Using multiple layers of templates yields unpredictable results?

[Sjeik]

Hi all,

I'm using multiple layers of templates for my servers, for example:
Template_Linux -> Template_Linux_Debian -> Template_StorageServer

Template_Linux_Debian is connected to Template_Linux, and Template_StorageServer is connected to Template_Linux_Debian.

If I now create a host "MyHost" based on template "Template_Linux_Debian" or "Template_StorageServer" everything works as expected: the new hosts inherits all generic items and triggers from "Template_Linux" and some more specific features from "Template_Linux_Debian".

However, I have seen a few times up till now that "MyHost" gets directly mapped to the template "Template_Linux" after a while, duplicating all items and triggers for "MyHost" (one time from "Template_Linux_Debian" and suddenly also one time from "Template_Linux"). In the Hosts <-> Templates view, the host indeed is connected to both templates while I configured it only for "Template_Linux_Debian". Quite weird, isn't it?

It gets even weirder: if I now try to unlink and clear "Template_Linux" from MyHost (since it is unwanted and sends duplicate notifications), _all_ items and triggers inherited from "Template_Linux_Debian" (including those indirectly inherited from "Template_Linux"_ get removed!

I will unlink and clear "Template_Linux_Debian" again, and then relink that template to MyHost, but I'm sure it'll get connected "Template_Linux" in a few days again...

Has anyone else seen this behavior? Is it a bug? Do I need to provide more details? I'm using Zabbix 1.4.4, I'll upgrade to 1.4.5 in a few days.

[richlv]

just a hint - get a full db backup right after you link the templates in the right way, and one right after it breaks. then it should be easier to find out the difference later.