You are attempting to query an Upstart instance job using the System V command 'service'. Instead, you should be using the 'status' command. See status(8) and http://upstart.ubuntu.com/cookbook/#instance.
Also, see: $ initctl list|grep network-interface Examples: $ status network-interface INTERFACE=eth0 $ sudo stop network-interface INTERFACE=eth0 ** Changed in: upstart (Ubuntu) Status: New => Invalid -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1083087 Title: Not possible to modify the status of certain services To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/upstart/+bug/1083087/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs