Re: new kernel option
Jerome BENOIT wrote:
Bonjour:
Thanks for your messages:
let me be more specific.
I am trying to build a 2.2.19 kernel
with the Debian kernel-package
for a Tow Processors AMD computer
with an RTL8139 ethernet card.
The Mafile (`make menuconfig')
chooses as pre-config file the
file arch/i386/defconfig'
which does not contain
the macro link to the RTL8139 ethernet card modue:
hence my frustration.
What must I do ?
Thanks,
Jerome
Jerome,
I am not sure I fully understand your problem, but here goes...
The purpose of the "make menuconfig" process is to create a current
".config" file that the system uses for the rest of the compile process.
If there is an EXISTING /usr/src/linux/.config file, it will use it
as a starting point for your configuration. At the end you will be
asked if you want to save the "new" config, and if you say yes, the
original /usr/src/linux/.config is re-named to ".oldconfig" and a new
".config file is created.
If you start off with a "clean" kernel source tree, it will NOT have an
existing ".config" file, hence the fall-back to the arch/i386/defconfig
file placed there by the kernel maintainers. This is a very
CONSERVATIVE file that will NOT prompt you for any options considered
"experimental" by the kernel maintainers. If you look at this file with
a text editor, you will see that "CONFIG_EXPERMENTAL" is not set. This
provides a very "basic" or "bare-bones" starting point and probably is
your problem. The RTL8139 module selection only shows up when you
choose the "prompt for experimental..." option under the main "Code
Maturity Level" section at the start of the menu process. Turn it on
first, and I bet you will see the RTL8139 module option listed later on
in the Network Devices section.
The ".config" file for your current operating Debian kernel is stored in
/boot as "config-<kernel version>". I would use this as your starting
point for the compilation, as most of the things that will mess you up
are already taken care of. If you only want to make some minor changes
over your current setup, then this is the way to go. Here is what I
would do:
1. In your /usr/src/linux directory remove any existing .config file.
You can probably do this by running "make clean" and/or "make mrproper".
You should probably do this to remove any stale files from previous
compiles and make sure you have a "clean" source tree.
2. Copy the "/boot/config-XXXXX" file to "/usr/src/linux/.config".
(Note that is a DOT CONFIG in the /usr/src/linux directory!!)
3. Run your favorite config program to select/modify the options you
want. (make config, make meuconfig, make xconfig).
4. Run "make dep"
5. Proceed with the rest of the compile using either of the available
methods.
This should get you going....
Cheers & Good Luck!
-Don Spoon-
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