CentOS 7/VMware Hang On Boot ([sda] Assuming Drive Cache: Write Through)?

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Introduction

As a new user of Linux, you may encounter various issues while setting up your system. In this article, we will discuss a common problem that users face when installing CentOS 7 on VMware Workstation 9. The issue is related to the boot process, where the system hangs with the message "[sda] Assuming drive cache: write through". We will explore the possible causes and solutions to this problem.

Understanding the Issue

The error message "[sda] Assuming drive cache: write through" is a common issue that occurs when the system is trying to boot from a virtual disk. This message is usually displayed when the system is unable to determine the correct cache setting for the disk. In this case, the system is assuming the write-through cache setting, which can cause the system to hang during the boot process.

Possible Causes

There are several possible causes for this issue:

  • Incorrect disk configuration: The disk configuration in VMware Workstation 9 may be incorrect, leading to the system hanging during the boot process.
  • Incompatible disk format: The disk format used in CentOS 7 may not be compatible with the VMware Workstation 9, causing the system to hang.
  • Insufficient disk space: The disk space allocated to the virtual machine may be insufficient, leading to the system hanging during the boot process.
  • Corrupted disk image: The disk image used to install CentOS 7 may be corrupted, causing the system to hang during the boot process.

Troubleshooting Steps

To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Disk Configuration

  • Open VMware Workstation 9 and select the virtual machine that is experiencing the issue.
  • Click on the "Edit Virtual Machine Settings" button.
  • Select the "Hard Disk" option and ensure that the disk configuration is set to "Bus Logic" or "LSI Logic SAS".
  • Save the changes and restart the virtual machine.

Step 2: Check Disk Format

  • Open a terminal in the virtual machine and run the command lsblk to list the disk partitions.
  • Check the disk format by running the command blkid and ensure that it is set to the correct format (e.g., ext4).
  • If the disk format is incorrect, run the command mkfs.ext4 /dev/sda1 to format the disk correctly.

Step 3: Check Disk Space

  • Open a terminal in the virtual machine and run the command df -h to check the disk space.
  • Ensure that the disk space is sufficient to install CentOS 7.
  • If the disk space is insufficient, increase the disk space allocated to the virtual machine.

Step 4: Check Disk Image

  • Open a terminal in the virtual machine and run the command fsck -n /dev/sda1 to check the disk image for corruption.
  • If the disk image is corrupted, run the command fsck -y /dev/sda1 to repair the disk image.

Solutions

Based on the troubleshooting steps, the possible solutions to this issue are:

  • Update VMware Tools: Ensure that the VMware Tools are up-to-date, as this may resolve the issue.
  • Reinstall CentOS 7: Reinstall CentOS 7 using a fresh disk image to ensure that the issue is resolved.
  • Check for BIOS updates: Check for BIOS updates on the host system, as this may resolve the issue.

Conclusion

The issue of CentOS 7/VMware hanging on boot with the message "[sda] Assuming drive cache: write through" is a common problem that can be resolved by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article. By checking the disk configuration, disk format, disk space, and disk image, you can identify the cause of the issue and apply the necessary solutions to resolve the problem.

Additional Tips

  • Use a fresh disk image: When reinstalling CentOS 7, use a fresh disk image to ensure that the issue is resolved.
  • Check for updates: Regularly check for updates on the host system and the virtual machine to ensure that the issue is resolved.
  • Use a different disk format: If the issue persists, try using a different disk format (e.g., ext3) to see if it resolves the issue.

References

Q: What is the cause of the CentOS 7/VMware hang on boot issue?

A: The cause of the CentOS 7/VMware hang on boot issue is usually related to the disk configuration, disk format, disk space, or disk image. It may also be caused by an incompatible disk format or a corrupted disk image.

Q: How do I troubleshoot the CentOS 7/VMware hang on boot issue?

A: To troubleshoot the CentOS 7/VMware hang on boot issue, follow these steps:

  1. Check the disk configuration in VMware Workstation 9 and ensure that it is set to "Bus Logic" or "LSI Logic SAS".
  2. Check the disk format by running the command lsblk and blkid to ensure that it is set to the correct format (e.g., ext4).
  3. Check the disk space by running the command df -h to ensure that it is sufficient to install CentOS 7.
  4. Check the disk image by running the command fsck -n /dev/sda1 to ensure that it is not corrupted.

Q: What are the possible solutions to the CentOS 7/VMware hang on boot issue?

A: The possible solutions to the CentOS 7/VMware hang on boot issue are:

  1. Update VMware Tools to the latest version.
  2. Reinstall CentOS 7 using a fresh disk image.
  3. Check for BIOS updates on the host system.

Q: How do I update VMware Tools?

A: To update VMware Tools, follow these steps:

  1. Open VMware Workstation 9 and select the virtual machine that needs to be updated.
  2. Click on the "Edit Virtual Machine Settings" button.
  3. Select the "VMware Tools" option and click on the "Update" button.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

Q: How do I reinstall CentOS 7?

A: To reinstall CentOS 7, follow these steps:

  1. Open a terminal in the virtual machine and run the command sudo yum remove centos-release to remove the existing CentOS 7 installation.
  2. Run the command sudo yum install centos-release to install the latest CentOS 7 release.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Q: How do I check for BIOS updates?

A: To check for BIOS updates, follow these steps:

  1. Open the BIOS settings on the host system by pressing the F2 key during boot.
  2. Navigate to the "Advanced" tab and select the "BIOS Update" option.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

Q: What are some additional tips to resolve the CentOS 7/VMware hang on boot issue?

A: Some additional tips to resolve the CentOS 7/VMware hang on boot issue are:

  1. Use a fresh disk image when reinstalling CentOS 7.
  2. Regularly check for updates on the host system and the virtual machine.
  3. Use a different disk format (e.g., ext3) to see if it resolves the issue.

Q: Where can I find more information on resolving the CentOS 7/VMware hang on boot issue?

A: You can find more information on resolving the CentOS 7/VMware hang on boot issue by:

  1. Referencing the CentOS 7 Installation Guide.
  2. Referencing the VMware Workstation 9 User Guide.
  3. Searching online for solutions and workarounds.

Conclusion

The CentOS 7/VMware hang on boot issue is a common problem that can be resolved by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article. By checking the disk configuration, disk format, disk space, and disk image, you can identify the cause of the issue and apply the necessary solutions to resolve the problem.