Delayed boot after updating to latest kernel versions

This document (7017498) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 SP4
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 SP3

Situation

After updating to the following kernel versions:

SLES11 SP3: 3.0.101-0.47.79
SLES11 SP4: 3.0.101-71

booting is delayed and the system may appear to hang for between 30 to 60 minutes, if left long enough the system may eventually boot normally.

Resolution

For SLES11 SP3 LTSS (Long Term Service pack Support) the mass PTF (Program Temporary Fix) can be downloaded using SUSE PTF for SP3.
For SLES11 SP4 the mass PTF can be downloaded using SUSE PTF for SP4.

Detailed information on how to apply PTF files can be found in TID 7016640 - Best practice for applying Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs).

Cause

This is introduced by a regression in this kernel version related to "qla2xxx xxxx:xx:xx.x: vpd r/w failed. This is likely a firmware bug on this device. Contact the card vendor for a firmware update." messages being seen when attempting to read VPD (Vital Product Data) information.

This can also be seen on systems without qlogic HBA (Host Bus Adapter) cards.

Additional Information

Once the system eventually completes booting up, the kernel log (dmesg) will be flooded with messages similar to the following:

pci 0000:01:00.0: vpd r/w failed.  This is likely a firmware bug on this device.  Contact the card vendor for a firmware update.

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.