chroot failing with: cannot run command `/bin/bash': No such file or directory

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Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11

Situation

After booting the server from a DVD via the "Rescue System" option, changing root into the installed OS is failing with:

chroot: failed to run command ‘/bin/bash’: No such file or directory

Resolution

The problem could be fixed by:

Making sure the real root filesystem is mounted.
Ensuring that /bin/bash exists.
All needed libraries are installed.
Restoring the system from a valid backup.

Cause

The cause of the error above could be:

Wrong root filesystem mounted. Double check if mounted disk is the real root filesystem.
The /bin/bash executable is missing or symbolic link pointing to non-existing/wrong file.
The libraries needed to run /bin/bash are missing. "ldd" could be used to check for the needed libraries.
The root filesystem is missing either /lib or /lib64 directory.

Additional Information

How to Chroot in Rescue Mode

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.