Computer No Longer Boots After an Update
Support knowledgebase (fhassel_lilo_81)
Applies to
SuSE Linux: Version 8.1
Symptom
After having updated to SuSE Linux 8.1, your computer hangs with an error message
when you try to restart it.
Cause
An incomplete entry was added to LILO's configuration file, so the installation of the boot
loader failed.
Solution
Boot the installed system as described in the following:
- Boot from your CD or DVD as for an install.
- Select "Installation" (already preset).
- Select your language.
- In the next menu, select "Boot installed system".
- The root partition is detected automatically and the system will be booted from it.
Log in to the system and open a root shell as described below:
- In KDE, press ALT+F2.
- Enter "xterm" in the opened input field.
- Click "Run".
- Enter the command "su -" in the next window.
- Enter the root password.
Open the file /etc/lilo.conf with an editor of you choice, for
example, mcedit, by entering:
mcedit /etc/lilo.conf
At the end of the file, find an incomplete entry. It might look like this:
label = linux
append = " hdd=ide-scsi "
Delete this entry.
If you boot LILO from the floppy disk, check the variable "boot="
located at the beginning of the file as well. When booting from the floppy disk, the variable
must
be set to:
boot=/dev/fd0
Save the changes (with F2 in mcedit) and quit the editor (with
F10). Execute the following command in the shell:
lilo
to reinstall the boot manager with the new settings. If you boot from the floppy disk, the
LILO boot floppy must be inserted in the drive when rewriting.
Restart your computer. Now you should be able to boot.
Keywords: BOOTING, LILO, UPDATE, 8.1
Categories:
LILO
SDB-fhassel_lilo_81, Copyright SuSE Linux AG, Nürnberg, Germany
- Version: 10. Oct 2002
SuSE Linux AG - Last generated: 16. Oct 2002 by ip (sdb_gen 1.40.0)