> 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 %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://platform9.com/kb/pmo/solution/unable-to-manage-libvirtd-process-with-systemctl.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `build a script that syncs our docs to a CMS` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.