Fix-Repository-Issues-CentOS-7-EOL

How to Fix Repository Issues on CentOS 7 After End-of-Life (EOL)

Introduction

If you're using a minimal installation of CentOS 7, you might face issues when trying to install or update packages. This happens because the default CentOS 7 repositories are no longer supported.

The solution is to use the CentOS Vault Repository at http://vault.centos.org. This repository contains older versions of CentOS, including the last release of CentOS 7 (7.9.2009).

This guide will show you how to configure the repository for a minimal CentOS 7 installation and ensure that you can update and install essential tools like nano, wget, or vim.

Steps to Configure the Repository

1. Check Your CentOS Version

First, verify that your CentOS version is 7.9.2009. You can check the version with the following command:

cat /etc/redhat-release

If it shows something like CentOS Linux release 7.9.2009, you can proceed with the configuration.

2. Backup the Default Repository Configuration

Before making any changes, it's important to back up the current repository configuration file. This will allow you to restore it if necessary.

Run the following command to create a backup of the repository file:

cp /etc/yum.repos.d/CentOS-Base.repo /etc/yum.repos.d/CentOS-Base.repo.backup

3. Add the CentOS Vault Repository

Now, you will create a new .repo file for the CentOS Vault repository. Since you are using a minimal installation, you can use the vi editor (or nano if it's available) to create this new repository file.

Run the following command:

vi /etc/yum.repos.d/CentOS-Vault.repo

Then, add the following content to the file:

# /etc/yum.repos.d/CentOS-Vault.repo

[base]
name=CentOS-7.9.2009 - Base
baseurl=http://vault.centos.org/7.9.2009/os/$basearch/
gpgcheck=1
enabled=1
gpgkey=file:///etc/pki/rpm-gpg/RPM-GPG-KEY-CentOS-7

[updates]
name=CentOS-7.9.2009 - Updates
baseurl=http://vault.centos.org/7.9.2009/updates/$basearch/
gpgcheck=1
enabled=1
gpgkey=file:///etc/pki/rpm-gpg/RPM-GPG-KEY-CentOS-7

[extras]
name=CentOS-7.9.2009 - Extras
baseurl=http://vault.centos.org/7.9.2009/extras/$basearch/
gpgcheck=1
enabled=1
gpgkey=file:///etc/pki/rpm-gpg/RPM-GPG-KEY-CentOS-7

[centosplus]
name=CentOS-7.9.2009 - Plus
baseurl=http://vault.centos.org/7.9.2009/centosplus/$basearch/
gpgcheck=1
enabled=0
gpgkey=file:///etc/pki/rpm-gpg/RPM-GPG-KEY-CentOS-7

After adding the content, save and exit the file (esc -> :wq -> enter) in vi.

4. Clean the YUM Cache

After adding the new repository configuration, clean the YUM cache to ensure the new repository settings are applied correctly:

yum clean all

5. Run yum update

Once you have configured the new repository, it is important to update your system to ensure that you have the latest packages available from the CentOS Vault repository.

Run the following command to update all installed packages:

yum update -y

This will:

• Check for updates for all installed packages.
• Download and install any available updates, ensuring your system is up to date with the latest patches.

6. Test the Configuration

Now, check that the repositories are set up correctly by running:

yum repolist

You should see the base, updates, and extras repositories listed, all pointing to vault.centos.org.

7. Install Essential Tools

Since this is a minimal installation, you may not have tools like nano or wget. You can install them using the following command:

yum install nano wget -y

8. Enable Additional Repositories (Optional)

If you need additional repositories like centosplus, you can enable them by setting enabled=1 in the configuration file.

Tips and Notes

• Always ensure you are pointing to 7.9.2009, as it is the last supported version of CentOS 7.
• If you need other repositories, enable them by modifying enabled=0 to enabled=1 in the .repo file.
• Minimal installations often require extra dependencies. Use yum to install additional packages as needed.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you will be able to continue using CentOS 7 with the CentOS Vault repository, even though official support has ended. This configuration will allow you to install and update packages without issues.