[SOLVED] kernel upgrade leads to blank screen

magum · 2014-03-30 13:08:20

This morning I had some problems with skype, I decided to deinstall pulseaudio and while I was on it do a upgrade.

A restart followed and right after the boot menu => blank screen.

So I restarted again and used the fallback module, then I used the "nomodeset" kernel options to see if it's a graphic problem. No difference.
I booted with a usb stick and chroot into the filesystem. Pacman reported an upgrade of the linux kernel "upgraded linux (3.13.6-1 -> 3.13.7-1)", could this be the problem?

My laptop is a T440s Lenovo, with an intel4400HD. The filesystem is btrfs and the bootloader gummiboot.

All help or questions are appreciated

Pacman log:

[2014-03-30 11:55] [PACMAN] starting full system upgrade
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM] warning: /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf installed as /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf.pacnew
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded apache (2.4.7-2 -> 2.4.9-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded pango (1.36.2-1 -> 1.36.3-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded awesome (3.5.2-1 -> 3.5.3-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded bash (4.3-2 -> 4.3-3)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded openssl (1.0.1.f-1 -> 1.0.1.f-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded ca-certificates (20130906-1 -> 20140223-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded curl (7.35.0-1 -> 7.36.0-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] updating font cache... done.
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded fontconfig (2.11.0-1 -> 2.11.1-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libva (1.2.1-2 -> 1.3.0-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded x264 (20131030-2 -> 1:142.20140311-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] installed x265 (0.8-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded ffmpeg (1:2.1.4-1 -> 1:2.2-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded flex (2.5.38-1 -> 2.5.39-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded gmp (5.1.3-2 -> 6.0.0-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded guile (2.0.9-1 -> 2.0.11-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded sqlite (3.8.4.1-1 -> 3.8.4.2-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-setuptools (3.3-1 -> 3.3-3)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded ipython2 (1.2.1-1 -> 1.2.1-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded nspr (4.10.3-1 -> 4.10.4-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded nss (3.15.4-1 -> 3.15.5-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded jre7-openjdk-headless (7.u51_2.4.5-1 -> 7.u51_2.4.6-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded jre7-openjdk (7.u51_2.4.5-1 -> 7.u51_2.4.6-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded jdk7-openjdk (7.u51_2.4.5-1 -> 7.u51_2.4.6-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded lib32-openssl (1.0.1.f-1 -> 1.0.1.f-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded lib32-sqlite (3.8.4.1-1 -> 3.8.4.2-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libsystemd (211-1 -> 212-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libutil-linux (2.24.1-3 -> 2.24.1-4)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded systemd (211-1 -> 212-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded lib32-systemd (211-1 -> 212-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libevdev (1.0.1-1 -> 1.1-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libibus (1.5.6-1 -> 1.5.6-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libpipeline (1.2.6-1 -> 1.3.0-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python (3.3.5-1 -> 3.4.0-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded librsvg (1:2.40.1-3 -> 1:2.40.2-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libreoffice-common (4.2.2-2 -> 4.2.2-5)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libreoffice-base (4.2.2-2 -> 4.2.2-5)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libreoffice-calc (4.2.2-2 -> 4.2.2-5)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libreoffice-draw (4.2.2-2 -> 4.2.2-5)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libreoffice-gnome (4.2.2-2 -> 4.2.2-5)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libreoffice-impress (4.2.2-2 -> 4.2.2-5)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libreoffice-kde4 (4.2.2-2 -> 4.2.2-5)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libreoffice-math (4.2.2-2 -> 4.2.2-5)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libreoffice-postgresql-connector (4.2.2-2 -> 4.2.2-5)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libreoffice-sdk (4.2.2-2 -> 4.2.2-5)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libreoffice-sdk-doc (4.2.2-2 -> 4.2.2-5)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libreoffice-writer (4.2.2-2 -> 4.2.2-5)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded libyaml (0.1.5-1 -> 0.1.6-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded linux-firmware (20140217.343e460-1 -> 20140316.dec41bc-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] >>> Updating module dependencies. Please wait ...
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] >>> Generating initial ramdisk, using mkinitcpio.  Please wait...
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> Building image from preset: /etc/mkinitcpio.d/linux.preset: 'default'
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> -k /boot/vmlinuz-linux -c /etc/mkinitcpio.conf -g /boot/initramfs-linux.img
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> Starting build: 3.13.7-1-ARCH
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [base]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [udev]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [autodetect]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [modconf]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [block]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [filesystems]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [keyboard]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [fsck]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> ERROR: file not found: `fsck.btrfs'
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> WARNING: No fsck helpers found. fsck will not be run on boot.
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> Generating module dependencies
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> Creating gzip initcpio image: /boot/initramfs-linux.img
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> WARNING: errors were encountered during the build. The image may not be complete.
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> Building image from preset: /etc/mkinitcpio.d/linux.preset: 'fallback'
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> -k /boot/vmlinuz-linux -c /etc/mkinitcpio.conf -g /boot/initramfs-linux-fallback.img -S autodetect
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> Starting build: 3.13.7-1-ARCH
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [base]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [udev]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [modconf]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [block]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> WARNING: Possibly missing firmware for module: aic94xx
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> WARNING: Possibly missing firmware for module: smsmdtv
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [filesystems]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [keyboard]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET]   -> Running build hook: [fsck]
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> Generating module dependencies
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> Creating gzip initcpio image: /boot/initramfs-linux-fallback.img
[2014-03-30 11:58] [ALPM-SCRIPTLET] ==> Image generation successful
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded linux (3.13.6-1 -> 3.13.7-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded pygobject-devel (3.10.2-1 -> 3.10.2-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded pygobject2-devel (2.28.6-9 -> 2.28.6-10)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python-dbus-common (1.2.0-2 -> 1.2.0-3)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python-docutils (0.11-1 -> 0.11-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python-setuptools (3.3-1 -> 3.3-3)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python-xdg (0.25-1 -> 0.25-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-logilab-common (0.61.0-1 -> 0.61.0-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-astroid (1.0.1-1 -> 1.0.1-3)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-gobject (3.10.2-1 -> 3.10.2-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-atspi (2.10.0-1 -> 2.10.0-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-beaker (1.6.4-1 -> 1.6.4-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-dbus (1.2.0-2 -> 1.2.0-3)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-gobject2 (2.28.6-9 -> 2.28.6-10)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-markupsafe (0.19-1 -> 0.19-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-mako (0.9.1-1 -> 0.9.1-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-nose (1.3.1-1 -> 1.3.1-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-pillow (2.3.1-1 -> 2.3.1-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-pip (1.5.4-1 -> 1.5.4-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-pylint (1.1.0-2 -> 1.1.0-3)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded python2-xdg (0.25-1 -> 0.25-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded qt4 (4.8.5-7 -> 4.8.5-8)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded rkhunter (1.4.0-1 -> 1.4.2-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded ruby (2.1.1-1 -> 2.1.1-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded skype (4.2.0.13-2 -> 4.2.0.13-3)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded speech-dispatcher (0.8-2 -> 0.8-3)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded systemd-sysvcompat (211-1 -> 212-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded tzdata (2014a-1 -> 2014b-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded util-linux (2.24.1-3 -> 2.24.1-4)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded vlc (2.1.4-1 -> 2.1.4-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded wine (1.7.14-1 -> 1.7.15-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded xcb-proto (1.10-1 -> 1.10-2)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded xf86-video-intel (2.99.910-1 -> 2.99.911-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded xorg-util-macros (1.18.0-1 -> 1.19.0-1)
[2014-03-30 11:58] [PACMAN] upgraded xorg-xrandr (1.4.1-1 -> 1.4.2-1)

Update: I successfully downgraded linux, linux-firmare and libutil-linux. Problem persists
Update: Same with xorg*, xf86*, xcb*
Update2: Downgrading kernel did indeed solve the problem. Previously I didn't had my boot partition mounted, hence the boot image was not updated.

I mark the thread as solved, but it would be great if sb could help me find the cause for this problem, so that I can upgrade my system in the near future

Last edited by magum (2014-03-30 14:33:34)

Buddlespit · 2014-03-30 14:36:08

every time I do a big upgrade, either of the kernel or the graphics driver, I get a blank screen until I:

# mkinitcpio -p linux <or whatever your kernel is named>

could this be your problem? I see that your xf86-video-intel driver upgraded after your kernel.

magum · 2014-03-30 14:46:18

How does this differ from pacman's routine of creating a new boot image?

Thanks for the info, I am just a bit weary of breaking my system again

rebootl · 2014-03-30 14:47:26

Hi

In your pacman.log it shows that there was a problem when generating the initramfs (the ALPM-... outputs right before the linux upgrade).
This is part of the kernel update. The initramfs get's loaded right after the bootloader. It seems to be a problem with fsck.btrfs... maybe try to investigate there.

When following a kernel update always look for the "==> Image generation successful". The above output shows it for the fallback image but not for the default one. So, according to the above output the fallback image should have worked... so, maybe there's another problem around...

The warnings about missing firmware are not a problem (probably everybody has them).

"mkinitcpio -p linux" is regenerating the initramfs manually. That's what the ALPM-.. script is doing. Maybe regenerating manually does help, I think it can't harm , also check the output there.

Regards

Edit: typo

Last edited by rebootl (2014-03-30 14:48:18)

magum · 2014-03-31 08:33:06

Hi rebootl,

yes I noticed the warning. The btrfs utilities have a program called "btrfsck" instead of "fsck.btrfs". I added a sym link. Lets see if that avoids the warning in the future.

Anyhow as you already note this shouldn't be the problem as the fallback was also not working. Íf I have a bit time I will remake the mkinitcpio manually in the evening, maybe it gives some useful feedback. I guess it will lead more to me downgrading again...

If there are anymore ideas on how to debug this problem let me know.

jrmrjnck · 2014-03-31 13:54:12

It sounds like this ongoing bootloader-related problem: https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=172961. Try using a different bootloader (e.g. syslinux).

EDIT: Also see this bug: https://bugs.archlinux.org/index.php?do … k_id=33745.

Last edited by jrmrjnck (2014-03-31 15:06:28)

rebootl · 2014-03-31 15:10:12

Hello

As for the btrfs warning, it seems to be a known problem: See e.g.: https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=139370
In essence I get from there that the link you created won't harm and might avoid the error during "mkinitcpio" but it might introduce an "Error" message on boot cause btrfsck uses another syntax. If your root partition is on btrfs you can safely remove the fsck hook. systemd should take care of the other partitions.

Arch Linux

#1 2014-03-30 13:08:20

[SOLVED] kernel upgrade leads to blank screen

#2 2014-03-30 14:36:08

Re: [SOLVED] kernel upgrade leads to blank screen

#3 2014-03-30 14:46:18

Re: [SOLVED] kernel upgrade leads to blank screen

#4 2014-03-30 14:47:26

Re: [SOLVED] kernel upgrade leads to blank screen

#5 2014-03-31 08:33:06

Re: [SOLVED] kernel upgrade leads to blank screen

#6 2014-03-31 13:54:12

Re: [SOLVED] kernel upgrade leads to blank screen

#7 2014-03-31 15:10:12

Re: [SOLVED] kernel upgrade leads to blank screen

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