SUSE Support

Here When You Need Us

XEN: Passing kernel parameters to para-virtual DomU's.

This document (7001929) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Support Pack 2
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Support Pack 1

Situation

A kernel paremeter needs to be passed to a para-virtual Xen DomU.

Resolution

The passing of kernel parameters is handled by the extra= directive in the Xen configuration file.

unamanaged domain: single boot passing of parameters
This method is used for DomU's that are not started, stopped OR have had their hardware altered through "xm" commands, Virt-Manager or YaST. This method can also be used for managed DomU's that have not had any hardware changes since the installation of the DomU.

Simply start the DomU with the "extra=" syntax. For example:
xm create DOMU extra=" init 2"

unmanaged domain: permanent passing of parameters
This method is used for DomU's that are not started, stopped OR have had their hardware altered through"xm" commands, Virt-Manager or YaST. This method can also be used for managed DomU's that have not had any hardware changes since the installation of the DomU.
  1. Locate the configuration file.
  2. Locate the "extra=" directive
  3. Add the parameter within the "'s
  4. Save the file
  5. Start the DomU normally
Importing new managed DomU configuration file, replace "domu" with the name of the file. This step only applies for managed DomU's.
xm new -f domu

managed domain: single boot passing of parameters
This method is used for DomU's that are started, stopped AND/OR have had their hardware altered through "xm" commands, Virt-Manager or YaST.
  1. Export the configuration from the xenstore, replace "DOMU" with the name of the DomU
    xm list -l DOMU > domu.py
  2. Start the DomU by adding extra="", for example
    xm create -F domu.py extra=" init 1"
managed domain: permanent passing of parameters
This method is used for DomU's that are started, stopped AND/OR have had their hardware altered through "xm" commands, Virt-Manager or YaST.
  1. Export the configuration from the XenStore
    xm list -l DOMU > domu.py
  2. Open the file for editing
  3. File the (arg ' ') parameter. It may look similiar to this:
        (image
            (linux
                (kernel )
                (args ' ')
                (device_model /usr/lib/xen/bin/qemu-dm)
                (notes
  4. Put your parameter within the ' '. For example:
        (image
            (linux
                (kernel )
                (args ' init 1')
                (device_model /usr/lib/xen/bin/qemu-dm)
                (notes
  5. Save the file
  6. Test it to make sure that the DomU will start
    xm create -F domu.py
  7. If you are satified that the DomU will start correctly, shutdown the DomU
  8. Import the configuration file
    xm new -F domu.py
  9. Start the DomU normally

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:7001929
  • Creation Date: 18-Nov-2008
  • Modified Date:14-Mar-2021
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

< Back to Support Search

For questions or concerns with the SUSE Knowledgebase please contact: tidfeedback[at]suse.com

tick icon

SUSE Support Forums

Get your questions answered by experienced Sys Ops or interact with other SUSE community experts.

tick icon

Support Resources

Learn how to get the most from the technical support you receive with your SUSE Subscription, Premium Support, Academic Program, or Partner Program.

tick icon

Open an Incident

Open an incident with SUSE Technical Support, manage your subscriptions, download patches, or manage user access.