Chromebook Recovery Utility refers to a special feature that plays an integral part in recovering the Chrome OS. Chromebook recovery assists in reinstalling a new copy of Chrome OS on any version of Chromebook. However, like other utility, Chromebook Recovery Utility can also be traced with some common issues like Interruption in downloading, facing issues in unzipping the zip file, verification failure, several unexpected errors, etc.
As a result, users often get frustrated while using it. Therefore, Chromebook Recovery Utility can’t be said to be perfect. For instance, users suddenly trace that Chromebook Recovery Utility is not working. However, the the issues differ from user to user and in this article, we discuss all the possible issues and their fixes.
What is Chromebook Recovery Utility?
Chromebook Recovery Utility is the new embedded feature in Chrome. It creates a backup in Chrome OS, which you can use to recover data from any device which is using Chrome OS. You can create a recovery drive using this feature and can use it when you encounter any of the following issues:
- The Chromebook cannot boot up or reboots often.
- The Chromebook shows white screen after you open it up.
- When Chromebook shows errors, freezes or crashes.
- There are some other unnoticed issues with Chromebox, Chromebook and any other device which is running the Chrome OS.
Inspite of all these, Chromebook Recovery Utility’s embedded feature is not so perfect. There are a lot of different causes that can trigger the recovery system of Chrome OS to not work properly.
Down below we have listed the 7 common issues which are encountered when the Chromebook Recovery Utility fails to work. Do follow the fixes mentioned below for efficient working of the feature.
Issue 1: Download Interrupted
A disruption or hiccup in the Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity may cause you to encounter the download interrupted error. To take care of this issue you may recheck your internet connectivity. If still the problem persists, restart or reboot your modem. You can even try using your mobile hotspot or can restart your monitor.
Issue 2: Unable to Unzip File
When the Chromebook Recovery Utility fails to create a USB recovery drive then the “Unable to Unzip File” error is shown. We have found out some solutions for this issue after carefully looking at the Chrome OS recovery not working issue. Some of them are listed below.
Solution 1: Make sure that there is enough available space
When you encounter a black screen while taking the recovery backup, it is indicative of the fact that Chromebook does not have enough space. As a rule of thumb, you need to have at least 8 GB free space before downloading the file. All being said, you need to have more space to accommodate actions of unzipping and downloading the file.
Make sure that the free up space is in the range of 8 GB to 16 GB. Else you might encounter this error. Also, the SD card or the USB drive should also have free space of at least 4 GB. You are advised to take an SD card or USB drive of at least 8 GB space.
Solution 2: Try to run the Recovery Utility as Admin
While running the Recovery Utility on Windows make sure that you are running it as an admin. Click Allow when the Windows prompt shows up and it asks for admin permission. Alternatively, you can just right click on the app and select Run as administrator. Afterwards just click Allow starting the actions.
TIP: You should run Chromebook Recovery Utility as an administrator to unzip the files.
Solution 3: Try Reformatting the Drive
Whenever you encounter the above error, try to reformat the SD Card or USB drive. Connect the SD card or USB drive to your PC and locate it. Then right click on the drive and click Format. After that just follow the instructions to finish the reformatting process.
Solution 4: Wipe the Drive
While creating the recovery media, the Chromebook Recovery Utility erases the entire media. However, viruses and malware can disturb and hamper the process. Always make sure that there are no irrelevant files or media in the USB or SD card. For security reasons and to be extra cautious, it’s better to erase the USB or SD card before using it.
Issue 3: Verification Failed
Verification failure can also cause the “Chrome Recovery Utility not working” error. This verification failed error can be resolved by simply reformatting the SD card or the USB drive.
To do so,
- First, connect the SD card or USB drive with the system and right-click on it, if it appears on the screen.
- Then select Format option and complete the process by following the on-screen directions.
- Once the process gets completed, download and create Chromebook Recovery Utility.
- If you are unable to create a Chromebook Recovery Utility, then you can go to the Chromebook Recovery Utility’s official website and then locate and click on the Launch app.
- Now click on the Settings icon from the right top side of the window and then select Erase recovery media.
- Inside the newly opened screen, select the recovery media you need to erase and click on Continue.
- On the next screen, click on Erase now tab and continue.
- Once done, select Create another option and choose another recovery media and try to complete the procedure.
Issue 4: An unexpected error has occurred
As indicated by the error message “An unexpected error has occurred”, the Chrome OS has no idea about the error that has occurred. One main reason for this might be that the recovery drive is corrupted or fragmented.
Try using a different USB drive or SD card to fix this issue. You can also try to plug the drive or the card into a different PC and delete all the files from there. Once this is done, download Chrome OS again and make another recovery media.
Issue 5: Chrome OS does not contain in the device
You might also encounter the error message “Chromebook Recovery Utility not working” when the device which you inserted in the PC does not contain Chrome OS. This means that the recovery image cannot be detected by Chromebook or Chrome OS is not installed in the drive.
Try clearing the USB drive or the SD card which you are using and then try to recover again. Else you can install the Chrome OS in the USB drive or SD card and continue the same process.
Issue 6: Please remove all connected devices and start recovery
When you encounter the “Please remove all connected devices and start recovery” error, then you need to disconnect all the devices plugged into your PC like, external keyword, external mouse, printer, USB peripherals, SD card and USB drive. After doing this, try to recover again and check if the Chrome OS is working or not.
Issue 7: The Security Module on This Device Is Not Working
“The security module on this device is not working” error might encounter when you use a loaned or borrowed Chromebook from some third party (school or workplace). While using these Chromebook you will be blocked from using the Developer Mode/Power Wash/Recovery mode.
These kinds of Chromebooks may also affect user permissions on your system and once you are blocked then need to contact your school or work network admin to unblock you.
Here we have shown you the 7 common issues encountered while using the Chromebook Recovery Utility and how to fix each of these issues. If ever you face any of these issues you can use the above offered solutions to resolve them. Feel free to share some of the other issues which you might have encountered in the comments section below.