In cleaning the previous kernel 2.6.8 I did following -

make mrproper oldconfig
(making of kernel)
make oldconfig
make
make install
***Upto here with above I found "vmlinuz-2.6.8-2-686" & "System.map-2.6.8-2-686" automatically in boot.
make modules_install( in /usr/src/linux-2.6.8) /* which does all compiled modules in /lib */

With complete above steps, in boot I didn't found "initrd.img-2.6.8-2-686" and also I checked and updated /boot/grub/menu.lst as required. It seems the system is not able to boot becoz of missing "initrd.img-2.6.8-2-686" in /boot. How can I have it any clue ?

The solution is very simple: you need the initrd image!

I have not really understood what have you done. Did you try to compile a new kernel?

If not, please specify what have you tried to do.

If yes, forget all the commands you have used for this purpose. This is the hacking way, but debian provides a very better way.

If you compile your kernel in the debian way (very recommended!!!) you will have the following advantages:

• a Debian package containing your self compiled kernel
• install/deinstall your just self compiled kernel with the Debian tools
• automatically creation of an initrd image during the installation
• automatically update of grub during the installation

Take a look at this post to find out how to do it: Kernel compilation: the Debian way
Important is you use the --initrd parameter!

Ciao
Emidio

You definitely should do like a make menuconfig and check you options. I don't use a initrd image because I have most of my drivers compiled directly into the kernel, not as modules. If not, I'll have to use an initrd-image to access my reiserfs partitions.
Maybe you can boot your kernel but you've let a line telling grub that your linux image needs an additional initrd-image?