A kernel panic is a situation in which the Linux kernel is unable to continue operating safely and halts the system. The error message "VFS: Unable to mount root fs" often indicates that the kernel was unable to find the root file system, which is the file system that contains the root directory (/) and the files and directories that the system uses to boot.
There are a few possible causes for this error:
Incorrectly specified root file system: If the root file system is specified incorrectly in the kernel boot parameters, the kernel may be unable to find it.
Corrupted root file system: If the root file system is damaged or corrupt, the kernel may be unable to mount it.
Hardware failure: If there is a problem with the hardware, such as a failing hard drive or a damaged boot sector, the kernel may be unable to access the root file system.
To troubleshoot and fix this error, you can try the following steps:
Check the kernel boot parameters: Make sure that the root file system is specified correctly in the kernel boot parameters.
Check the file system: Run a file system check on the root file system to see if there are any errors that need to be repaired.
Check the hardware: Make sure that all hardware components are functioning properly. If you suspect a hardware problem, you may need to replace the faulty component.
Boot from a live CD or USB: If the problem persists, you can try booting from a live CD or USB and repairing the system from there. This can be helpful if the root file system is damaged or if there is a problem with the boot sector.
If you are unable to fix the problem, you may need to reinstall the operating system.