Install the Default Kernel from DVD in Rescue Mode.

This document (7021125) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

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

Situation

The following error messages are being displayed during boot:

Loading Linux 4.4.74-92.29-default ... 
error: file `/boot/vmlinuz-4.4.74-92.29-default' not found. 
Loading initramdisk ... 
error: you need to load the kernel first. 

Press any key to continue...

The grub menu is being displayed immediately after above messages.

Resolution

In the case of SLES 12 and SLES 15, use "Advanced options for SLES..." grub menu option to try booting from older kernel that may also reside on disk.

In the case where the server does not have any previous kernels please proceed following these steps:

1) Follow this TID to chroot the installed system: TID 000018770 - How to Chroot in Rescue Mode
2) Make sure to additionally mount the following partitions when they reside outside the root partition.

/boot /var /tmp

3) Identify installation DVD device with hwinfo --cdrom, and mount it.

mount /dev/sr0 /mnt

4) Navigate to the directory where your kernel files are stored on the DVD. For example,

cd /mnt/suse/x86_64/

5) Install the default kernel, for example:

rpm -Uvh --oldpackage kernel-default-4.4.21.69.1.x86_64.rpm

6) exit
7) reboot

The system will boot normally, but it still needs to be updated to the latest kernel. Make sure the server is registered to SCC or SMT and update the system:

1) zypper patch
2) reboot

Cause

The default boot kernel, in this case "kernel 4.4.74-92.29" was not found.

Additional Information

TID 000016506 - Troubleshooting Common Boot Issues

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.