XFS error: xlog_space_left: head behind tail

This document (7014242) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 2

Situation

The following warnings are seen in /var/log/messages, e.g.:

XFS (dm-4): xlog_space_left: head behind tail
tail cycle = 129, tail_bytes = 20163072
GH cycle = 129, GH bytes = 20162880

XFS (dm-15): xlog_space_left: head behind tail
tail_cycle = 1, tail_bytes = 503770112
GH cycle = 1, GH bytes = 503769720

Resolution

The kernel maintenance update, kernel -3.0.101-0.7.15.1 released January 2014 includes the patch to resolve the problem.

Cause

Per patch info the "common cause appears to be lots of freeze and unfreeze cycles, and the output from the warnings indicates that we are leaking around 8 bytes of log space per freeze/unfreeze cycle."

Additional Information

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.