[SOLVED] Older distributions won't recognize newer mother board IDE DMA

Dear Gentle Folk,

I run an ISP with various servers such as mail servers. Once something works I let it run forever. Thus I have a mail server
running FC5 on a Mach Speed pm400 via chip set motherboard.

Recently the motherboard died, and I had to use a back up board
to get it going again. I am now out of back up boards and need
to purchase a new set for the future.

However the mail server software will not activate the IDE DMA on these newer boards because the chip set drivers are not in the last
kernel package that yum would download for FC5.

1.) Is there an easy fix to this problem to get the DMA working?

2.) Do I have to download and compile a latest kernel (2.6.x) to get
the right drivers?

3.) Since FC5 is fully modularized, is there an easy way to create
a similar kernel from a download without having to manually turn all
the modules on?

4.) CAn I simply use the original .config from my existing kernel
in the new one?

Thanks in advance to all who take the time to educate me on this.

Homer W. Smith
Lightlink Internet
www.lightlink.com

Their may be changes in glibc since the kernel used in FC5. If so, updating to a recent version would be a good idea. It would be a good idea for security reasons as well. Especially as you are an ISP.

To adapt the settings of the current running kernel, and prompt for changes, run "make oldconfig" before running "make xconfig". Then you can tweak the config options further.

http://www.google.com/search?client=...utf-8&oe=utf-8

http://www.google.com/search?client=...814adcc8d34938

Try to Google if your distro is supported before you download.

Originally Posted by jschiwal Their may be changes in glibc since the kernel used in FC5. If so, updating to a recent version would be a good idea. It would be a good idea for security reasons as well. Especially as you are an ISP. To adapt the settings of the current running kernel, and prompt for changes, run "make oldconfig" before running "make xconfig". Then you can tweak the config options further.

Thanks for answering. Please bear with me.

Mail server is presently FC5 on older end of life Mach Speed board.

Want to upgrade board to Biostar Pm400-m7-FE or something newer
because I can get them

FC5 won't find Southbridge on newer boards, says unknown south bridge.

Want to run newer kernel still using original FC5 drives and software.

Could you delineate the exact steps I would take if this is
possible?

Thanks in advance. Homer