ERROR MESSAGE
0b00 1048575 sr0 driver: sr
kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown block (8,23)
Pid: 1 comm: swapper not tainted 2.6.33.4 # 3
Call Trace:
[<ffffffff819ffef6>] panic+0x78/0x134
[<ffffffff8211f181>] mount_block_root+0x1ea/0x29e
[<ffffffff8211f2d5>] mount_root+0x20/0xa4
[<ffffffff8211f449>] prepare_namespace+0x170/0x1a9
[<ffffffff8211e70d>] kernel_init+0x18c/0x19c
[<ffffffff81003694>] kernel_thread_helper+0x4/0x10
[<ffffffff8211e58e>] kernel_init+0x0/0x19c
[<ffffffff81003690>] kernel_thread_helper+0x0/0x10
END ERROR MESSAGE

I assume line 2 of the error message is telling me that the kernel is trying to mount root fs (initrd.img) on unknown block (8.23) (the ramdisk)??

A stab in the dark makes me think I should look at the meaning of "block (8,23)" or possibly the source for the "initrd.img" would that be busybox in the source/installer directory?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. also this was a good way to push the thread back up to the top and maybe get some more eyes on it.

thanks
john

My problem has been resolved with directions from PV.

It appears the with my particular machine / BIOS for some reason the kernel was getting overwritten by the initrd.img.

The solution per PV's suggestion was to use my 13.0 install dvd to get to the login prompt. Then to swap in my 13.1 dvd to log in and run setup and do the install. Worked like a charm.

Thanks
john

PS can someone tell me how to mark this thread solved?

Thread tools => mark thread as solved.