Kernel Firmware Bug Causes Black Boot Screen on Linux Systems

Summary

A recently discovered bug in the Linux kernel has been causing a black boot screen on some systems, preventing them from starting up properly. The issue affects systems that have updated the kernel to version 516 from an earlier version, such as 500. Once the computer is turned on, the black boot screen appears and remains for a while before the system finally boots up.

Technical Details

The bug manifests itself as an error message that reads "Mem 0xfed40000-0xfed4087f flags 0x200 vs fed40080 f80 0469161 tpm_crb MSFT010100 ACPI region does not cover the entire commandresponse. ACPI region does not cover the entire commandresponse buffer." This error indicates that there is a problem with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and the firmware's handling of Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI).

According to experts, the bug is caused by an off-spec implementation of ACPI in most firmware implementations. This means that the firmware is not compliant with the ACPI specification, which can lead to issues such as the black boot screen.

Solution

The solution to this issue is to update the firmware on the affected system. The specific firmware update required will vary depending on the make and model of the system, but it is recommended to consult the manufacturer's website for the latest firmware updates. Once the firmware has been updated, the black boot screen should no longer appear, and the system should boot up normally.

In the meantime, users who are experiencing this issue can try to boot their system in safe mode, which may bypass the buggy code in the kernel. To boot into safe mode, hold down the shift key while the system is starting up. Once the system has booted into safe mode, the user can then update the firmware as described above.