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LILO is not able to update the bootloader on a system with root on a dm-multipath device

This document (3488423) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10

Situation

After updating the kernel you need to run LILO to update the bootloader but LILO quits with errors.

# lilo -d
running on chrp
Boot target is /dev/sda1
add note section for RS6K
MKDOSFS options: -s 1 -F 16 -n 'rootlv'
+ bootpartkernelname=sda1
++ dmsetup ls
+ [[ system-part2 (253, 2)
vg00-rootlv (253, 3)
system-part1 (253, 1)
system (253, 0)
vg00-lvol0 (253, 7)
vg00-tmplv (253, 5)
vg00-varlv (253, 6)
vg00-swaplv (253, 4) == *sda1* ]]
+ set +x
mkfs.msdos 2.11 (12 Mar 2005)
mkfs.msdos: unable to open /dev/sda1


The result of this problem is that you will not be able to boot the system.
 

Resolution

The problem is reported to engineering. Fix will be publish as soon as possible.

Workaround :
Please boot into the rescue mode
Mount the root device
Example :
# mount /dev/vg00/rootvg /mnt
# mount -o bind /dev /mnt/dev
# mount -o bind /proc /mnt/proc
# mount -o bind /sys /mnt/sys

Change root to /mnt

# chroot /mnt

Run lilo

# lilo

The bootloader will be updated and the system can be booted normal again.

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:3488423
  • Creation Date: 11-Dec-2007
  • Modified Date:16-Mar-2021
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

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