what's root cause of "A start job is running for Create Volatile Files and Directories"

2 min read 21-10-2024

the ifix

what's root cause of "A start job is running for Create Volatile Files and Directories"

When booting up a Linux-based system, you may encounter the message: "A start job is running for Create Volatile Files and Directories." This message typically indicates that the system is trying to initialize certain essential files but is experiencing delays. If you've ever faced this issue, you might be wondering about the root causes and how to resolve it.

The Original Code and Problem Scenario

This situation often arises during system startup, where the initialization service for creating volatile files and directories is hanging or taking longer than expected. This delay can prevent the system from booting normally, leading to frustrating downtime. The message signifies that the service responsible for setting up temporary files in /run is not completing successfully.

Example of the Problem

A start job is running for Create Volatile Files and Directories

Analyzing the Root Causes

There are several reasons why you may experience this startup delay. Here are some common causes:

Slow System Boot Process: If your system has a slow boot process due to hardware limitations or numerous services running at startup, it may contribute to the delay.
Filesystem Issues: Problems with the filesystem, such as corruption or misconfigurations, can lead to delays in creating volatile files.
Service Dependencies: The "Create Volatile Files and Directories" job may depend on other services that are failing to start. If the dependencies are not satisfied or are in a failed state, it can lead to timeouts.
Configuration Errors: Errors in service configurations or systemd unit files can prevent successful initialization.
Hardware Failures: Defective hardware components, such as hard drives or memory, can cause delays or failures during the boot process.

Practical Solutions to Resolve the Issue

To resolve the issue effectively, consider implementing the following solutions:

Investigate Boot Logs: Use journalctl -b -1 to check the logs from the previous boot. This command will help you identify any error messages or failed services contributing to the problem.
Check Service Status: Verify the status of the relevant services with the command:
```
systemctl status systemd-tmpfiles-setup.service
```
This command can help you determine if the service is active, failed, or in a non-functional state.
Filesystem Check: If you suspect filesystem issues, run a filesystem check using:
```
fsck /dev/sdX
```
Replace /dev/sdX with your actual partition. This can help repair any corrupted filesystems.
Modify Timeout Settings: If the startup time is causing the issue, you can increase the timeout duration. Modify the TimeoutStartSec in the unit file as follows:
```
[Service]
TimeoutStartSec=90
```
Increasing this value allows the service more time to initialize before timing out.
Disable Unnecessary Services: To speed up the boot process, disable non-essential services using:
```
systemctl disable <service-name>
```

Conclusion

Encountering the "A start job is running for Create Volatile Files and Directories" message can be frustrating, but understanding its root causes and implementing practical solutions can lead to a quicker resolution. It is essential to keep your system updated, perform regular maintenance, and ensure proper configurations to prevent such issues from occurring in the future.

Useful Resources

By being proactive and addressing potential issues early on, you can improve your system's boot performance and overall reliability.