Tomcat process won't start

Problem Symptoms

• Tomcat not running for xxxdb on server
• When attempt to start process, message: Tomcat appears to still be running with PID NNNNN. Start aborted.

Cause

A stale PID file failed to clear and is now preventing startup.

Resolution

Remove the PID file & start tomcat:

1. Connect to the server & move to the tomcat directory for your database instance: cd /m1/voyager/xxxdb/tomcat
2. List the files in the directory: ls -l
   1. Look in the catalina.pid file; note that the PID in the file matches the PID mentioned in the message.
   2. Confirm that the process does not match any running tomcat process.
3. Remove the file: rm -i catalina.pid
4. Confirm you referenced the correct file for deletion and that you do wish to delete the file when prompted.
5. Start tomcat: ./tsvrctl start

Additional Information

Related article, How to Properly Restart Apache and Tomcat

• Article last edited: 29-May-2014