Missing modules when installing new kernel
 

Hello,

first of I´m kind of new to Linux. A couple of days ago I installed Debian version 2.2.20 and that seemed to workout just fine, except that my nvidia geforce4 wasn´t supported. Then I tried to update the nvidia drivers from download.nvidia.com. But when I ran that "sh NVIDIA-Linux..." to install the driver I got some error messages that it couldn´t find its way to the kernel-source (something wrong with the treestructure or something...).

However, I decided to update the kernel to 2.6.10 and I followed the instructions on desktop-linux.net/debkernel. After doing that I could install the nvidia drive and enter the desktop environment. But the problem is that I miss alot of modules that I had in 2.2.20. Among them the net module so my 3Com ethernet card don´t have any drives to make it work. Now I wonder why that is? I did the "make menuconfig" and told it to add network drivers. I don´t get it.

I´ve tried installing a new kernel with an image, but with the same result.

Is there any way I can move the modules in /lib/modules/2.2.20 to /lib/modules/2.6.10?

Don´t know if this is beginners mistake, if I´ve done something wrong from the start when installing debian with kernel 2.2.20 (it was a net install). However, if anyone can help me I would be very thankful!

Thanks
/Erik

The drivers are probably there just not part of the kernel. To insert modules do as root modconf and you should find the driver under the relevant heading. You cannot take modules from one kernel version to another. If you are compiling your own kernels then use the option y and the driver will be included in the kernel. The option m puts it in the modules.

Yea, he's compiling from source.

Well, you can try make menuconfig (or make xconfig) and reconfigure the kernel. Slowly go through all the list. You should be able to find whatever you need. There'll be some explanation and suggestion on what to do (to put 'Y', 'N', or 'M') under help section there. If you don't know, just leave the entry according to suggestion.

Say 'N' (for no) to all things that you don't need. Say 'Y' (for yes) or 'M' (to install as module) for all the drivers that you need. You can (should) try reading the sticky topic in this forum (Linux Distributions - Debian) on compiling kernel. Try compiling again.

And yes, never copy modules from different version of kernel, won't work anyway! =)

Cheers!
Chris

Thanks for the answers. Haven´t had time to try anything out yet, but will do as soon as possible. Feels like I´ve tried both adding the ethernet card as a module and to the kernel directly. I´m not sure though and will look in to it as soon as possible. Thanks again for helping

/erik