libreadline.so.6 cannot open shared object file

This document (7011705) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 SP1

Situation

At boot time the a kernel panic will be issues with the error:
/bin/bash: error while loading shared libraries: libreadline.so.6 cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory
Kernel panic - not syncing: Attempted to kill init!

In this instance bash-4.1-20.25.1 was installed. This rpm version is an OpenSuse 11.4 release.

Resolution

An unsupported bash package was installed and needs to be removed and a supported bash package needs to be installed from the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 1 Installation media.

Chroot the Installed system:
1. Insert or mount a SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 1 installation disk

--for VMware mount the .iso file

2. Boot from the disk
3. Choose "Rescue System"
4. Type "root"

Follow Chrooting instructions in document Troubleshooting the SLES10 Boot Process

It will work with SLES 11 as well. Start at step 9. chroot Installed System

While chrooted in Rescue#:
run:

mount /dev/cdrom /media

rm /bin/bash

rpm -Uvh --force /media/suse/x86_64/bash-3.1.xx.xx.x86_64.rpm

exit chroot by typing "exit"
reboot the system

Cause

Unsupported bash package version.

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.