Nagios Core - ERROR: Could not create or update nagios.configtest

Problem Description

This KB article applies to the following error message when starting Nagios Core:

ERROR: Could not create or update '/usr/local/nagios/var/nagios.configtest'

Explanation

This problem occurs when the nagios user account does not have a user shell, typically when nologin is used in the passwd file:

nagios:x:1001:1001::/home/nagios:/usr/sbin/nologin

Resolution

The resolution to this problem is to remove the /usr/sbin/nologin directive from the passwd file, or to define it as a valid shell. The following examples should resolve the problem (depending on your operating system):

No shell defined:

nagios:x:1001:1001::/home/nagios:

Bash shell defined:

nagios:x:500:500::/home/nagios:/bin/bash

Once you have updated the passwd file you will be able to successfully start the nagios service.

Final Thoughts

For any support related questions please visit the Nagios Support Forums at:

http://support.nagios.com/forum/