How to repair a corrupted rc.conf file

Procedure on how to solve FreeBSD boot up problem with the error message:

Loading configuration files.
/etc/rc.conf:51 Syntax error: Unterminated quoted string
Enter full pathname of Shell or RETURN for /bin/sh:

This error is normally encountered if there is a misplaced or missing double quote in the configuration file of the FreeBSD installation.

Sample invalid rc.conf file:
usbd_enable="YES
dbus_enable="YES"
compat5x_enable="YES"

Note that there is a missing double quote in the example above. This error may also be triggered by a misplaced or unnecessary double quote in the configuration file.

To fix this problem:

1. (Optional) Reboot your FreeBSD and select the login option:
4. Boot FreeBSD in single user mode
This can by done by pressing the number 4 upon boot up.


2. Press ENTER after the error message:
Loading configuration files.
/etc/rc.conf:51 Syntax error: Unterminated quoted string Enter full pathname of Shell or RETURN for /bin/sh:

3. Type mount -a -t ufs then press enter.
The argument following the -t is used to indicate the file system type. The type ufs is the default. The -t option can be used to indicate that the actions should only be taken on file systems of the specified type.

- or -

Type mount -a then press enter.
This will mount all the file systems described in fstab.

3. Open the configuration file by typing:
/usr/bin/ee /etc/rc.conf

You may also use your preferred editor like vi, pico, etc. by replacing ee. (/usr/bin/vi /etc/rc.conf, /usr/bin/pico /etc/rc.conf)

4. Modify rc.conf and ensure that there is no missing or misplaced characters.

5. Press ESC to exit editor.

6. Save changes.

7. Reboot by using the command:
shutdown -r now


Good Luck!