Re: 2.6 kernel: module cannot be unloaded

[Roberto Sanchez <rcsanchez97@yahoo.es>]

Thanasis Kinias wrote:
> scripsit Roberto Sanchez:
>  
>
> > Module unloading *must* be specifically enabled in 2.6 kernels.
> > Otherwise, you can only load.
>
>
> OK, I recompiled and enabled that...  (Aside:  Lots of possible gotchas
> switching to 2.6...)
>
> ...and I can now unload _some_ but not all modules.  Specifically,
> ide_probe_mod and piix are listed as `unsafe' and cannot be unloaded.
> They are loaded at boot.  With modconf unusable ATM I'm not sure how to
> go about cleaning out the cruft...  I've got a boatload of IDE drivers
> being unnecessarily loaded... 


They are unsafe to unload because it is possible that unloading them
could cause very serious problems.  To unload those, you must have
enabled CONFIG_MODULE_FORCE_UNLOAD (for Forced Module Unloading):

This option allows you to force a module to unload, even if the
kernel believes it is unsafe: the kernel will remove the module
without waiting for anyone to stop using it (using the -f option to
rmmod).  This is mainly for kernel developers and desperate users.
If unsure, say N.

-Roberto

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