Activation fails with error indicating the database disk image is malformed

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Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10

Situation

This problem would generally happen on a system that is being activated post-installation by going into YaST-->Software-->Novell Customer Center Configuration. The information is requested for email address and activation code but after submitting the information an error is returned. By clicking on the details button the following message is displayed:

ERROR: Could not add 'https://update.novell.com': Failed to parse XML metadata: database disk image is malformed

Resolution

Right-click on the desktop and select "Open Terminal". Enter"su" to become root then execute the following commands:

rczmd stop
rm /var/lib/zmd/zmd.db
rczmd start

Go back into YaST and run the Novell Customer Center Configuration again.

Additional Information

For some unknown reason the /var/lib/zmd/zmd.db file has become corrupt. The activation is attempting to read the information stored in the zmd database and failing. Removing the file will cause zmd to recreate it.

Disclaimer

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