In the world of Linux, running into errors while trying to start services like Docker can be a headache, especially if you get the ‘Failed to Start docker.service: Unit Not Found’ error. But fear not, this error is solvable, and with a few steps, you can get Docker up and running in no time. Essentially, you will need to check if Docker is installed correctly, ensure the service is enabled, and then start the service.
Step by Step Tutorial: Resolving ‘Failed to Start docker.service: Unit Not Found’ Error on Linux
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we are achieving here. The ‘Unit Not Found’ error typically means that the system can’t find the Docker service file. This could be due to Docker not being installed properly or the service being disabled. The following steps will guide you through checking the installation, enabling, and starting the Docker service.
Step 1: Check if Docker is installed
First, check if Docker is installed on your system by running docker --version.
If Docker is installed, you will see the version number of your Docker installation. If not, you’ll need to install Docker first. You can find the instructions for installing Docker on the official Docker website.
Step 2: Enable the Docker service
Next, enable the Docker service by running sudo systemctl enable docker.
Enabling the Docker service ensures that it starts automatically when your system boots. This step creates a symbolic link for the Docker service file, so the system knows where to find it.
Step 3: Start the Docker service
Finally, start the Docker service by running sudo systemctl start docker.
Starting the Docker service will initiate Docker, and if there are no other errors, it should run smoothly. You can check the status of the Docker service by running sudo systemctl status docker to confirm it is active and running.
After completing these steps, the Docker service should be functioning properly on your system. You can now use Docker to build, run, and manage containers without encountering the ‘Unit Not Found’ error.
Tips: Resolving ‘Failed to Start docker.service: Unit Not Found’ Error on Linux
- Ensure that your Linux system is updated before installing or troubleshooting Docker.
- Sometimes, the issue could be with the Docker repository. Verify that you’ve added the Docker repository correctly.
- If you’ve manually modified any Docker service files, ensure that they are not corrupted or missing essential configurations.
- In some cases, restarting your system can resolve service-related errors.
- Always run systemctl commands with sudo to ensure you have the necessary permissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ‘Unit Not Found’ error mean?
The ‘Unit Not Found’ error indicates that the system cannot locate the service file for Docker, which is necessary for starting the service.
Can I resolve this error without reinstalling Docker?
Yes, in most cases, you can resolve this error by enabling the Docker service and then starting it, as detailed in the steps above.
What should I do if enabling the Docker service does not work?
If enabling the Docker service fails, you may need to reinstall Docker or check for issues with the service file itself.
Is it necessary to use sudo with systemctl commands?
Yes, using sudo with systemctl commands is necessary because they require root permissions to manage system services.
Can I check the status of the Docker service after starting it?
Yes, you can check the status of the Docker service by running sudo systemctl status docker.
Summary
- Check if Docker is installed with
docker --version. - Enable the Docker service using
sudo systemctl enable docker. - Start the Docker service with
sudo systemctl start docker.
Conclusion
Experiencing the ‘Failed to Start docker.service: Unit Not Found’ error on Linux can be frustrating, but as we’ve seen, it’s a fixable problem. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly diagnose if Docker is installed correctly, enable the service, and get it running smoothly. Remember to always keep your system updated and check for the correct installation of Docker and its repository. If you’ve followed all the steps and are still encountering issues, it might be a good idea to consult the extensive documentation available on Docker’s official website, or reach out to the community for support. With the right approach, you’ll be mastering Docker on your Linux system in no time. Keep exploring, keep learning, and happy Dockering!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.