Low Boot Space LM18.3

[t0m541]

I keep getting the message that there is low boot space and that the kernel cannot update.
I read a thread on here about deleting older kernel versions and how to find them
(update manager/view/linux kernels)
I have kernels in there going right back to 4.4 and up to 4.15.0-32 with 4.13.0-31 being installed and active.
Can I just delete/remove the older kernels and have no detrimental effect on the system and so free up disk space ?
Been using Linux for around 7 years but never got to grips with using the command line and terminal, so any help would be greatly appreciated
Cheers

[DAMIEN1307]

yes...delete/remove older kernels...they are not "active" kernels therefore no harm...be aware the 4.13 kernels are no longer supported or updated...you need to run either the highest 4.4 series kernel or the highest 4.15 kernel...they have long term support and both series are also protected for both spectre/meltdown flaws found in the CPU processors...once you have gotten rid of old kernels...come on back and anyone of us can instruct you as to how to change your kernel series...reboot after you have removed old kernels and then do the updates again...then reboot again...then check back for further instruction...DAMIEN

[t0m541]

Thank you DAMIEN.
On the 4.4 kernel list, the oldest installed is 4.4.0-21, with 4.4.0-116 and 4.4.0-119 also installed, the highest kernel is 4.4.0-133 though not installed.
I have kernels 4.4, 4.8, 4.10, 4.11, 4.13, 4.15.
4.4 has 3 installed
4.10 has 1 installed
4.13 has 3 installed with 1 active
4.15 has 1 installed which is 4.15.0-29, the highest is 4.15.0-32 though not installed.
So I'm assuming I can remove the oldest ones and non active ones and install the highest 4.15 one

[DAMIEN1307]

i would uninstall all 3 of 4.4 series the 4.10, the earliest version of the 4.13 (you cant uninstall an active kernel), and uninstall the 4.15.0-29...this will make room in your boot sector so we can finish the job here...then reboot once uninstalls are done...then do the updates, reboot again then we can see where we are at...DAMIEN

[t0m541]

Hi.
I have removed all the older kernels and installed the latest one which is 4.15.0-32
So from reading the help menu in the update manager, I can choose the latest kernel from the grub menu at boot.
Is that correct ?
Edit
Thanks DAMIEN, all sorted now and running the latest kernel with no message about low boot space.

[gm10]

I have removed all the older kernels and installed the latest one which is 4.15.0-32
So from reading the help menu in the update manager, I can choose the latest kernel from the grub menu at boot.
Is that correct ?

Unless you previously modified your GRUB menu you will automatically boot into that kernel next time you reboot. But yes, you can also choose a specific kernel from the menu via the Additional options there.

[Tomgin5]

Try this. It has worked on many dozens of systems. Picked it up here last year. just copy and paste the sudo lines.

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Code: Select all
sudo apt-get install byobu

Followed by:

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sudo purge-old-kernels