Description of problem: System sometimes gets into a state where "ps -ef" hangs completely Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable): # rpm -q -f /bin/ps procps-3.2.6-2 # ps -V procps version 3.2.6 How reproducible: This has happened twice to me now, I don't know how to force it to happen again, but once it starts it remains until a reboot. Steps to Reproduce: 1. ??? 2. 3. Actual results: "ps -ef" prints a partial process listing, then hangs mid-output, can't be stopped with ^C ^D ^Z etc Expected results: finishes process listing Additional info: While "ps -ef" was hanging, I tried to use top to see if it would also hang, but it worked OK, I couldn't spot any rogue processes that might be upsetting ps, however gnome-system-monitor refused to startup so maybe it is caught by the same problem. a "ps" with no argcuments does run properly. I realise this alone is not enough to diagnose the issue, given that it has happened twice in a few days, I assume it will happen to me again, if/when it does any suggestions on further information that can be obtained at that time? a listing of /proc perhaps?
Haven't seen this re-occur in any recent kernels, probably best to resolve as worksforme ...