Fixing Arch Linux Kernel Upgrade Issues: A Hook Ordering Solution

Nov 15, 2025 by Alex Johnson 66 views

Have you ever encountered a hiccup while upgrading your Arch Linux kernel? It's a fairly common scenario, and this article dives into a specific issue related to hook ordering, particularly when DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support) modules are involved. Let's explore the problem, understand the solution, and ensure smoother kernel upgrades in the future.

Understanding the Issue: DKMS, Kernel Upgrades, and Archmanwarn

The core issue arises from the interaction between DKMS, the kernel upgrade process, and a tool called archmanwarn. DKMS is a fantastic system that allows you to build and install kernel modules that aren't part of the official kernel tree. This is crucial for drivers for specific hardware, virtual machine modules, and other custom kernel extensions. When you upgrade your kernel, DKMS typically rebuilds these modules to ensure compatibility with the new kernel version.

However, during a kernel upgrade, there's a specific sequence of events. Sometimes, the DKMS module might be removed before a particular hook (in this case, one related to archmanwarn) is executed. Archmanwarn is designed to raise warnings about potential issues during the upgrade process. If it detects that a DKMS module is missing when it expects it to be present, it might incorrectly flag this as a critical error and halt the upgrade process. While this doesn't always cause immediate trouble, it's a symptom of a larger problem: the order in which these hooks are executed can significantly impact the upgrade's success and stability.

The crux of the matter is timing. If the archmanwarn hook runs before DKMS has a chance to rebuild or properly handle the modules for the new kernel, it will throw a false positive. This isn't ideal, as it interrupts the upgrade process unnecessarily and could potentially mask genuine issues. So, how do we ensure that DKMS gets a chance to do its job before archmanwarn starts checking for potential problems? The answer lies in controlling the order in which these hooks are executed.

The Solution: Prioritizing Hooks with a Simple Naming Convention

The solution is surprisingly straightforward: By renaming the archmanwarn hook with a 00- prefix, we can effectively force it to run before other hooks. This might sound overly simplistic, but it leverages a fundamental aspect of how hook execution is managed in Arch Linux. Hooks are typically executed in alphabetical order. By adding 00- to the beginning of the filename, we ensure that it's one of the first hooks to be triggered.

Why does this work? Because we want DKMS and similar processes to complete their tasks before archmanwarn begins its checks. Giving the relevant DKMS hook priority ensures that the DKMS modules are properly handled before archmanwarn has a chance to complain about their absence.

This seemingly minor change can have a significant impact on the reliability of your kernel upgrades. It reduces the likelihood of false positives, ensures that DKMS modules are handled correctly, and allows the upgrade process to proceed smoothly and without unnecessary interruptions. Essentially, this is about ensuring that the system checks for potential problems after the necessary preparations have been made, rather than jumping the gun and potentially causing a false alarm.

Implementing the Fix: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we understand the problem and the solution, let's walk through the steps to implement the fix. This is a simple process that can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Locate the Hook: First, you need to find the archmanwarn hook file. These hooks are typically located in /etc/pacman.d/hooks/. Use the following command in your terminal to navigate to the directory:
```
cd /etc/pacman.d/hooks/
```
Identify the Target File: Within this directory, identify the specific file related to archmanwarn. The exact filename might vary slightly depending on your system configuration, but it will likely contain "archmanwarn" in the name. Use the ls command to list the files and find the correct one.
```
ls
```
Rename the Hook: Once you've identified the file, use the mv command to rename it, adding the 00- prefix. For example, if the file is named 90-archmanwarn.hook, you would rename it to 00-90-archmanwarn.hook.
```
sudo mv 90-archmanwarn.hook 00-90-archmanwarn.hook
```
Note: You'll need sudo because this directory requires administrative privileges.
Verify the Change: After renaming the file, it's a good idea to verify that the change was successful. You can use the ls command again to confirm that the file has been renamed correctly and that the 00- prefix is in place.
```
ls
```

That's it! You've successfully prioritized the archmanwarn hook. This simple change will help ensure smoother and more reliable kernel upgrades in the future.

Why This Matters: Preventing Upgrade Failures and Ensuring System Stability

This seemingly small tweak has significant implications for the overall stability and reliability of your Arch Linux system. By ensuring that hooks are executed in the correct order, you can prevent a variety of potential issues, including:

Preventing False Positives: As we've discussed, prioritizing the DKMS hook reduces the likelihood of archmanwarn incorrectly flagging missing modules as critical errors, preventing unnecessary interruptions to the upgrade process.
Ensuring Module Compatibility: By allowing DKMS to rebuild modules before other checks are performed, you increase the chances that these modules will be compatible with the new kernel, reducing the risk of driver issues or other compatibility problems.
Streamlining the Upgrade Process: A smoother upgrade process means less time spent troubleshooting errors and more time enjoying your system. This simple fix can save you from potential headaches and ensure that your upgrades proceed without a hitch.
Maintaining System Stability: Ultimately, the goal is to maintain a stable and reliable system. By addressing potential issues proactively, you can reduce the risk of unexpected crashes, errors, or other problems that can disrupt your workflow.

In short, correctly ordering your hooks is not just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring that your system functions as intended and that upgrades are performed smoothly and reliably. It's a small investment of time that can yield significant benefits in terms of system stability and overall user experience.

Considering Other Scenarios: When Hook Ordering Becomes Crucial

While this article focuses on the specific case of DKMS and archmanwarn, the importance of hook ordering extends to other scenarios as well. Any situation where the order of execution affects the outcome of a process is a potential candidate for hook prioritization.

For example, consider scenarios involving:

Filesystem Checks: Hooks that perform filesystem checks should generally run before hooks that modify the filesystem. This ensures that the filesystem is in a consistent state before any changes are made.
Backup Processes: Hooks that create backups should run before hooks that make significant system changes. This provides a safety net in case something goes wrong during the upgrade or modification process.
Network Configuration: Hooks that configure network settings might need to run in a specific order to ensure that the network is properly configured before other services attempt to use it.

The key takeaway is to carefully consider the dependencies between different hooks and ensure that they are executed in an order that makes sense for your system configuration. While the 00- prefix is a simple and effective way to prioritize hooks, it's important to understand the underlying principles and apply them appropriately to different situations.

Conclusion: A Simple Fix for Smoother Upgrades

In conclusion, addressing the hook ordering issue with archmanwarn and DKMS is a straightforward yet effective way to improve the reliability of kernel upgrades on Arch Linux. By renaming the relevant hook with a 00- prefix, you ensure that DKMS modules are handled correctly before archmanwarn performs its checks, preventing false positives and ensuring a smoother upgrade process. This simple fix can save you time, reduce frustration, and help maintain a stable and reliable system.

Remember to always consider the dependencies between different hooks and prioritize them accordingly to ensure that your system functions as intended. A little bit of attention to detail can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and trouble-free computing experience.

For more in-depth information about Arch Linux and pacman hooks, visit the Arch Wiki. It's an invaluable resource for any Arch user!