.

Question: How do I prevent the flashing prohibited sign from happening again?

Answer: You can prevent the flashing prohibited sign from happening again by checking the devices and files, the commands and scripts, and the partitions and drives before using them, and by using root privileges only when necessary.

Summary

The flashing prohibited sign on Linux is an annoying error that can be fixed and prevented. It is caused by the system trying to perform an action that is not allowed, and it can be solved by identifying and fixing the source of the error, and then restarting the system. It can be avoided by checking the devices and files, the commands and scripts, and the partitions and drives before using them, and by using root privileges only when necessary.