Chapter 4. Dealing with Boot and Installation Problems

Contents

4.1. Problems Booting
4.2. Problems Installing
4.3. Redirecting the Boot Source to the Boot CD

Abstract

Prior to delivery, SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server is subjected to an extensive test program. Despite this, problems occasionally occur during boot or installation.

4.1. Problems Booting

Boot problems may prevent the YaST installer from starting on your system. Another symptom is when your system does not boot after the installation has been completed.

Installed System Boots, Not Media

Change your computer's firmware or BIOS so that the boot sequence is correct. To do this, consult the manual for your hardware.

The Computer Hangs

Change the console on your computer so that the kernel outputs are visible. Be sure to check the last outputs. This is normally done by pressing F2. If you are unable to resolve the problem, consult the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server support staff. To log all system messages at boot time, use a serial connection as described in Chapter 2, Controlling the Installation.

The Itanium Boot Loader

If you have manually altered the kernel or initrd on your system, run /sbin/elilo before shutting down the computer. If you leave out this step, your system may not be bootable.

Virus Warning after Installation

There are BIOS variants that check the structure of the boot sector (MBR) and erroneously display a virus warning after the installation of GRUB or LILO. Solve this problem by entering the BIOS and looking for corresponding adjustable settings. For example, switch off virus protection. You can switch this option back on again later. It is unnecessary, however, if Linux is the only operating system you use.

4.2. Problems Installing

If an unexpected problem occurs during installation, information is needed to determine the cause of the problem. Use the following directions to find useful information:

  • Check the outputs on the various consoles. You can switch consoles with the key combination Ctrl+Alt+Fn. For example, obtain a shell in which to execute various commands by pressing Ctrl+Alt+F2.

  • Try launching the installation in failsafe mode. If the installation works without problems in this case, there is an incompatibility that causes either ACPI or APIC to fail. In some cases, a BIOS or firmware update fixes this problem.

  • Check the system messages on a console in the installation system by entering the command dmesg.

4.3. Redirecting the Boot Source to the Boot CD

To facilitate the installation process and avoid accidental installations, the default setting on the installation CD for SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server is that your system is booted from the first hard disk. At this point, an installed boot loader normally takes over control of the system. This means that the boot CD can stay in the drive during an installation. To start the installation, choose one of the installation possibilities in the boot menu of the media.