Couldn't write to /etc/utmp at shutdown

[Brad Marks]

I rebooted my rp5470 yesterday and got the following messaage when shutting down:
Couldn't write to /etc/utmp Entry: /dev/pts/tYe

The permissions for /etc/utmp are -rw-r--r--; is that right?! If so, any other ideas on why this occurs?

I've also recently noticed that, during reboot, when processes are starting up, the startup message has about 2.5 times the number of periods (.) than are required; instead of getting OK or N/A on the right column of the console, the line wraps twice and the OK is in the middle of the screen. I know that this is cosmetic, but
a) could it indicate that something is wrong?
b) it gives the console's scroll back buffer 1/3 the effectiveness as before.


TIA
Brad

[Kent Ostby]

Most likely it's due to the corruption of /etc/utmp. If you can't get accessed to the box with root capabilities, you'll have to empty "utmp" file ( >/etc/utmp ) in single user mode

[Brad Marks]

Since we are quite dependent upon 'who' info, prior to next reboot I'll delete and re-create /etc/utmp.

Any thoughts on the second part of my post?

[R. Sri Ram Kishore_1]

Hi Brad,

Take a look at this thread:
http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=485289

HTH.
Regards,
Sri Ram

[Brad Marks]

cat /dev/null > /etc/utmp did the trick.

Thanks to all