Server Wont Boot After Latest YaST Online Update (kernel-vfe)

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Environment

SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9
Support Pack 3
YaST Online Update (YOU Update)

Situation

Server Wont Boot After Latest Update
Error: reiserfs: disagrees about version of symbol struct_module
Error: insmod: error inserting'/lib/modules/2.6.5-7.244-vfe/kernel/fs/reiserfs/reiserfs.ko': -1 Invalid module format
Error: Waiting for device /dev/sda2 to appear: .....not found
Error: No root device found: exiting to /bin/sh

Resolution

STEPS TO FIX:

1. Boot off of an install CD

2. Choose the INSTALLATION option

3. Accept the License agreement

4. Choose the language

5. Choose BOOT INSTALLED SYSTEM. This will boot the system using the kernel off of the CD.

6. After receiving a prompt, follow the command sequence below:

rpm -e kernel-vfe
cd /boot
rm initrd
ln -s initrd-2.6.5-7.244-default initrd (replace kernel with your verion)
reboot

Additional Information

During the update an optional kernel package for 2.6.5-7.244-VFE was selected and approved to install when the system does not support VFE. This update changed the /boot/initrd symbolic link to point to this kernel, while the vmlinuz symbolic link points to the correct kernel, thus causing the kernel mismatch.

Formerly known as TID# 10100071

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.