grub reports inconsistent file structure after update to version 0.97-16.26.1

This document (7005934) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 3
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 Service Pack 3

Situation

ext2/3 filesystem for /boot

After updating to grub-0.97-16.26.1 on SLE10SP3 the system does not reboot but only the grub shell is being displayed.
On some systems a GRUB error 16 could be seen or the following message when running grub on the command line before the reboot:

vm:~ # grub --batch < /etc/grub.conf

    GNU GRUB version 0.97 (640K lower / 3072K upper memory)

[ Minimal BASH-like line editing is supported. For the first word, TAB
   lists possible command completions. Anywhere else TAB lists the possible
   completions of a device/filename. ]
grub> setup --stage2=/boot/grub/stage2 (hd0) (hd0,1)
Checking if "/boot/grub/stage1" exists... no
Checking if "/grub/stage1" exists... no

Error 16: Inconsistent filesystem structure
grub> setup --stage2=/boot/grub/stage2 (hd0,1) (hd0,1)
Checking if "/boot/grub/stage1" exists... no
Checking if "/grub/stage1" exists... no

Error 16: Inconsistent filesystem structure
grub> quit
vm:~ #

This issue is experienced if the filesystem for /boot is either ext2 or ext3.

Resolution

Solution:

The issue is fixed with a maintenance update. Update to grub version 0.97-16.27.1 (or higher).

Disaster Recovery:
In case the update was already applied and the system does not boot anymore please follow the steps provided by TID 000016749 How to manually install GRUB after a failed installation or disk corruption of the MBR , to start the rescue system.
An alternative would be to "boot installed OS" via the DVD, see TID 000016506 Troubleshooting Common Boot Issues (section "Additional Information") for more information.

First install the original RPM from the installation medium by using the command

rpm -Uvh --oldpackage grub*rpm

Then reinstall the bootloader by using

grub --batch < /etc/grub.conf

The system should be bootable again. Restart and perform an online update to grub version 0.97-16.27.1 (or higher).

Disclaimer

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