Restore latest kernel

[Mark Haney]

Karl Larsen wrote:
> Mike Adolf wrote:
>> Karl Larsen wrote:
>>   
>>> Mike Adolf wrote:
>>>   
>>>     
>>>> Mark Haney wrote:
>>>>   
>>>>     
>>>>       
>>>>> Mike Adolf wrote:
>>>>>   
>>>>>     
>>>>>       
>>>>>         
>>>>>> This morning I ran the latest Ubuntu update.  It installed a new kernel 
>>>>>> 2.6.24.21.  I rebooted and all was well.  Then I installed my new pctv 
>>>>>> 800i tuner card. To do so, according mythtv wiki, I first extracted 
>>>>>> firmware from a windows file and placed it into 
>>>>>> /lib/firmware/2.4.24.21-generic, I downloaded the latest v4l driver 
>>>>>> tree, did a make and make install. This is supposed to overwrite kernel 
>>>>>> drivers. When I tried to reboot modprob failed.  It also failed in 
>>>>>> recovery mode.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Can I some how remove the corrupt 2.4.24.21 kernel, so that auto update 
>>>>>> reinstalls it? I an new booted into 2.4.24.19.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>> Mike
>>>>>>
>>>>>>     
>>>>>>       
>>>>>>         
>>>>>>           
>>>>> Okay, why do you think the kernel is corrupt?  Can you not boot into 
>>>>> that kernel at all? It sounds like you can.  Let's try to backtrack to 
>>>>> what the problem is before we go about re-installing a kernel.  If 
>>>>> there's a module that won't load (or is loading and bombing, we can 
>>>>> remove the module listing so it doesn't get autoloaded.  That's quicker 
>>>>> and easier.
>>>>>
>>>>> What are the errors you're seeing?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>   
>>>>>     
>>>>>       
>>>>>         
>>>> I can not boot 2.4.24.21. If I boot it in recovery mode it gets to the 
>>>> point of running modprobe and gives the error "abnormal exit" and hangs. 
>>>> Recovery mode boot flies by so fast I can't really see what it is doing. 
>>>> I can still boot into a previous kernel (.19)
>>>>
>>>> Mike
>>>>
>>>>   
>>>>     
>>>>       
>>>     Hi Mike I am using Hardy and decided to see what kernel I am using. 
>>> I was surprised to see it was:
>>>
>>>
>>> title        Ubuntu 8.04.1, kernel 2.6.24-21-generic
>>> root        (hd0,5)
>>> kernel        /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.24-21-generic 
>>> root=UUID=8713c541-dffa-4fd2-b22
>>> b-e600afacbab2 ro quiet splash
>>> initrd        /boot/initrd.img-2.6.24-21-generic
>>> quiet
>>>
>>>     So I have had this kernel for some time and everything seems to be 
>>> working exactly like it did with the many earlier kernels. Your problem 
>>> must be with some other cause.
>>>
>>> Karl
>>>
>>>
>>>   
>>>     
>> Thanks, but you need to read my original post.
>>
>> Mike
>>
>>
>>   
>     I am supporting your thought that your kernel may be corrupt. I 
> suggest you get another copy.
> 
> Karl
> 
> 

Why?  What makes you think his kernel is corrupt?  I want to hear your 
logic behind this.

All a 'reinstallation' will do is to blow away any new modules built and 
set them up back to what normally comes with Ubuntu.  This is NOT a 
corrupt kernel, it's a bad module causing the problem.

I suggest anyone wanting to (or needing to) build a kernel module get 
more familiar with the process and the dangers/issues of building these 
modules.  I see reinstalling a kernel as the 'Windows' way of fixing a 
problem.  The problem is fixed, but you still have NO idea what the 
problem was, nor how to prevent said problem in the future.

My ENTIRE reasoning for not explaining how to re-install the kernel was 
to help this person learn and understand a little more about what he was 
trying to do, so that he would be better able to handle these things in 
the future.  (You know, the whole 'teach a man to fish thing....')

Instead, everyone gave him a howitzer to go squirrel hunting.  This is 
teaching very bad habits, in my opinion, on how to handle problems like 
these.



-- 
Libenter homines id quod volunt credunt -- Caius Julius Caesar


Mark Haney
Sr. Systems Administrator
ERC Broadband
(828) 350-2415

Call (866) ERC-7110 for after hours support