Not able to access sar file "Invalid system activity file: /var/log/sa/saXX"

Solution Verified - Updated -

Environment

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6

Issue

  • Not able to access sar file "Invalid system activity file: /var/log/sa/saXX"

Resolution

  • Make sure that the version of sysstat being used is currently shipped by Red Hat for the appropriate channel. Otherwise conflicts between sysstat and other dependencies could result in impaired functioning of sar.
  • The newer sysstat package provides /usr/local/bin/sar file which causes the issue.
  • Run the command using the full path of the original location /usr/bin/sar or remove the newer sysstat package version.

Root Cause

  • The version of sysstat being used in the system was '9.0.6.1', while at that point of time the highest version of sysstat shipped by Red Hat for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 was '7.0.2-3.el5_5.1'.

Diagnostic Steps

  • The problem may come because of new binary file of sar comes with new version of sysstat package. Remove the old /var/log/sa/sa<N> ( N is 0,1,2) file and then execute following command:
    > # /usr/lib/sa/sa1
  • Replace lib by lib64 if 64 bit OS is installed. The above command will create a new file according to current date in /var/log/sa directory.
  • Verify at Red Hat Network in the relevant channel whether the version of sysstat used in the system is currently shipped by Red Hat.

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