[NTLUG:Discuss] Re: More about kernel recompiling.

[Scott Denlinger]

I'm not really sure what the *problem* was, but I do know what the 
symptoms were. I could not get my machine to recognize the new modules 
which I created when I compiled my new kernel. We were trying a lot of 
stuff to get it to work, including compiling a 2.4.19 kernel. Even this 
kernel's modules weren't recognized on bootup, even when we moved the 
functioning old kernel out of /boot completely. The person helping me 
thought that the problem might have been due to a corrupt file system, 
and suggested I just reinstall from scratch, using ext3. I had not 
really started customizing the box, so reinstalling didn't seem like a 
big deal to me. Since he knew a lot more about Linux than I do, I didn't 
argue with him. I just wanted my box to work, and to be able to compile 
new kernels if I need to. I am a new Linux user and I am not at all 
interested  in a theoretical debate about which file system is better or 
offers better journaling capabilities. I only know that my machine 
wasn't working. With ext3, it's working. For my intents and purposes, 
ext3 is fine. If it gets hosed or starts doing weird things, I will 
reconsider Reiser, but for now, I'm happy with ext3. I'm sorry I can't 
offer a better description of exactly what it was that was wrong with 
the machine, but frankly, it's water under the bridge for me. My more 
immediate goal and need is to begin learning about Linux and 
administering this box. Maybe then I will have the skills I need to 
troubleshoot a problem like this.

In any case, thanks again to everyone who took the time to post 
suggestions about this. I'm sorry I can't say that anyone's specific 
suggestion solved the problem, but I suspect I'll have more questions 
down the road, so you'll probably all get another chance.

Scott Denlinger