Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Why is netdata on my Linux server no longer starting, with a strange error message?

netdata Linux server issue analysis and metadata.

Quick Answer: The netdata service is being killed by a signal, likely due to a resource limit or another process consuming the same resources. Check for any other running processes that might be competing with netdata for resources.

The error message indicates that netdata is being killed by the system, but no relevant messages are found in the dmesg output. This issue affects users who rely on netdata for real-time performance monitoring on their Linux servers.

This problem can be frustrating, especially if it disrupts critical server operations. In this guide, we will explore the root causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary reason for this error is a bug in the netdata service that causes it to terminate unexpectedly. This can be triggered by various factors such as incorrect configuration or conflicting system processes.
  • Another possible cause could be a misconfiguration of the systemd service manager, which may lead to unexpected termination of netdata.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Troubleshooting and restarting the netdata service

  1. Step 1: Check the netdata configuration file (/etc/netdata/netdata.conf) for any incorrect settings or syntax errors. Verify that all required dependencies are installed and enabled.
  2. Step 2: Run the command 'systemctl status --verbose netdata' to gather more detailed information about the service's state and any error messages.
  3. Step 3: Try restarting the netdata service using 'systemctl restart netdata' and verify if it starts successfully.

Examining system logs and process details

  1. Step 1: Run 'strace -p $(systemctl show -P MainPID netdata)' to analyze the system calls made by the netdata process before termination.
  2. Step 2: Search for any relevant error messages or clues in the strace output that may indicate the cause of the issue.
  3. Step 3: Check the /var/log/syslog and /var/log/messages files for any error messages related to netdata.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve this issue, first try troubleshooting and restarting the netdata service. If issues persist, examine system logs and process details using strace to identify potential causes. By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and fix the problem, ensuring that your netdata service is running smoothly.

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