> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://platform9.com/kb/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://platform9.com/kb/pmo/solution/unable-to-manage-libvirtd-process-with-systemctl.md).

# Unable to Manage Libvirtd Process With Systemctl

## Problem

* After upgrading from Ubuntu 14.04 LTS to Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, systemctl shows ***libvirt-bin*** in an **inactive/dead** state.
* Attempts to manage the process using systemctl commands or */etc/init.d/\** scripts fail silently.

## Environment

* Platform9 Managed OpenStack - All Versions
* Ubuntu 16.04 LTS after upgrading from Ubuntu 14.04 LTS

## Cause

Upgrading from Ubuntu 14.04 LTS with ***libvirt-bin*** installed, to Ubuntu 16.04 LTS does not consistently update the */etc/default/libvirt-bin* configuration file causing an option which attempts to fork the ***libvirtd*** process to be left in place.

## Resolution

1. Open the */etc/default/libvirt-bin* file for editing on the affected host.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="None" %}

```none
$ sudo vi /etc/default/libvirt-bin
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

2. Remove the ' **-d**' flag from Libvirt options.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="None" %}

```none
# options passed to libvirtd, add "-l" to listen on tcplibvirtd_opts="-l -d"
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

3. Attempt to stop the Libvirt daemon.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="None" %}

```none
$ sudo systemctl stop libvirt-bin
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

4. Verify the service has been stopped.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="None" %}

```none
$ ps -ef | grep libvirtd
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

5. If the process is still present, attempt to gracefully kill it.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="None" %}

```none
# pkill libvirtd
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

6. Repeat Step #4 to verify the process exist. If it still does then kill it forcefully.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="None" %}

```none
# pkill -9 libvirtd
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

7. Start the service.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="None" %}

```none
$ sudo systemctl start libvirt-bin
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}


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