How to keep modules/drivers across kernel recompiles and kernel versions?

Pisces107 · 01-18-2004, 05:39 PM

hi,

whenever i recompile the kernel, modules/drivers for my modem/graphics card and sound wont load, and with every kernel recompile (of the same kernel version) i have to re-install them.

Q1. is there a way i don't have to reinstall drivers/modules for my modem/vga/sound after every kernel recompile ( of the same kernel version) ?

currently i'm using kernel 2.4.24 and also compiled the latest(?) 2.6.1 in. but now modules/drivers for modem/vga/sound won't compile with the new kernel version for some strange reason ( i have tried quite a few workarounds).

Q2. is there a way, OR is it possible to use sound/modem/vga modules/drivers from different/older kernel version?

TIA.

leonscape · 01-18-2004, 06:57 PM

The difference between 2.4 and 2.6 kernels means you can't use 2.4 modules with 2.6 kernels or vice-versa. Even with a recompile.

With the same version kernel you shouldn't have to recompile. Though you do sometime have to reinstall. Depends if you have revision numbers, or markers in the kernel. i.e 2.4.23-1 and 2.4.23-2 won't use the same modules directory.

Pisces107 · 01-18-2004, 09:12 PM

hmm...okay, but with the same kernel version , for example, 2.4.24 , with no trailing version numbers , (2.424-1 etc) , i have to recompile the modules/drivers. say, when i put something in or pull something out of the kernel and to do a compile...my understanding is, i should be able to use the modules for the same kernel version, when i'm not changing the major and/or minor versions.

so, is there a workaround i don't have to do recompile modules?

and better, is it at all possible, to use modules across kernel versions?

anyone ??

leonscape · 01-18-2004, 09:32 PM

Quote:

hmm...okay, but with the same kernel version , for example, 2.4.24 , with no trailing version numbers , (2.424-1 etc) , i have to recompile the modules/drivers.

Why do you have too?

Quote:

say, when i put something in or pull something out of the kernel and to do a compile...my understanding is, i should be able to use the modules for the same kernel version, when i'm not changing the major and/or minor versions.

Your understanding is correct.

Quote:

so, is there a workaround i don't have to do recompile modules?

If your doing a make clean or make mrproper, this could be why your having to recompile.

Modules are not normally recompiled, even if you reconfigure ( Unless they've not been compiled before ). Make is quite clever about this. If you did not add any modules to your current kernel.

Using modules across kernel versions is a very bad idea they can appear to work but have bugs, and or not work at all. Linux actively tries to stop this, as it can damage your machine.

Pisces107 · 01-19-2004, 04:25 PM

i have to recompile drivers and modules for my modem,sound card and video card afetr every compile of the same version ...because they just don't work and complain not being installed.

Pisces107 · 01-21-2004, 08:29 PM

anyone ?????????