linux-systemd-doctor

by laolaoqi

Install this Skill

curl -fsSL -o linux-systemd-doctor.zip https://skill.seembox.com/api/v1/skills/linux-systemd-doctor/download && unzip linux-systemd-doctor.zip

Download linux-systemd-doctor.zip

SKILL.md About

---
name: linux-systemd-doctor
description: Diagnose and fix failed Linux systemd services. Check service status, read journalctl logs, analyze unit files, fix dependencies, port conflicts, and permission issues. Use when a systemd service won't start, keeps restarting, or shows "failed" or "inactive (dead)" status.
---

# Linux systemd Doctor

Troubleshoot and fix broken systemd services.

## Quick Diagnosis

```bash
# Check service status
systemctl status SERVICE --no-pager -l

# View full journal
journalctl -u SERVICE -n 100 --no-pager

# Follow live logs
journalctl -u SERVICE -f
```

## Common Fixes

### Service won't start

1. Check syntax
   ```bash
   systemctl cat SERVICE
   ```
2. View full error
   ```bash
   journalctl -u SERVICE -n 50 --no-pager -x
   ```
3. Test the ExecStart command directly
4. Check ExecStartPre failures
5. Verify file permissions on all referenced paths

### Service keeps restarting (Restart=always loop)

```bash
# Stop the restart loop
systemctl stop SERVICE

# Check the actual error
journalctl -u SERVICE -n 200 --no-pager

# Temporary fix: set Restart=no to debug
systemctl edit SERVICE
# Add:
# [Service]
# Restart=no
```

## Service File Reference

| Directive | Purpose |
|-----------|---------|
| ExecStart | Main command |
| ExecStartPre | Pre-start checks |
| ExecReload | Reload command |
| Restart=on-failure | Auto-restart strategy |
| RestartSec=5 | Wait time between restarts |
| StartLimitIntervalSec=60 | Rate limiting |
| User= | Unprivileged user |
| WorkingDirectory= | CWD for service |
| Environment= | Env variables |
| LimitNOFILE= | File descriptor limit |

## Port Conflict Check

```bash
# Check if service port is occupied
systemctl cat SERVICE | grep -i port
ss -tlnp | grep ":<PORT> "
```
---

## 📢 Need Help?

Need OpenClaw deployed on your server? I offer managed deployment & hosting:
- 📧 laolaoqi@hotmail.com
- 🏯 颐和园 OpenClaw 运维

_meta.json Metadata

{
  "ownerId": "kn7az9dzb14d4w61p23wm75fyn823ms1",
  "publishedAt": 1778211619506,
  "slug": "linux-systemd-doctor",
  "version": "1.1.0"
}