Multiple btrfs balance schedules are present

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Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP6
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP5
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP4
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP3
SUSE Linux Enterprise Micro 5.5
SUSE Linux Enterprise Micro 5.4
SUSE Linux Enterprise Micro 5.3

Situation

Multiple btrfs balance schedules are present leading to the balance process running more frequently than desired and at unexpected times.

     # systemctl show btrfs-balance.timer | grep OnCalendar
     TimersCalendar={ OnCalendar=Mon *-*-* 00:00:00 ; next_elapse=Mon 2025-02-03 00:00:00 PDT }
     TimersCalendar={ OnCalendar=Wed *-*-* 08:30:00 ; next_elapse=Wed 2025-02-05 08:30:00 PDT }

Resolution

This problem is corrected by installing an update released in February 2025: btrfsmaintenance-0.4.2-150100.3.6.2

Cause

Bug: When the /etc/sysconfig/btrfsmaintenance file is edited, the btrfs balance schedule contained in that file should become active, replacing any current default btrfs schedule already present in systemd btrfs-balance.timer unit file. However, the new schedule is instead added to the systemd unit, leading to the presence of multiple OnCalendar entries.

Additional Information

Use of the /etc/systemd/system/btrfs-balance.timer.d/override.conf file can also lead to an additional OnCalendar entry. This is also corrected by the updated btrfsmaintenance package.

See related TID: 000021842 Btrfs balance schedule changed unexpectedly
Master btrfs TID: 000018779 BTRFS Master TID

Disclaimer

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