Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: unable to mount root fs on unknown-block
 

Hi everyone,


I am trying to install RHEL4 on wmware6.5.I am using windows 7 x64.I use .iso files for installation .Altough I can allocate harddisk but at the begining of installation it gives that error..
"Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: unable to mount root fs on unknown-block"

Thanks in advance for your time and helps

NewLinuxMember, I never used a VM. But I can tell you that the problem you have in here is because the kernel is unable to mount your partitition.
So, does it happen when you start the installation, or when you start the system for the first time?

The cause of the error is because either your bootloader (grub probably) cannot find the root partition, or the kernel you are using does not support the filesystem type. Make sure that the bootloader entry actually points to the root partition.

Ex: in the /etc/fstab file, make sure that your /dev/sd_ or /dev/hd_ partition where the root ("/") is correct.

And if you're sure that it's correct, check to make sure you have the filesystem support in your kernel.

My issue is that I compiled a kernel with ext4 as a MODULE (M) rather than building it right into the kernel (*)



If that description goes over your head, try these steps:

If you install RHEL linux again in vmware, partition your drives using ext3 if you haven't before. Using ext4 might be causing you headaches if the module isn't built in. You may have to custom partition in order to do so.

I'm guessing compiling a kernel is beyond your level, and since it's in a vm, I wouldn't bother unless it's important.

If it doesn't work setting all file system types to ext3, and it's not your grub configuration, it could be some kernel issue and you might want to try another kernel, Red Hat version, or distribution.

I hope this helps.
:)

It happens when I start the installation
 

it happens when I start the installation.I installed 32-bit RHEL5 on 64-bit machine before without any problems but now installing 64-bit RHEL4 or RHEL5 became problem.

Thanks for your attention, Dracuss

Was it also on windows 7?
Also, look at this forum. http://communities.vmware.com/thread/238481 It's not really about your case, but it says that vmware 6.5.x works awful on windows7

EXT2-fs: unable to read superblock
 

Yes,I have installed x64 RHEL5.4 a few hours ago but , still there is a problem with RHEL 4

crc error
EXT2-fs: unable to read superblock
isofs_fill_super : bread failed, dev=md1, iso_blknum=16, block = 32
Kernel-panic not-syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown block (9,1)


thanks for you direction