Resolving ACPI Error: AE_ALREADY_EXISTS in Linux Systems

by

Problem Description

The following ACPI error message appears in Linux system logs:

kernel
ACPI Error: AE_ALREADY_EXISTS, During name lookup/catalog (20220331/psobject-220)
PRIORITY
3
SYSLOG_FACILITY
0
SYSLOG_IDENTIFIER
kernel
_BOOT_ID
d1bf954b2505473594a130d872f00cd6
_HOSTNAME
p350
_MACHINE_ID
7d2853d2bbc6490ab4330a8238153f16
_RUNTIME_SCOPE
system
_SOURCE_MONOTONIC_TIMESTAMP
182867
_TRANSPORT
kernel
__CURSOR
s=9411da4a1a2548589cf3a0ac730dd874;i=db7;b=d1bf954b2505473594a130d872f00cd6;m=188b26;t=62506f0d2752b;x=e9e84b62cf8ef1d
__MONOTONIC_TIMESTAMP
1608486
__REALTIME_TIMESTAMP
1729561600619819

Error Analysis

This is an ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) related error, with the error type AE_ALREADY_EXISTS​, occurring during system startup. This error indicates a naming conflict in the ACPI namespace, where a component or device is attempting to register a name that already exists.

While this error doesn’t always cause system functionality issues, it may lead to the following situations:

  • Extended system boot time
  • Power management functionality anomalies
  • Specific hardware components not working properly
  • System logs being filled with numerous error messages

Solution

For this type of ACPI error, you can resolve it by modifying the GRUB boot parameters. The specific steps are as follows:

  1. Edit the GRUB configuration file:
sudo nano /etc/default/grub
  1. Find the GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT​ line and add the nomodeset​ parameter:
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="nomodset"
  1. Update the GRUB configuration:
sudo update-grub
  1. Restart the system to apply the changes:
sudo reboot

Parameter Explanation

The nomodeset​ parameter works by disabling kernel mode setting, which affects how graphics drivers are loaded. In certain hardware configurations, this can avoid conflicts between ACPI and the graphics subsystem, thereby resolving the AE_ALREADY_EXISTS​ error.

Important Notes

  • Please note that adding the nomodeset​ parameter may affect the system’s graphics performance or some advanced graphics features
  • If you experience issues with the graphical interface after the modification, you can try other ACPI-related parameters, such as acpi=off​ or acpi=strict​
  • In server environments, this modification usually does not cause negative effects
  • If the error persists, you may need to update your BIOS or check hardware compatibility

Summary

By adding nomodeset​ to the GRUB boot parameters, we can effectively resolve the ACPI Error: AE_ALREADY_EXISTS​ error in Linux systems. This is a simple but effective solution applicable to most systems encountering this type of ACPI error.

I hope this article helps users who encounter similar issues. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a message in the comments section.

Leave a Comment