Hi all
I've went to install the Nvidia drivers on my new install of Debian Lenny only to find the kernel provided with Lenny does not match the version of GCC.
This is a bit of a problem as I need to install nvidia as well as 2 other sets of .ko's.
What's my best solution to this?
1. Download an old version of GCC (4.1) which the kernel is compiled with and do some links so it works, I'm a bit worried about this idea?

2. Is there a newer kernel image in the repositories that works with the provided compiler (GCC 4.3), nice if anyone know if this has been done?

3. Download a kernel and make it myself, bit long winded?

4. Is there a simple solution I'm over looking

Thanks all, one last thing WTF made the Debian team release Lenny with a kernel compiled on a different compiler to the provided?

I actually ignore that warning, and have never had a problem...

You have a couple of easy options:

• Use the version of gcc that your kernel was compiled with (install it if necessary and then export CC=/usr/bin/gcc-4.1 before you do the Nvidia build). This is safe and very simple.
• Ignore the warning. This seems reasonably safe, too. And it's even simpler.

I've done both. The type A person in me prefers the first method, but I've never had trouble either way. (So far as I know even the kernels from Squeeze or Sid are often compiled with a version of gcc other than the most current one in those branches. The problem may be that gcc is a reasonably fast-moving target, but I've often wondered about the policy.)

First: aptitude install gcc-4.1

Then: export CC=/usr/bin/gcc-4.1

After that, do your compiling. After you logout or reboot, the GCC version will be returned to what it originally was (in your case, 4.3). If you want to change that before logging out or rebooting, then just a simple export CC=/usr/bin/gcc-4.3 should suffice.

Edit - Umm... just do what Telemachos says.

I concur...

Me too. See, it feels like $HOME around here already. (But I do miss Qew's great Sonic Youth avatar, actually. And my swirl. I really miss my swirl.)

Thanks everyone, I actually ended up using the old gcc and the CC=.
As ignoring stopped x starting, however I've found it was due to using an old version of nvdia drivers.

I do have a problem now as plugging in two monitors, it only runs one monitor, which is set to 640x480, no other resolutions are accepted either in nvida panel or gnome screen resolution. It will not even detect the second monitor. I presume this is either an x server or nvdia driver problem? Can anyone advise? Thanks.


Sorry admins I've opened a second thread on this I'll try to delete.