Also happening to me - same symptoms. Updated server to 13.04. MOTD still says "New release '13.04' available" "reboot" command on its own works fine - it displays the following:
Rather than invoking init scripts through /etc/init.d, use ther service(8) utility, e.g. service S35networking stop initctl: Unknown job: S35networking Since the script you are attempting to invoke has been converted to an Upstart job, you may also use the stop(8) utility, e.g. stop S35networking "reboot now" comes up with a 'fail' when killing all remaining processes and then a prompt: Give root password for maintenance screenshot attached. ** Attachment added: "screenshot of reboot command and reboot now command" https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/upstart/+bug/1174272/+attachment/3663596/+files/screenshot.png -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1174272 Title: 'reboot now' reverting to maintenance mode To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/upstart/+bug/1174272/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs
