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Root disk mounted as Read-Only prevents system from booting

This document (7024031) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 4 (SLES 11 SP4)

Situation

A recently updated/patched SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 4 server, configured to boot from Software RAID is booting into the "repair filesystem" stage. 

The system was checked and repaired, but upon booting, entered the "repair filesystem" stage again.
Despite all File system checks and repair efforts, the root disk remained stayed marked as Read-Only. 

Using the SLES DVD to boot into "Rescue Mode", the root disk could be mounted as Read-Write (RW) without any problems. 

Resolution

There are two options: 
  1. Use mdadm-3.3.1-10.13.1 
  2. Install the newer version: mdadm-3.3.1-10.27.4 which is available in the  SLES11-SP4-LTSS-Updates repository
Since the system is not booting, the work around for this problem is achieved as follows :
  1. Boot the system from SLES DVD and select Rescue Mode
  2. Change root ins rescue mode : See TID 7018126
  3. Mount SLES DVD like step 3 in : TID 7021125
  4. Remove the current installed mdadm from the system: rpm -e mdadm 
  5. Install the mdadm-3.3.1-5.7 from SLES DVD as this: rpm -Uhv --force --oldpackage /path-to-sles-dvd/suse/x86_64/mdadm-*.rpm
  6. Reboot the system

Cause

Since the system is booting from Software RAID, the system needs to use mdadm. 
The latest mdadm for SLES 11 SP4 (mdadm-3.3.1-10.18.1) not working probably with certain hardware.

Additional Information


Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

  • Document ID:7024031
  • Creation Date: 24-Jul-2019
  • Modified Date:28-Sep-2022
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

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