After installing Red Hat Linux 9.0 from CD, I need to be able to compile a new kernel in order to add some features that are required for my application. I am wondering if there is a configuration file that is hidden somewhere that contains the current configuration of the kernel that was installed on my particular computer when Red Hat was installed for the first time.

The default “/usr/src/linux-2.4.20-8/.config” file does not match the default kernel that is installed from the CD.

I have seen the templates that are available for the different computers, however, what I need is a configuration file that is exactly what Red Hat installed into the kernel for this particular computer. Does anyone have any idea on where to find this file? Or, if not, is there a way to find out exactly all options that are installed into the current kernel?

Is it possible to rebuild the kernel exactly like the one that is installed initially?

redhat normally installs is to /boot/Config-x.y.z. i assume it's in the default kernel, if not i should come from that specfic kernel source rpm.

also try "cat /proc/config", which may well spit out the exact config (and if it's not make sure to include this config option in the kernel setup, so you'll not be in this situation again.

Okay. Well, I guess the correct answer is to CAREFULLY read the Red Hat manual. It describes the process in pretty good detail, however, I just left out a step or two...

Sorry for the post.

Okay, so now that that is figured out. Is there an easy way to make the kernel monolithic (without using modules)?

Thank you.

The single best - not easiest - or fastest - way to build a monolithic kernel requires a few steps:

First, choose, aquire, and unpack the kernel source to /usr/src/ .

Next, configure the kernel to be entirely modular. This means that you compile every option as "M". Don't forget make modules and modules install.

Now, configure your bootloader, and boot the new kernel. This point of this is that by default, your kernel will support none of your devices. You must load the modules one by one until you find what works for your hardware. When you have found a stable, working config for a device, run an lsmod, and note the loaded mods for that device. Do this until everything works, and you have a complete list of all the modules needed to run your box.

Then, go in, and we'll compile the kernel again, this time choosing only the modules we need, and compiling them in, instead of making modules. You must also say no to kmod_support and module version support. Throw in anything else that you desire in the kernel, (Networking, File Systems, etc....) and then compile. Don't run make modules or make modules install. Just dep, clean, and bzImage.

Now, change your bootloader to reflect the monolith. In grub, add the following to the "kernel" line
Or into lilo (place it just below "image")
You now run one big block of a kernel.

I should tell you, however, that if you are running a proprietary box (you didn't build it) chances are, someone has already done this. Google:
"linux on your_machine_make_&_model_here"
It should return pages devoted to optimizing a kernel for your chipset.
Good luck.