can't bott kernel - Kernel panic
 

Hi!

I have recompiled 2.6.15 kernel to make my USB mouse to work, but when I rebooted the system to start the recompiled kernel, it said:

Please append a correct "root=" boot option
Kernel panic - not syncing

How can I get back into the system without reinstalling linux? What does the message actually mean?

Thanks

The message more than likely means that you forgot to compile in support for your root filesystem.

Can you choose a different kernel at the LILO prompt?

I cannot choose a different kernel al LILO. This is exactly what the message is:

VFS: Canot open root device "303" or unknown-block(3,3)
Please append a correct "root=" boot option
Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount fs on unknown-block(3,3)

Looks like you'll need to boot from a Live CD and reinstall your old kernel into Lilo.
Unless of course you deleted the original kernel?

And if you removed your old kernel (which you should never do), its still possible from the livecd to use chroot to recompile your kernel (unless the live cd has gcc, rare..) and put it back on /boot.

During configuration, be sure to do this:

I have removed the old kernel. So, I will use chroot.
Is Live CD the cd1-installation cd?