FINALLY compiled a working kernel!
 

i would just like to remark on how great it is compiling your own optimized linux kernel! i have just done mine and it does everything my old generic Slackware 2.4.26 couldn't do!

after months of failed kernels i spent ages going through xconfig and optimizing it, followed by make; make modules_install and copying the bzImage and System.map to /boot, and updating lilo. it works perfectly and i couldnt be happier. a few words of advice to anyone compiling a kernel -

1. dont be put off by errors in kernel boots such as it being unable to find 'root', just save your .config and back it up and keep tweaking and compiling with the latest gcc compilers and xconfig until it works.

2. compile sound as a MODULE if possible.

3. have a good look through the network settings as lots of options that aren't ticked are relatively mandatory.

4. DONT use a high res prompt straigh away as if you havent installed them yet for your card and you arent using generic ones you wont have any screen output to work with! low res normal prompts are better.

5. keep kernel size under 25meg.

6. dont be afraid to compile things as modules.

thanks for all the help linuxquestions gave me - ill be back next time i screw something up!! lol :)

Re: FINALLY compiled a working kernel!
 

LOL..........mine is 749 kb..................
no kernel should ever be 25 meg.........
compile everything you can as modules...........
and the rest into the kernel...........

lol my bad! i just realised it should be 2.5 not 25! hehe

mine is 1.8 meg :)

I remember the first time fondly. I have been using Linux for just over 5 years and I compiled my first kernel this year coz I thought it was something scary :D and for gurus only. However once you've done it it seems like it's not really difficult.