If named.root is a directory and not a file, named throw I/O errors. Mar 18 04:10:30 ns02 named[22447]: could not configure root hints from 'etc/named.root': I/O error Mar 18 04:29:00 ns02 named[23746]: dns_master_load: etc/named.root:1: isc_lex_gettoken() failed: I/O error Mar 18 04:29:00 ns02 named[23746]: dns_master_load: etc/named.root:1: I/O error Bind should check for EISDIR (in this case) and log correctly formated error accordingly.
An advisory has been issued which should help the problem described in this bug report. This report is therefore being closed with a resolution of ERRATA. For more information on therefore solution and/or where to find the updated files, please follow the link below. You may reopen this bug report if the solution does not work for you. http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHBA-2009-1420.html