Kernel panic - Ubuntu refuses to start - What to do?

[sethmahoney]

> Ok, and how do I install a different kernel?



If you're able to log into Gnome, start Synaptic
(System->Administration->Synaptic package manager) and search for
"linux image".  Look for one that is appropriate for your processor. 
The default is 386, but most users nowadays can use the 686
(linux-image-686) kernel (it is for Pentium Pro/Celeron/Pentium
II/Pentium III/Pentium IV processors).  There is also a kernel for AMD
Duron and Athlon processors, called linux-image-k7.  If you can't get
into Gnome, but can get into a terminal, type



sudo apt-get install linux-image-686



or



sudo apt-get install linux-image-k7



depending on your processor.



I hope this helps.  I know kernel issues are panic-inspiring and seem
really complicated, but they're not so bad, really, unless you're
compiling your own.  If this is just an issue with the new kernel,
don't worry.  Your data is all there (including emails and all that
jazz), and if you went with the default installation or you manually
put /home on its own partition, it will be there even if you have to
reinstall.


-- 
sethmahoney