Cent OS server restarts automatically, Not sure why.

linuxlover.chaitanya · 05-08-2012, 01:21 AM

Hello all,

Got Cent OS server 5.8 final installed on a Dell OptiPlex 380.

Code:

LSB Version:    :core-4.0-amd64:core-4.0-ia32:core-4.0-noarch:graphics-4.0-amd64:graphics-4.0-ia32:graphics-4.0-noarch:printing-4.0-amd64:printing-4.0-ia32:printing-4.0-noarch
Distributor ID: CentOS
Description:    CentOS release 5.8 (Final)
Release:        5.8
Codename:       Final

This server restarts automatically at no specific time. Its a random event that happens everyday. May be couple of times a day.
I have looked at messages. I am attaching the messages file for reference. If anyone can let me know if you see anything weird. This has been going for long. Have contacted Dell Support for this. Have updated the BIOS version and RAM. But no go.
At about line no 35 you can see the restart message.

suicidaleggroll · 05-08-2012, 05:52 PM

I would start by booting up a live distro (any of them, doesn't matter), and seeing if the problem continues. That will immediately tell you whether it's a hardware/BIOS problem or a problem with your CentOS installation.

273 · 05-08-2012, 06:11 PM

I noticed ntpd entries before all but one of the restarts, could that have anything to do with it?

suicidaleggroll · 05-08-2012, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 273

I noticed ntpd entries before all but one of the restarts, could that have anything to do with it?

Doubtful, if you notice the timestamps it looks like the ntpd service is just the last thing to start up from the previous boot. Several hours pass between the ntpd messages and the next restart.

linuxlover.chaitanya · 05-09-2012, 12:25 AM

NTP surely does not seem to be an issue. I have checked out BIOS and hardware issue. And I am sure it not the issue. It has something to do with OS. I have as said upgraded BIOS version and changed the RAM. Even tried the the OS installation on other Dell OptiPlex system. Similar hardware. And this system was even out of network. A stand alone machine. Same results. I am now doing the system diagnostics to find out if hardware is the issue. But I seriously doubt it.

chrism01 · 05-09-2012, 08:26 PM

Well, for issues like this, I often see collectl recommended.
As you've got Centos, you can add that from the EPEL repos https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/EPEL or src it http://collectl.sourceforge.net/