In order to install modem drivers I need to disable SMP support built into the kernel. Is there a way to disable it?
Does doing so require me to rebuild the kernel? How difficult is it?
Are the chances of 'successfully' rebuilding and installing it more than 1% for newbies like me?

Connie

ok... kernel compiling is not nearly as scary as it sounds.

first, at any xterminal, type
cd /usr/src/linux-x.x.x
make xconfig

...then, you go through and configure your kernel. for the most part, it should already be largely configured. you can go through and get rid of all the sound card modules you don't need, and anything else that you know for sure you don't need. in the general setup, i think, there's the option for smp. disable it.

after you're done with that,
make dep
make bzImage
make modules
make modules_install

rename /boot/System.map /boot/System.map.old
rename /boot/vmlinuz vmlinuz.old
cp System.map /boot/System.map
cp /arch/i386/boot/bzImage /boot/vmlinuz

then, exit from x-windows. either reboot, or run lilo.

and, that's it.

Thanks Isajera, Have a couple of questions though..
1. If the build fails for some reason, will I be left with the existing kernel? Or will the entire OS need to be reinstalled?
2. Does your discription pertain to any perticular distro?
3. I assume I don't have to log in in single or rescue mode,right!

Other generic questions I have are..
1. How to run lilo? Just type 'lilo' at command prompt?
2. How can I move the lilo from root partiton to the floppy?

Thanks,
Connie,

if the build fails, then nothing happens. all that happens during the build is that you're creating a new file to take the place of the old kernel. the kernel that is currently working will not be affected until you either reboot or run lilo. most distros have the kernel image in the /boot/vmlinuz file. at boottime, the kernel is loaded from this file. from that point on, it resides completely in memory, so the contents of vmlinuz don't matter until the kernel is reloaded.

the instructions should be distro-independant. as for logging in, it's generally safer to do a kernel rebuild in text mode, but it's not necessary. i've done quite a few from x-windows. as for reloading the kernel, it's probably easiest to just reboot. running lilo will also do the job, but i'd highly recommend being in text mode for that. honestly... i don't think i've ever tried a kernel reload from x.

remember, if you get stuck, NOTHING on your system has been changed until you do one of the following:
make modules_install <- this installs any new modules, but doesn't get rid of old ones. it's safe
cp arch.../bzImage /boot/vmlinuz <- this changes the kernel file. but, the new kernel is not yet loaded.

you can run lilo just by typing lilo. i'd recommed rebooting tho - it's just less stressful for newbies.

if you boot from a floppy, then you'll need to change the respective files on the floppy - it's pretty much like the /boot directory.