defunct process wont die

[AlbertAguirre]

With `ps -ef` I get this:

root 5591462 7754 0 0:00 <defunct>

I attempt `kill -9 5591462`

but I get nothing. No error, looks like it worked but process still exists.

Why?

 

[AlbertAguirre]

I killed the parent process and the defunct process still does not die on a kill -9.

ANy ideas? Anyone anyone? Bueller?

 

[KenCunningham]

Defunct processes are notoriously difficult to kill - except by a reboot. Others may know differently of course....

 

[ogniemi]

http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=isg1pTechnote0254