SLES10 Kdump process fails when using EMC Power Path

This document (7005646) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 2
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 3
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 1
HP BL485/685

Situation

When an attempt is made to kdump a SLES10/HP blade server that has EMC Power path installed, the server ends up at a single user prompt due to failed SAN volume mounts.  In this test case, /usr, /var and /home were all independent lvm partitions.

The problem is that the .os_version file stored in /etc/opt/emcpower contains different kernel data from the running kdump kernel.  EMC's code will try and execute code that calls /usr/bin/dirname and /usr/bin/expr.  Neither are present because the lvm volume /usr has not been mounted yet. 

Where multiple volumes fail to mount, the server will drop to single user mode and the kdump capture will fail.

Resolution

EMC is aware of this issue.  Contact EMC for final resolution.

Possible workarounds:

a) Change fstab options to not check (fsck) SAN volumes.  This should be used for troubleshooting only.

b)  Leave /usr as part of the root volume.

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.

  • Document ID:7005646
  • Creation Date: 05-Apr-2010
  • Modified Date:03-Mar-2020
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

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