XEN: Howto manually edit configuration for DomU's

This document (7002588) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Support Pack 2

Situation

A Xen DomU configuration file needs to be edited.

Resolution

There are three methods to editing a virtual machine configuration. These steps assume that the virtual machine is shut down.

method 1: Use /etc/xen/vm installation files

This method uses the files found in /etc/xen/vm. This method can only be done when the DomU has not had any post-configurations applied. This method is shown in many community examples and recommended by several other Linux vendors. For reasons of stability, SUSE recommends only using this method only when there have been no other changes to the DomU's hardware or when the hardware has been changed using this method.

Go to /etc/xen/vm
Locate the line that you need to edit.
Save the file

For each node or server, repeat steps 1 through 7.

method 2: use /etc/xen/vm installation files for managed domU's
This method should be used for DomU's that are managed (i.e. started and stopped using xm commands, Virt-Manager or YaST) and have not had their configuration edited since the installation using xm commands, Virt-Manager or YaST.

Follow method 1
Import the new file
xm new -f sles10
Start the Xen VM

xm start sles10

method 3: use python configuration files

This method uses the Python to add the files. It is somewhat more complicated and recommended only when method 1 is insufficient.

Export the Python configuration for the Xen DomU
xm list -l SLES10 > sles10.py
Save a backup of the file Inca's something goes wrong
Open sles10.py for editing
Edit or add desired setting
Save and close the file
Import the new file
xm new -F sles10.py
Start the Xen guest
xm start sles10

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.