Re: initrd.img ?
On Thu, Mar 03, 2005 at 06:04:26PM +0000, Wee-Jin Goh wrote:
> On Thu, 2005-03-03 at 09:32 -0800, Paul J. Lucas wrote:
> > If one is compiling a custom kernel, does one need the
> > initrd.img file?
> >
> > I've compiled kernels before (it's been a while, however), and I
> > don't remember about having to use an initrd.img file. Can't I
> > just point yaboot.conf directly at the vmlinux file?
> >
> > If I do need an initrd.img file, how does one make one?
> >
> > - Paul
> >
> >
>
> The initrd file is the Initial Ram Disk that holds the modules that are
> needed for the system to boot. I don't know if you can do without it,
> but all of my machines need the initrd since I compile ext3 and reiserfs
> as modules and these are needed to read the filesystem and have to be
> loaded via the initrd.
>
> To make an initrd.img file, use the command mkinitrd. Look up the man
> pages for more info as it's a very simple command to use.
If you compile in "enough" drivers, instead of making them modules,
you won't need an initrd. "Enough" means at least the driver for your
hard disk, the filesystem for your root partition, and maybe your
keyboard, mouse, and video.
--
Eric Cooper e c c @ c m u . e d u
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