Chromebook Recovery Utility

Chromebook Recovery Utility
Chromebook Recovery Utility

Is there a problem with your Chromebook? Most issues can be resolved with ease, but Chrome OS data might become corrupted, turning your machine into an expensive paperweight. This is where the Chromebook Recovery Utility can help you get your computer back up and running.

What Is Chromebook Recovery Utility and How Does It Work?

Chromebook Recovery Utility is a tool that may be able to help you recover Chrome OS. You can quickly reinstall Chrome OS on the Chromebook using the Chromebook OS recovery image file. This procedure is the equivalent of reinstalling Windows, macOS, or Linux.

This application is frequently used to create recovery discs on M55+ Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac. To create the Chrome OS recovery drive, you must first make some preparations.

How to Make a Recovery Drive for Chrome OS?

How can I save Chromebook Recovery Utility to a USB flash drive? Concentrate on the current portion if you don’t know. It gives you a step-by-step guide on how to make a Chrome OS recovery disc.

Step 1: From your device, open the Chrome browser.

Step 2: Go to the official Chromebook Recovery Utility website by clicking here, then go down to the bottom of the page and click on Increase Chrome.

Step 3: If a pop-up box appears, select Add app. Then, on the screen, click the Chromebook Recovery Utility icon. Start the process in the pop-up window.

Step 4: In the following window, type your Chromebook’s model number. If you’re unsure, select your Chromebook’s brand and model from the drop-down menu, then click Continue.

Step 5: Choose your formatted USB flash drive or SD card after inserting it into your computer. Then press the Continue button.

Step 6: The creation procedure will begin once you click the Create Now button.

Step 7: During this window, you’ll see the recovery image creation process. All you have to do now is wait till the method is completed. Remove your recovery media only if absolutely necessary. Otherwise, the creation will be unsuccessful.

Step 8: When the method is finished, click Done and remove the USB flash device.

What Is the Chromebook Recovery Utility and How Do I Use It?

Once you obtain the Chrome OS is missing or damaged error or the Chromebook fails in some other way, you can utilize the Chromebook Recovery Utility. Is there a way to recover or repair a hard disc that has been damaged on a Chromebook? Take the actions outlined below.

Step 1: Remove any USB accessories and other external devices from the broken Chromebook.

Step 2: shut the Chromebook down.

Step 3: To enter Chromebook recovery mode, press the Esc + Refresh + Power buttons together. To enter the recovery mode on a tablet, press the volume up + volume down + power buttons simultaneously.

Step 4: When the notice “Chromebook OS missing” appears, insert the USB flash drive containing Chromebook Recovery Utility into the Chromebook.

Step 5: To complete the process, follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 6: Disconnect the USB cable from the Chromebook, and the device will reboot on its own.

Step 7: Your Chromebook is now ready to use.

Requirements for using the Chromebook Recovery Utility

There are a few things you’ll require. They’re right here.

  1. The Chromebook with a malfunctioning operating system and software.
  2. Another Chromebook has arrived. Alternatively, you can utilise a Chrome-enabled Windows or macOS computer. Click here to get Chrome.
  3. A USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage capacity is required.
  4. If your Chromebook has an SD card slot, you can also use it. Because you’ll have to format it, make a backup of any vital files you have in the storage unit.
  5. It’s also worth noting that your Chromebook will be deleted.
  6. Back up your files if there is a means to do so. You won’t be able to use your computer at all if you try to use the Chrome OS recovery tool, but it’s crucial to know what will happen during the process.
  7. The good news is that the majority of Chromebook data is saved in the cloud!

Common Problems with Chromebook Recovery Utility

#1. Download Interrupted

The download interrupted issue can be caused by a snag in your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. This is frequently due to a snag that happened during the recovery drive’s creation. If you’re connected or online, double-click that to fix the problem.

If that doesn’t work, try restarting your modem, disconnecting and reconnecting from your network, connecting to a different network, using your phone’s hotspot, or restarting your PC.

#2. File Cannot Be Unzipped

When the Chromebook Recovery Utility tries but fails to create a USB recovery disc, the error “Unable to unzip the file” displays. It’s also a snag that occurred during the recovery drive’s creation. Worse, this mistake occurs at random and for no apparent cause. After investigating the Chrome OS recovery not working issue, we discovered a few potential solutions.

Solution 1: Make sure you have enough free space.

It’s highly likely that the Chromebook doesn’t have enough space if the screen turns black and the unzip process stops. In general, you’ll want to make sure that the Chromebook has at least 8GB of free space before downloading the file.

However, downloading and unzipping the file frequently necessitates additional space. You should double-check that the Chromebook has a minimum storage capacity of 8GB, with 16GB recommended. Otherwise, you’ll get the “unable to unzip the file” error if you try to download and unzip the file.

Furthermore, you need have at least 4GB of empty space on the SD card or USB drive you’re using. It’s worth noting that not all of the drives have the specified amount of space. As a result, if you’re using a 4GB USB or SD card, an 8GB drive is recommended. Get a 16GB drive if at all possible.

Solution 2: Use the Recovery Utility as an administrator.

When using the Recovery Utility on Windows, ensure sure you execute it as administrator. Allow the prompt that appears when you launch the utility and asks for admin permission.

You can also right-click the Chrome application and select Run as administrator. Then, to confirm the procedure, click Allow.

Solution 3: Reformat the hard drive

To fix the unable to unzip the file error, reformat the SD card or USB disc. Connect it to your computer first, then look for it on your desktop, in File Explorer, or in Disk Management. After that, right-click the drive and select Format. Then, to complete the formatting process, follow the prompts.

Solution 4: Delete the Data from the Hard Drive

When the Chromebook Recovery Utility creates the recovery disc, it normally erases the drive. However, rogue files, viruses, and malware can occasionally surface on the drive and disrupt the process, so check sure there are no other media or files on the USB or SD card before proceeding. As a result, you should delete the USB or SD card before beginning the creation process for security reasons.

#3. The Verification Process Failed

The verification failure can also result in the Chrome OS recovery not working issue. Fortunately, most verification failed warnings may be resolved by simply formatting the USB drive or SD card that the recovery disc is stored on.

Connect the USB drive or SD card to your computer and right-click it once it shows on your desktop. Then, following the on-screen instructions, format the drive to FAT32.

After formatting the hard drive, reinstall the Chromebook Recovery Utility; if that doesn’t work, go to the Recovery’s official website and click on Launch app. Then, within the next window, right-click on the gear icon and select Erase recovery media.

Choose the recovery media you want to wipe in the prompted window and click Continue.

To begin the procedure, click Erase Now. When the technique is complete, select Create another to start a new recovery media.

#4. A Surprising Error Has Occurred

The “An unexpected problem has occurred” issue, as revealed by its error message, indicates that Chrome OS has no idea why it happened. The most common cause of the issue is a faulty or fragmented recovery drive.

To resolve the issue, try using a different USB drive or SD card. Alternatively, you can insert the drive into another computer that is up and running and delete all of the files on it. After that, download a fresh copy of Chrome OS and create a recovery disc.

#5. Chrome OS isn’t installed on the device you inserted.

When the device you plugged does not have Chrome OS, the Chromebook Recovery Utility will not work. It either indicates the Chromebook can’t recognise the recovery image on the USB drive or SD card, or the inserted drive doesn’t have Chrome OS loaded.

If the problem persists, consider deleting the USB drive/SD card on the Windows or Mac device, then retrying Recovery. Insert a USB drive or SD card with Chrome OS installed on the device and continue the technique in the second circumstance.

#6. Please disconnect all connected devices and begin the recovery process.

Disconnect all plugged devices on your Chromebook, including the printer, external mouse or keyboard, external TV or monitor, external hard drives, SD card, USB drive, and USB peripherals, when you obtain the “Please remove all attached devices and begin recovery” error message.

Then, to see if the Chrome OS recovery not functioning error has been resolved, attempt the recovery process again.

#7. This Device’s Security Module Isn’t Working

The fact that the security module on this device isn’t working implies that you’re most likely using a borrowed or leased Chromebook from school or work. By default, these Chromebooks prevent you from using Developer Mode, Power Wash, or Recovery Mode.

Furthermore, the permissions on your system are affected by the type of Chromebook you use. Once they’ve been blocked, you’ll need to contact your school or workplace’s network administrator to have them unblocked.

How to use Chromebook Recovery Utility on a damaged Chromebook?

You now have everything you need to install Chrome OS on your broken PC on a USB flash drive or SD card. Now it’s time to get the Chromebook up and running again, this time with the damaged OS.

  1. Remove any USB devices and other items from your broken Chromebook.
  2. Make certain the computer is turned off.
  3. By hitting the Esc + Refresh + Power buttons, you can enter Recovery Mode. If you’re using a tablet, use the Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power buttons.
  4. You’ll be prompted to insert a Chromebook Recovery Utility USB flash drive or SD card since the operating system is missing.
  5. Place the USB drive or SD card into the slot.
  6. Follow the directions on the screen.
  7. Allow the computer to do its work.

You should now be ready to go! The USB flash drive or SD card can be used again. It can also be formatted and used as a standard storage device.

Conclusion

This article could serve as a full overview of Chromebook Recovery Utility, covering its definition, creation, and usage. It also demonstrates how to use the Google Chrome Recovery Utility-enabled USB flash drive.

If you have any further thoughts about Chromebook Recovery Utility, please share them with us in the comment section below.

Jennifer Thomas
Jennifer Thomas is the Co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer at Cybers Guards. Prior to that, She was responsible for leading its Cyber Security Practice and Cyber Security Operations Center, which provided managed security services.