Configure a XEN Virtual Machine (domu) for a kernel / core dump

This document (7001384) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 3
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 2
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 1
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 3
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 2
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 1

Situation

XEN Virtual Machine (domu) is panicking / crashing / abending.
Need to get kernel dump or core dump from a virtual machine (domu)

Resolution

How to Configure XEN Virtual Machines for kernel dumps

Configure a SLES 10 or SLES11 vm for a vmcore

On the XEN host (dom0)
1. Modify the following line in /etc/xen/xend-config.xsp

uncomment and change (enable-dump no) to (enable-dump yes)

2. Modify the vm config file for desired behavior

Edit the following line(s) in the /etc/xen/images/vm/<vm name> file:

on_crash=”coredump-restart” or "coredump-destroy"

3. As ROOT run rcxend restart from a terminal
4. Test the configuration:

At a terminal prompt, shutdown corresponding vm if running and restart using
- xm create <vm name>
Connect to the vm console by running xm console <vm name>& login as ROOT
- Run modprobe crasher call_panic=1
- Check /var/lib/xen/dump for the dump file
As root user, from a terminal on XEN Host (dom0) run xm dump-core <vm name>
- Check /var/log/dump on the XEN Host (dom0)

Additional Information

As stated above, use the rpm's created in the sles10-sp2 directory for SLES10 SP2, SLES10 SP3 & SLES11 XEN hosts.

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.