Linux troubleshooting can be a painstaking process at times, especially when it involves complex
issues such as the Linux kernel. So, we have put together this handy reference for troubleshooting
Linux servers. This compliation of tips from Sander van Vugt will guide you through Linux
troubleshooting, covering everything from managing Linux boot problems to solving server hangs and
repairing ext3 file systems.
Recovering your
Linux server with a Knoppix rescue disk
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using Knoppix, you can recover lost data on a Linux server when it isn't
booting properly, and can access root file systems by mounting the Linux file systems.
Troubleshooting
Linux boot problems
Learn about the boot procedure and how to fix a Linux server boot problem when the login screen fails to appear at
system startup.
Fixing Linux
boot problems with GRUB
Learn how to re-install GRUB or manually enter GRUB commands, and fix Linux boot problems
when the boot process isn't working because of GRUB errors.
Backing up the
Linux master boot record
Make a Linux master boot record backup (MBR) to avoid boot errors related to GRUB and
the partition table, which are housed in the MBR.
How to fix
master boot record partition table problems
In five steps, learn how to recover a master boot record partition table -- without it, you won't be
able to access any information on your server or hard drive.
Troubleshooting
Logical Volume Manager boot problems
If there are Logical Volume Manager (LVM) boot problems, manually initialize the device to
troubleshoot LVM issues, and avoid future issues managing server disk space.
How to solve
logical volume management issues
Learn tips on solving logical volume management issues such as excluding Logical Volume
Manager devices and activating logical volumes manually when in an inactive state.
Solving Linux
server hangs stemming from kernel issues
Solve Linux server hangs due to Linux kernel problems by taking the first step of
determining if the hang is interruptible or non-interruptible.
Access and
repair an ext3 file system with the superblock
Learn how to access and repair a damaged ext3 file system with the superblock, which
contains data about the file system.
Troubleshooting
Linux networking problems
Troubleshoot Linux networking issues by determining the existence of the network card, and
checking hardware configuration and drivers.
Booting a Xen
virtual machine from CD-ROM or DVD
When there's problems with a Xen virtual machine, learn how to boot Xen from a disk on Linux using Xen as a virtual machine host.
Additional resources:
- Fixing Linux boot problems
- Linux troubleshooting tools 101
- Simple Linux network troubleshooting
- Linux community forums
- How to fix the most common Linux problems
- Troubleshooting memory usage
- Red Hat Linux basic troubleshooting
This was first published in June 2010
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