Hi again, YES i know that patching the kernel has been written about in depth around the forums, but there are so many different ideas about how one should patch the kernel.

In this instance I am working with Debian and have just installed the 2.6.23 kernel.

I would like to patch it for one reason - to learn how it works!!

Now the latest stable kernel is 2.6.24 as I write this. I can if I want download and install the latest without patching.

(Please don't forget this is a learning exercise and not of being worried that I might break something)

I would like to add the patches after 2.6.23 up to 2.16.24 If I have understood correctly I can't patch after 2.6.23.9 because that is a new version of the kernel.

So for arguments sake I want to apply the patches 1-9. I know they have to be installed consecutively otherwise errors will occur.

Do the patches have to be in the 2.6.23 folder when I issue the command #patch -p1 < patch-2.6.23.1? This is where the info is a bit conflicting. Some say YES the patches must be in the kernel folder to be patched and No if you give the path to them?

I can not seem to get passed the first patch without getting the following error:


If I enter "Y" then I get a number of questions to answer yes no to? I just assumed that I would install without problems and then move onto the compiling!!


Is there something I am missing that I haven't thought of?

bookie

I always download the full kernel for each new release version

Your patching method is sound, you didn't notice however that the "< patch-version" part is a fully qualified filename, ie:
will also work if your new patch file is in /home/username/patches/

ps. I always use the patch-version.tar.bz2 file, then use this command to patch:

as a normal user ie not root

sudo allows a normal user to temporarily perform administrative tasks

Hi Tuttle, I thank you for coming by, but I am afraid I don't have a clue what you are trying to say?

bookie

Well, it would seem it isn't acceptable that one doesn't understand what someone else is saying?!

Seems to be the story of my life lately!! I think it is better to be honest than mislead someone?!

I will not waste anyone else's precious time!! The reason we ask is because we don't know. Beginning to think it is better not knowing than asking!!

bookie

I am at a loss to believe that no one knows how to patch a kernel the Debian way?

Hasn't anyone patched a kernel?

bookie

A 'patch' is basically a diff output between the old and new versions of a particular set of files. (Any version-control system can produce one.)

If you wish to explore patches, I strongly recommend that you commit your source-tree to a version control system, such as CVS or SubVersion or (pick one), and use that to apply the patches ... this gives you full before-and-after views of what happened. The patches should be applied to create a "vendor branch" and should be applied to the previous "vendor branch." If you are doing your own development-branches, you'll need to then do a merge.

Except as an exercise, full source-directory replacements are usually the preferred system ... these are completely reliable since they are completely separate. But, they're not suitable if you're doing your own local source-changes.

I agree that this is a useful, albeit advanced, skill to master. Of course, always do it on a copy, with a tested and known-good "escape strategy" well in hand.

This is the second time of replying to your post. I must have forgot to submit last time.

Anyway, I am sorry for my last post. I wasn't being exactly friendly!! I have had so many problems with back pain and then I go and break my ankle which has led to more back pain!!

So I do understand about the diff and patches in general just can't seem to patch consecutively without errors?

I have followed the info gathered on the NET to the letter but nada.

I was just wondering if one should run the code all at the same time. I mean having a comma between the different patches or something?

This is also an apology to Tuttle. I don't excuse my attitude. I think it stinks at times. I do hope that you believe me when I say it is the pain that is affecting my temperament!!

I get angry with myself for being in pain?!!

Thanks for your posts guys!!

YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!

bookie