Douglas A. Tutty said at 16/01/2008 14:48:
On Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 12:08:44PM +0000, Ronny Adsetts wrote:I'm trying to solve a problem with a headless server on a remote site that panics from time to time. Unfortunately we have no remote console. Is there a way to get the kernel to either to to write the panic to disk or to log it remotely?I've read about the RedHat 'netdump' utility but it doesn't seem to be available for debian (see debian bug 151472).Does anyone have any advice to offer?I'll try and get a serial console hooked up at some point but I may not be able to get on site for a few weeks.If you have syslog send its log to another box, does the panic get out the syslog? The problem as I understand it is that when a kernel panics, it panics and doing anything with the panic other than a message to the console requires that the kernel do some further work. Writing to disk, or creating an IP packet and sending it out an NIC, all requires that the kernel do something other than spit data out a serial port.
Right. I was hoping this wasn't the case but it does make total sense.
If there is anyone at the site who can receive a pre-configured external modem by courier, you could configure a modem to auto-dial you on power up. The minimally trained monkey on site can connect the modem and turn it on. You configure the serial console (in addition to the regular console) and set up an mgetty on your box to take the modem's call. Alternatively, if there is a spare printer on site, can anyone connect it? I don't know about a USB printer, but a serial or paralell printer also works as a simple console logger. It could then be mailed to you. If the site is the top of a mountain with nobody around, then I would consider arrangements for a serial console to be right up there with arranging for backups before asking how to undelete a file: essential.
I did end up getting a serial cable and hooking it up to another computer. Thanks for your reply. Ronny -- Ronny Adsetts Technical Director Amazing Internet Ltd, London t: +44 20 8607 9535 f: +44 20 8607 9536 w: www.amazinginternet.com Registered office: UK House, 82 Heath Road, Twickenham TW1 4BWRegistered in England. Company No. 4042957
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