This message typically appears when attempting to initialize a virtual machine named “podman-machine-default” while an instance of that same virtual machine is already active or in the process of booting. The message indicates that the requested operation is redundant and cannot be completed because the desired state is already in effect or underway.
Preventing redundant initialization safeguards the virtual machine from potential corruption or instability. It’s a crucial error-prevention mechanism in virtualization software. Understanding this message allows users to quickly diagnose and resolve the issue, often by simply waiting for the existing instance to fully start. Historically, these safeguards have evolved alongside virtualization technology, becoming increasingly sophisticated in managing complex system states.
