Re: VirtualBox 7.0, FreeBSD 12.4-RELEASE-amd64, ZFS, and bootpool

On Sun, Dec 31, 2023 at 3:11 PM David Christensen <dpchrist@holgerdanske.com>
wrote:

> On 12/31/23 00:34, Alexander Burke wrote:
> > Dec 31, 2023 04:36:42 David Christensen wrote:
> >> freebsd-questions:
> >>
> >> If I use VirtualBox 7.0 (on Debian 11.8 amd64) to create a
> FreeBSD-12.4-RELEASE-amd64 virtual machine with BIOS (MBR), ZFS boot,
> encrypted swap, and encrypted ZFS root, the boot pool is not imported
> automatically when the system boots:
> >>
> >> root@geneweb:~ # freebsd-version ; uname -a
> >> 12.4-RELEASE-p9
> >> FreeBSD geneweb 12.4-RELEASE-p9 FreeBSD 12.4-RELEASE-p9 GENERIC  amd64
> >>
> >> root@geneweb:~ # zpool import
> >>      pool: bootpool
> >>        id: 16038363864467226171
> >>     state: ONLINE
> >>    action: The pool can be imported using its name or numeric
> identifier.
> >>    config:
> >>
> >>      bootpool    ONLINE
> >>        ada0s1a   ONLINE
> >>
> >>
> >> Why?
> >>
> >>
> >> I have seen the defect since FreeBSD-12.1-RELEASE-amd64.  I do not know
> if it was present earlier.
> >>
> >>
> >> How do I arrange for bootpool to be imported automatically at boot?
>
>
>  > FreeBSD 11 is deprecated and out of support. Have you tried with a
>  > newer version? Quite a few changes to ZFS have happened since then,
>  > including the switch to OpenZFS.
>
>
> Regarding FreeBSD versions, please re-read my post (above).
>
>
> Regarding FreeBSD ZFS changes, I am reminded of the recent OpenZFS data
> destruction bug.  And, I recall issues when I evaluated FreeBSD 13/
> OpenZFS in the past.  I am not inclined to trust my data to OpenZFS
> unless and until I see improvements in their processes, validation of
> their processes and code by reputable entities, and no defects
> discovered for "long enough".  This means FreeBSD 13 is not an option
> for me at this time.
>
>
> But the major problem is that FreeBSD EoL'd 12.4R today:
>
>      https://www.freebsd.org/security/#sup
>
>
> I am screwed.
>
>
> I think the 12.xR line should have continued until OpenZFS is proven and
> until the FreeBSD 12->13 upgrade boot loader OpenZFS bug is fixed.
>

It's not like zfs is mandatory. I run FreeBSD 15-CURRENT on my system with
UFS and no boot issues. No requirement for ZFS. The installer gives you the
option of either file system.
-- 
Kevin Oberman, Part time kid herder and retired Network Engineer
E-mail: rkoberman@gmail.com
PGP Fingerprint: D03FB98AFA78E3B78C1694B318AB39EF1B055683