Question

A Compute Engine Linux VM fails to complete SSH login after a recent kernel and fstab change, and you suspect the boot process is hanging or dropping into emergency mode. SSH connections time out, so you cannot log in normally. You need to inspect the boot messages and interact with the OS to fix the misconfiguration without deleting the instance. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Enable and connect to the interactive serial console for the instance to view boot output and log in to correct the configuration.

Answer

Create a snapshot of the boot disk and restore it to a brand-new instance in a different zone.

Answer

Increase the instance's machine type to a larger size so the boot process has more resources to complete.

Answer

Add a firewall rule allowing TCP port 22 from your IP address to restore SSH access.