Just how much of a risk am I taking?

jimieee · 03-18-2004, 04:49 AM

Hi,

I have a server that came with a wierd version of kernel 2.4 (customised, provided by my hosting provider) and was wondering how much of a risk it would be to change grub to reboot with the original Redhat 9 kernel (2.4.20).

My biggest worry is that if I do it and something goes so badly wrong that I can not get the server to come back up, then the hosting provider will insist on reimaging the server. (Obviously I've made backups in case of this eventuality anyway).

I think it should be ok, as linux is running from ide disks and, so far as I can tell, no dodgy scsi devices that might require a kernel patch (#cat /proc/scsi/scsi gives Attached devices: none & # cat /proc/ide/drivers gives:
ide-disk version 1.17
ide-default version 0.9.newide).

Could anyone tell me if there's anything else I should consider?
Does anyone know any good tips, for example: Is there a way to get grub to reboot with a different kernel if there is a failure with the first one?

Thanks!

~James~

p.s. I'm not sure if it's relevant, but my grub config looks like this:

Code:

#boot=/dev/hda
#splashimage=(hd0,0)/grub/splash.xpm.gz

default=0
timeout=10
title Linux
        root (hd0,0)
        kernel /vmlinuz ro root=/dev/hda3

title Red Hat Linux (2.4.20-8)
        root (hd0,0)
        kernel /vmlinuz-2.4.20-8 ro root=/dev/hda3
        initrd /initrd-2.4.20-8.img

Kovacs · 03-18-2004, 06:00 AM

What host are you with? If it's a managed server, a decent host should do it for you. Even if it's unmanaged (eg rackshack, god forbid), then you should talk to the tech support before you do it, to sort out the details and have a back up plan before you do it. If you can do neither, get a decent host. I know nothing about grub so I'm afraid I can't help you with the technical details.

jimieee · 03-18-2004, 07:11 AM

Thanks, sounds like good advice.

I'm with OneandOne by the way. I really don't want to have to rely on them because I know from past experience that their support is extremely lacking (but then the hosting is extremely cheap). As far as I can tell it should just be a case of changing the default=0 to 1 and if it doesn't work then I need to get them to press up and enter when the screen for grub
comes up.

Regards,

James