Can anyone tell me why when compiling the Kernel the instructions never say to enter the 'make install' command which seems the only way to ensure that the module-info files are moved into the boot sector properly.

Is it just an odd configuration in my machine (RH8 on a Laptop) or has everyone forgotton this seemingly important line ... ?

This has to be my 8th attempt at rebuilding the 2.4.22 kernel and it NEVER works and I am going mad.

The Module-info never seems to update and I do not know why. When trying to boot the new Kernel I always a Kernel Panic no init found error and despite removing the initrd line from grub.conf the problems persist.

Can anyone advise me what I could be doing wrong. I used the same config from a pristine disc instal just to Learn about kernel recompiling so I know the config is correct.

Am getting somewhat tired of RedHat --- its always got endless ... 'complications ... ' or once again is it just my Vaio. I know Laptops are less stable but my Desktop seems the same and that was built by a company who manufacture PCs FOR Linux.

Would anyone rate Debian or BSD instead for a beginner with lots of experience and lots of bad luck in this game?

I do it along the following lines:

make clean
make xconfig
make bzImage
make modules
make modules_install
make install

The make clean is important to make sure things from past compilation attempts don't screw up your new attempt. Also, after the make install, take a long look at grub.conf or lilo.conf (whichever you're using) to make sure all the entries are ok.