CentOS: Unable to boot into new kernel.

[RimBlock]

I have been trying to get CentOS on a server for a number of days now.

I can install fine but after a yum update and reboot the system shows the Grub menu but after the new kernel is selected (automatically or manually) the screen goes blank apart from a flashing underscore in the top left.

Choosing the original kernel from the grub list boots fine.

The files in /boot match the names in the /boot/grub grub.conf file.

I originally thought it was due to the boot drive being 3TB but it is also happening with a 2TB drive.

It seems to occur with a CentOS 6.0 minimal install as well as a CentOS 6.4 full install.

Anyone have any suggestions ?.

Thanks
RB

 

[AndrewP]

Anything displayed on the other ttys? It does sound like the system can't find the kernel image for some reason, the install time kernel is in the MBR but the new ones are on a GPT drive and it can't read them maybe?

 

[RimBlock]

Thanks for replying

This was very strange.

The machine is a Dell C6100 which has 4 blade like nodes in a 2U chassis.

I swapped to another node and everything worked fine and consistently since.

The only difference between the nodes was that the node with the issue had 48GB ram in it rather than 24GB. I did a full memcheck but nothing found.

The node with an issue is now booting fine.

My only guess is an issue between the node and the disk firmware or something just as obscure.

RB