Unable to start sshd.service

This document (000019770) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15

Situation

Unable to start sshd.service.
The following will be displayed:
Error : Failed to start OpenSSH Deamon

Resolution

1. sshd -t
If this works all good. If not then follow the below
2. If "sshd -t" returns the below error follow step 3.
Error : /var/lib/empty must be owned by root and not group or world-writable
3. Please follow the below commands to change the file permissions for /var/lib/empty and /var/lib/empty/sshd

chmod 755 /var/lib/empty/sshd
chmod 755 /var/lib/empty
systemctl restart ssh

Cause

The directory /var/lib/empty and/or /var/lib/empty/sshd was configured with the wrong permission and/or ownership.

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:000019770
Creation Date: 31-Oct-2020
Modified Date:10-Nov-2020
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications

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