Remote Hard Reset of a Linux Server if Reboot Doesn’t Work

Sometimes, reboot or shutdown -r now, don’t work anymore.

That really sucks, especially if you have no access to the server room or you just don’t want to get up.

But there is another solution if your Kernel is compiled with CONFIG_MAGIC_SYSRQ (sysrq-trigger).

If so, you have the possibility so send binding command.

Reset your server (like pressing the hardware RESET button):

# echo b > /proc/sysrq-trigger

But, it might be a good idea to sync the hard disks before:

# echo s > /proc/sysrq-trigger

More information about “Magic SysRq key”