Invalid root file system after upgrading or applying patches.

This document (7011861) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 2
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 1

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11

Situation

After upgrading or patching SLES the system may no longer boot

correctly. When attempting to boot, the following message is displayed:

invalid root filesystem -- exiting to /bin/sh

Resolution

1. The system may continue the boot process and boot successfully if you wait a few seconds then at the $ prompt type "exit" and hit return/enter.

2. Rebuild initrd by entering "mkinitrd" as root at the command prompt.

Cause

There are timing issues related to the build of initrd when patching or upgrading that can sometimes produce an invalid initrd.

Additional Information

This has been reported to engineering.

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.