recompiling ubuntu kernel

[shubghos]

Hi All,

I am trying to compile a kernel 2.6.31-12 in my machine which is running ubuntu 9.0
(kernel version 2.6.31-14). I don't have internet connection on that machine. I somehow downloaded the kernel sources on some other machine and copied it the my PC which is running ubuntu.

I have installed the kernel sources (.gz file) by un-zipping and un-tarring the archive. For compiling the kernel I am following the traditional approach:
1. make oldconfig ( make menu config is not working )
2. make dep
2. make clean
3. make bzImage
4. make modules
5. make modules_install
6. make install
7. Modify the /boot/grub/grub.cgf

I didnt encounter any error in the above steps till step no. 6. However in the
step 7, I am not getting the /boot/initrd.img-2.6.31.12 file which is needed for the ramfs. However I am getting the vmlinuz file in the /boot.

Pls help me out in figuring out where I did the mistake.

Regards
Shubhadeep

[Leppie]

you might want to take a look at this: Debian Linux Kernel Handbook - Managing the initial RAM disk (initrd) image

[gtphonehome]

You will have to make an initrd. Fun Fun! Follow these Instructions on easy streamlining and installing of the new kernel, generating the corresponding initrd, and configuring your grub boot loader.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I suggest downloading a stable kernel from kernel.org or you can just install linux-source(version) package from Synaptic Package Manager...

################################################## #

switch to user root....

Open a terminal....

su (hit enter) --> give password


### Move downloaded kernel to source directory if from kernel.org

mv /path/to/linux/kernel/linux-(version).tar.gz /usr/src


############################################
###.....for menuconfig you need to install libncurses5-dev

apt-get install libncurses5-dev


### Change to directory with sources

cd /usr/src


### Extract the kernel source if not already done

tar -xvjf linux-(version).tar.gz


### Create a soft link to your new kernel source directory

ln -s linux-(version) linux


### Change to new work directory

cd linux


### Clone the old .config file from the stock kernel

make oldconfig

#Select no for all new options since your old kernel works fine (some noobie friendly advice) ....


### Now for some optimizations

make menuconfig

Processor type and features --->
Processor Family--->
(*) your processor type

Processor type and features --->
(*) High Resolution Timer Support

Processor type and features --->
Preemption Mode (Complete Preemption (Real-Time)) --->
( ) No Forced Preemption (Server)
( ) Voluntary Kernel Preemption (Desktop)
( ) Preemptible Kernel (Low-Latency Desktop)
(X) Complete Preemption (Real-Time)

Processor type and features --->
Timer frequency (1000 HZ) --->
(X) 1000 HZ

Power management options --->
ACPI --->
(*) ACPI Support
(*) Power Management Timer Support

Device drivers --->
Character devices --->
<*> Enhanced Real Time Clock Support

Device drivers --->
Sound --->
Advanced Linux Sound Architecture --->
<*> RTC Timer support[*] Use RTC as default sequencer timer

Kernel hacking --->[*] Magic SysRq key #that one is always good to have
[ ] Kernel debugging

Security options --->[*] Enable different security models
<M> Default Linux Capabilities
<M> Realtime Capabilities

#Hit escape until you have exited all menus and choose to save your new kernel configuration.


### Compile and Install Kernel

make && make modules_install && make install


### Make your initrd... -o selects output file

mkinitramfs -o /boot/initrd.img-$(uname -r)


### Check the output files for existence

ls /boot


### If output files do not exist then do:

mount /boot && make install && mkinitramfs -o /boot/initrd.img-$(uname -r)


### Update your boot loader configuration

update-grub #(or update-grub2 depending on which version you have installed)


### Set some priority limitations (rt)

nano /etc/security/limits.conf # Make sure it contains the following...

# rtprio
@audio - rtprio 90
@audio - nice -5
@audio - memlock 500000

#for memlock- however much ram you wish to dedicate (1024=1meg). do not use "unlimited" option due to risk of locking up your entire system

Control+x (save and exit)

##################################################


### Finishing up

Make sure your user is in the group "audio"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

System --> Administration --> Users and Groups

Unlock with administrator password...

Select "groups"

Add your user to the group "audio"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: Your not preempting the whole system, you are enabling the ability to assign real-time priorities to specific threads.

Now you have a streamlined responsive rt-kernel built for your processor with the same modules available as you had before. Reboot and Enjoy

[devils casper]

Hi and Welcome !

This HowTo is complete and one of the best on Kernel Compilation. I would suggest you to take a look into it.

[gtphonehome]

if he doesnt know how to make an initrd what makes you think he can follow that and be successful?

[devils casper]

if he doesnt know how to make an initrd what makes you think he can follow that and be successful?

Have you checked the link I posted? There is no need to install libncurses5-dev or any other package because thread starter has compiled kernel already. Everything has been done except initial Ramdisk creation.
That step has been explained very well in the link I posted.