Upgrading to SLE12 SP2 with UEFI generates shim error

This document (7022915) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 4 (SLES 11 SP4)
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12


Situation

When upgrading from SLES11 SP4 to SLES12 SP2 the following error is observed:

Error: Execution of command "[["/usr/sbin/shim-install", "--config-file=/boot/grub2/grub.cfg"]]" failed.
Exit code: 127
Error output: No such file or directory - /usr/sbin/shim-install


Prior to upgrading it was observed that the shim RPM package was not installed.

After completing the upgrade, the server fails to boot by not finding the swap or boot/efi devices and drops into maintenance mode and prompts for root's password.

Upgrading directly to SLES12 SP3 does NOT see this issue.

Resolution

To avoid the problem, choose one of the following:
* Make sure the SLES11 shim RPM package is installed prior to upgrading.
* Upgrade to SLES12 SP3

To resolve the boot error after it has happened:
* Use rescue mode to install the SLES12 shim package from the installation media
1. Reboot the server into rescue mode.
2. Chroot the installed system
3. Mount the SLES12 installation media to /mnt
4. cd /mnt/suse/x86_64
5. Run rpm -Uvh shim-*
6. Run grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/grub2/grub.cfg
7. Run shim-install --config-file=/boot/grub2/grub.cfg
8. Reboot

If you are using LVM, you can expect lvm2-lvmetad errors while making grub.cfg. You can ignore the errors.

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:7022915
  • Creation Date: 02-May-2018
  • Modified Date:03-Mar-2020
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

< Back to Support Search

For questions or concerns with the SUSE Knowledgebase please contact: tidfeedback[at]suse.com

SUSE Support Forums

Get your questions answered by experienced Sys Ops or interact with other SUSE community experts.

Join Our Community

Support Resources

Learn how to get the most from the technical support you receive with your SUSE Subscription, Premium Support, Academic Program, or Partner Program.


SUSE Customer Support Quick Reference Guide SUSE Technical Support Handbook Update Advisories
Support FAQ

Open an Incident

Open an incident with SUSE Technical Support, manage your subscriptions, download patches, or manage user access.

Go to Customer Center