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Extend /boot Partition In RHEL8: A Step-by-Step Guide

7 min read 11-15- 2024
Extend /boot Partition In RHEL8: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Extending the /boot partition in RHEL8 can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it can be accomplished smoothly and efficiently. This partition plays a crucial role in the boot process of Linux systems, and therefore, extending it requires careful consideration. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to extend the /boot partition in RHEL8.

Why Extend the /boot Partition? 🤔

The /boot partition contains essential files required for the Linux kernel and bootloader. Over time, especially with frequent kernel updates and installations of new software packages, it may become full. When this happens, you may encounter boot issues, inability to install new kernel updates, or the system may fail to boot altogether.

Key Considerations Before Extending

  • Backup: Always backup critical data before making changes to partitions. This can help prevent data loss in case something goes wrong during the process.
  • Check Current Usage: Determine the current disk usage of the /boot partition.
  • Free Space: Ensure that there is unallocated space on the disk or adjacent partitions to extend /boot.

Checking Current Usage of /boot 🔍

Before you proceed, check how much space is currently being used in your /boot partition. You can do this using the df command:

df -h /boot

This command will display the used and available space in the /boot partition, allowing you to assess if you need to extend it.

Steps to Extend the /boot Partition in RHEL8 🚀

Step 1: Boot from a Live CD/USB

  1. Create a Bootable USB: Download an RHEL8 ISO and create a bootable USB stick using tools like Rufus or dd.
  2. Boot from USB: Insert the USB drive into the system and boot from it. Ensure that your BIOS/UEFI settings allow booting from USB.

Step 2: Access the Terminal

Once you have booted into the live environment, open a terminal to begin the partitioning process.

Step 3: Identify the Disk and Partitions

Use the following command to identify the disks and partitions on your system:

lsblk

This will give you an overview of your storage devices and their respective partitions.

Step 4: Resize Existing Partitions

To extend the /boot partition, you may need to resize an adjacent partition to free up space.

  1. Unmount the Partition: If the partition is mounted, unmount it using:

    umount /dev/sdaX

    Replace sdaX with the relevant partition identifier.

  2. Resize the Partition: Use the parted command to resize the adjacent partition. For example:

    parted /dev/sda

    Inside the parted prompt, find the adjacent partition, resize it by specifying the new end point, and then exit.

    resizepart X END

    Replace X with the partition number and END with the new end value.

Step 5: Extend the /boot Partition

Once you've resized the adjacent partition, you can now extend the /boot partition.

  1. Use parted: Still within the parted tool, execute:

    resizepart Y END

    Replace Y with the partition number of /boot and END with the newly allocated space.

Step 6: Check Filesystem

After resizing, you should check and repair the filesystem on the extended /boot partition.

e2fsck -f /dev/sdaY

Step 7: Resize the Filesystem

To resize the filesystem so that it uses the new space available, run:

resize2fs /dev/sdaY

Step 8: Reboot the System

After the successful resizing and extending of the /boot partition, exit the live environment and reboot your system.

reboot

Step 9: Verify the Changes

Once your system is back up, verify that the /boot partition has been successfully extended using:

df -h /boot

You should see that the size of your /boot partition reflects the extension.

Important Notes 📌

  • Kernel Management: Regularly review and clean up old kernels to avoid the /boot partition filling up again. You can use the command:

    package-cleanup --oldkernels --count=2

    This command will keep only the last two kernels.

  • System Configuration: Ensure your bootloader configuration is intact after resizing. Check the grub2 settings, if necessary.

  • Monitor Disk Space: Continuously monitor the /boot partition space to proactively avoid issues in the future.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should now have successfully extended the /boot partition in RHEL8. Extending the /boot partition can be a routine yet crucial task to ensure the stability and functionality of your RHEL8 systems. Remember to keep your system organized by cleaning up older kernels and maintaining regular backups. Your smooth sailing is just a few commands away! Happy managing! 🎉

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