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How to Fix “Failed to Start Docker Application Container Engine” Error

Docker is an awesome tool that helps you package and run applications smoothly. But sometimes, you might see a message saying “Failed to Start Docker Application Container Engine.” This error can be pretty frustrating, but don’t worry; we’ve got a detailed guide to help you troubleshoot and fix it.
At SupportFly, we provide the best solutions to fix all kinds of problems and errors regarding Docker and other servers. This blog is a part of our docker consulting service through which we are guiding you to fix the “Failed to Start Docker Application Container Engine” error easily. We also made numerous blogs regarding the docker to make a better understanding of each thing. You can check them by visiting our official website. Read this blog to get the best solution to fix the error.

What Does the Error Mean?

When you see “Failed to Start Docker Application Container Engine,” it’s like Docker is saying, “I can’t start right now.” This means you can’t use Docker to run your containers and apps, which can be a problem for your work.

When it comes to Docker and other technology fields, knowing how to interpret error messages is a crucial skill that can make a big difference. Although the scenarios and solutions mentioned above may not cover every possible situation, they do offer a good starting point for addressing Docker Start issues by understanding the underlying reasons. Understanding the meaning and reasons behind these error messages can greatly enhance your Docker skills and make you a more proficient user.

Why the System Failed to Start Docker Application Container Engine?

There are a few reasons why the Docker Container Engine and Docker service might fail to start with a ‘exit-code warning’. These reasons could include incorrect configurations, compatibility issues, or resource constraints. To ensure that Docker operations run smoothly, it’s important to understand the causes of any issues that may arise and the remedies for them.

It can be challenging but important to understand why the Docker Application Container Engine fails to start. This knowledge is crucial for a seamless development process. This problem is not uncommon, but it can be confusing, especially for people who are new to Docker.

In this section, we will explore some typical situations where you might come across this issue. Our goal is to help you understand what could potentially go wrong and provide guidance on how to proceed.

In the first scenario, there is an error message that seems quite ominous. It says “docker.service: main process exited, code=exited, status=1/failure.” It seems like there was an error while trying to start the Docker service.

This issue may have been caused by a number of factors, including corrupted files, obsolete software, or incompatibilities at the system level. Finding the exact cause can be as difficult as searching for a needle in a haystack. However, if you take a systematic approach to updating your Docker software, verifying the integrity of files, and making sure there are no conflicts at the system level, it should help resolve this problem.

Another frustrating situation occurs when your system encounters an error – specifically, the job docker.service/start failed with the result being a dependency issue. It seems like Docker’s start service is experiencing a problem with its dependencies. The issue might be caused by a missing package that needs to be installed or by having an incorrect version of a required package.

To fix this error, you’ll need to carefully examine the packages installed on your system. Make sure they are present and that their versions are compatible with Docker’s requirements. To ensure a smooth start with Docker, it’s important to address any issues or inconsistencies that may arise.

Read more: Our Blog Post On failed to start docker application container engine

How to Fix “Failed to Start Docker Application Container Engine” Error?

Let’s go through the steps to get Docker back on track:

1. Check Your System

First, make sure your computer meets the requirements for running Docker. You can find this information on the Docker website. If your computer doesn’t meet the requirements, you might need to upgrade your hardware or consider using a different computer.

2. Restart Your Computer

When things don’t go as planned, the first step you should take is to restart whatever is causing the issue. Actually, restarting often solves the problem, so if you come across the error message “Failed to start Docker Application Container Engine,” try restarting the Docker service.

To restart the Docker Service, you can run the command “sudo systemctl restart docker” in a terminal.

3. Check Docker’s Status

If you’re using Docker on a Linux system, you can check if Docker is working by using a special command. Open your terminal and type:

sudo systemcti status docker

This command will show you if Docker is having any problems.

4. Look at Docker’s Logs

Docker keeps logs that can tell you what’s wrong. You can check these logs with this command:

sudo journalctl -u docker.service

Look for any error messages or warnings. They can give you clues about what’s causing the problem.

5. Check Your Disk Space

Docker needs some space on your computer to work correctly. You can see how much space you have with this command:

df -h

If you’re running out of space, you might need to free up some room or get a bigger hard drive.

6. Look for Conflicts

Make sure there aren’t any other services or apps that might be causing problems for Docker. Some VPN or firewall software can interfere with Docker. You might need to turn them off or change their settings.

7. Check for the Docker Daemon

Docker relies on something called a “daemon” to work. It’s like a behind-the-scenes helper. You can check if the daemon is running by typing:

docker info

If it’s not running, you might need to start it with

sudo service docker start

8. Reinstall Docker

If nothing else works, you might need to uninstall Docker and then install it again. Start fresh. On the Docker website, you will be able to find the installation instructions.

9. Check Your Internet

Make sure you have the internet connected to your computer or system. Sometimes, network problems can stop Docker from starting. Check if you can access websites or use the internet without any issues.

10. Ask for Help

If you’re still stuck, you can ask the Docker community or forums for help. There are lots of people out there who know a ton about Docker and can give you a hand. Alternatively, you can contact our dedicated server support team. Our certified docker experts are available 24×7 to resolve all your queries.

Summary

The “Failed to Start Docker Application Container Engine” error can be a real headache, but don’t panic. By following these steps, you can identify and fix the issues that are stopping Docker from working. Once you get it up and running again, you’ll be back to building and running your containers without any issues.

This blog guided you through the “Failed to Start Docker Application Container Engine” error and how to fix the error. You can read more about docker and every error with solutions to fix them in our blog section. As we are the best docker consulting service provider we have provided solutions for each and every issue regarding docker which you may face. If you’ve any queries or want to know more about our services you can contact us.