how to identify a kernel that may cause laptop hang

stabu · 12-31-2007, 11:26 AM

Hi,

I have noticed via many kernel compilations that my sometimes quirky laptop (a clevo using nvidia c51 and MCP51) ALWAYS hangs on kernels after 2.6.20.21. I've used several distros on it.

I started scouring the kernel Changelog, for kernel 26.21 and actually my laptop mobo IS mentioned, but only in relation to the HDA udio driver and it appears to be a naming issue. I really doubt that has anything to do with a kernel hang.

I have also tried passing the kernel a series of parameters (acpi=off was one of the first I tried, hehe ... acpi usually such a beast), but no go, same behaviour.

Not looking for answers, just want to know if anybody, esp, if they have dealt with the kernel, how I might go about solving this problem.

For example, how do I get the hung kernel to leave evidence of its crash on HD or something? It hangs really early, not always on same place, sometimes "Protocol Family" line or other times, io scheduler registrations.

I've used initramfs, and just manages to get past that and fails again.

I suppose I could really continue trying combinations of kernel parameters or just not bother updating at all, after all 2.6.20 is farily recent.

Cheers for reading.

cathectic · 01-01-2008, 07:06 AM

To find the patch that broke your system, read up on using git-bisect: http://kerneltrap.org/node/11753

(Also, try booting with acpi_use_timer_override - it's a workaround for a known problem on some nForce 5 boards, possibly such as yours, but IIRC, it's no longer always applied out-of-the-box on newer kernels, as it's not possible to safely detect which systems need that quirk).

seelenbild28 · 01-01-2008, 06:21 PM

if you don't boot it will not cause any problems. perhaps that kernel is responsible*g

but serious, try to boot without acpi...

stabu · 01-01-2008, 06:41 PM

gracias Carlos.

It's funny, it was because of trying to install slamd64 v12 that al this happened, and I was going to post there, but I opted for the higher traffic in this site ... and then I get replied to by cathetic at LQ!

I'll follow your tips.

Seelenbild28, I don't quite follow you but thanks for your comment. I did off course try to boot specifying without acpi, but as I mentioned, it was the same hanging behaviour.

cheers!