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authorDaniel Baumann <daniel.baumann@progress-linux.org>2024-04-07 17:47:04 +0000
committerDaniel Baumann <daniel.baumann@progress-linux.org>2024-04-07 17:47:04 +0000
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Adding upstream version 43.2.upstream/43.2upstream
Signed-off-by: Daniel Baumann <daniel.baumann@progress-linux.org>
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+Debugging Initial Setup can be tricky if what you need to work on relies on the
+system booting for the very first time, and can't be reproduced easily (or at
+all) from a regular session once the “real” initial setup has happened and the
+first user has been created.
+
+Examples of things you might want to do that can be especially tricky if you
+need to do them before creating the very first user:
+
+- Changing the default configuration of the system
+- Installing/updating packages to try something out
+- Getting logs from the journal
+- Getting a backtrace to debug a crash happening
+
+Here are some strategies that may be useful.
+
+## Force GDM to launch Initial Setup
+
+GDM is responsible for launching Initial Setup in a cut-down desktop session
+when no users exist on the system. Since GDM 3.26.1, you can force it to launch
+it even if users already exist by adding ` gnome.initial-setup=1` to the kernel
+command line. The exact method depends on your distribution, but in general terms:
+
+- Restart the computer
+- Force GRUB to display a boot menu (distro-dependent; try hitting `Escape` or
+ holding `Shift` during boot)
+- Hit `e` to edit the default menu entry
+- Use the arrow keys to select the line beginning with `linux` or `linuxefi`
+- Hit `End`
+- Type ` gnome.initial-setup=1`
+- Hit `F10` to boot
+
+## Get a root shell before Initial Setup is complete
+
+Follow the steps above, but add ` systemd.debug_shell` to the end of the kernel
+command line. Hit `Ctrl + Alt + F9` to switch to VT9, where you should find a
+root shell awaiting you.