[Bug 798414] Re: update-initramfs should produce a more helpful error message when there isn't enough free space

[Jarno Suni]

I think the patch presented at https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/initramfs-tools/+bug/1678187/comments/8
might give more helpful error message, since it avoids filling /boot as long as possible, thus the system is unlikely to run out of space while running mkinitramfs, but finds out, if the system lacks free space, and if it does, it tells the URL of the documentation page concerning removing old kernels.

P.S. The URL could be https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LowDiskOnBoot
alternatively. (Luke W Faraone uses that in his merge proposal, and it
redirects to the same document currently.)

-- 
You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu
Foundations Bugs, which is subscribed to dpkg in Ubuntu.
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/798414

Title:
  update-initramfs should produce a more helpful error message when
  there isn't enough  free space

Status in initramfs-tools:
  Confirmed
Status in Software Updater:
  New
Status in dpkg package in Ubuntu:
  Invalid
Status in initramfs-tools package in Ubuntu:
  Confirmed

Bug description:
  Binary package hint: initramfs-tools

  When installing a kernel, /boot may become full during execution of
  post-installation script typically when update-initramfs is creating
  or updating an initrd.img file. This is resulting in kernel
  installation error.  For example:

  Setting up initramfs-tools (0.98.8ubuntu3) ...
  update-initramfs: deferring update (trigger activated)
  Processing triggers for initramfs-tools ...
  update-initramfs: Generating /boot/initrd.img-2.6.38-8-generic

  gzip: stdout: No space left on device
  E: mkinitramfs failure cpio 141 gzip 1
  update-initramfs: failed for /boot/initrd.img-2.6.38-8-generic
  dpkg: error processing initramfs-tools (--configure):
   subprocess installed post-installation script returned error exit status 1

  Ideal behavior:

  Give a more helpful error message when this unfortunate situation
  occurs so that user can fix the broken system and keep it going.

  Workaround:

  As the bug reporting system forwards user to this bug report, such instructions can be given here:
  https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RemoveOldKernels

To manage notifications about this bug go to:
https://bugs.launchpad.net/initramfs-tools/+bug/798414/+subscriptions