Kernel 2.6.8.1: psmouse

Skazi · 09-12-2004, 06:25 AM

I compiled a 2.6.8.1 kernel this evening, and the mouse was not working after a reboot. I found 'modprobe psmouse' (as root, and only as root) from the console got it working.

Why is this module not getting loaded during boot, whereas mousedev is being loaded in my 2.4 kernel? I don't see anywhere in /etc/rc.d where mousedev is being loaded.

Also, why can I only modprobe psmouse as root?

Thanks

Cedrik · 09-12-2004, 07:07 AM

try enable hotplug with 2.6.8.1 kernel.

If it fails again, try :

# where is mousedev in rc.d ?
grep mousedev /etc/rc.d/*

# ok found it

uncomment /sbin/modprobe mousedev in rc.modules

As far I know, only root can modprobe modules, for security reason (did you know that a bad module can tweak your system or worst it can be a trojan)

Skazi · 09-12-2004, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cedrik
try enable hotplug with 2.6.8.1 kernel.

If it fails again, try :

# where is mousedev in rc.d ?
grep mousedev /etc/rc.d/*

# ok found it
uncomment /sbin/modprobe mousedev in rc.modules

As far I know, only root can modprobe modules, for security reason (did you know that a bad module can tweak your system or worst it can be a trojan)

I do have hotplug enabled. Also, I did grep for mousedev in rc.d and found it in rc.modules, like you said. However, the line is commented. I'm thinking mousedev was being autoloaded during boot, maybe when gpm executes? But, psmouse does not seem to be autoloaded.

I can add a modprobe psmouse to rc.modules, I suppose, but I'd like to know how mousedev was being autoloaded before, and why psmouse is not.

Cedrik · 09-12-2004, 11:51 AM

Begin investigations with your kernel configs. Try to see where feature are enabled as built-in (y) or as module (m)

Skazi · 09-12-2004, 11:57 AM

So, in my 2.6.8.1 kernel, I have ps2 mouse enabled as a module, and a psmouse.ko module was built, which I can load with modprobe as root, and the mouse works.

In parallel, my 2.4 kernel had a module mousedev.

However, mousedev seemed to be loaded automatically during boot; it's only reference in rc.d was commented out.

I'm trying to figure out the difference.

Cedrik · 09-12-2004, 12:06 PM

Did you enabled hotplug when you was in 2.4, if yes try :

grep mousedev /etc/hotplug/*

Skazi · 09-12-2004, 01:04 PM

I did find a reference to mousdev in /etc/hotplug/usb.rc. However, it never gets called because "X11_USBMICE_HACK=false". So, I don't think that's where mousedev was being loaded.

I guess I'll try to find some info on how modules are autoloaded ...

Thanks for the help.