>I have following questions regarding kernel 2.4.30 compilation: > >1) after menuconfig i select options and save it to a >configuration file >.config_2.4.30.but when the config file is actually stored? >2)I want to configure minimal kernel.What can be the smallest size of >the kernel possible? Its a relative term ..you can't have a fixed minimum size .. it depends on what all features you want in the kernel. If you have a system with jazzy hardware configuration.. and you want all of them to work you will definately land up with a fat kernel. >3) To make the kernel minimal i removed following options: > -> kernel automounter support > ->Secondary extended fs support > ->ATA/IDE/MFM/RLL support > >I was able to reduce kernel size to 845 KB,but when i booted from the >kernel. > >It gives, >ds:no socket drivers loaded >kernel panic:VFS:Unable to mount root fs on 03:05 > >Can i get a list of possible kernel panic errors and reasons from some >manual or site? > just grep in the kernel source for panic.at least you will get a list of all the possible kernel panic messages cd /usr/src/linux find . |xargs grep -e 'panic(' | less >4)In README file that comes with the kernel source. >It gives following steps: >make mrproper >make menuconfig >make dep bzImage modules modules_install > >but it does not mention any of the steps for making initial >ramdisk for >my new kernel. >I am doing following for making initial ram disk: >#cd /lib/modules/kernel version >#mkinitd 2.4.30.img 2.4.30/ >and when the image file is created i copy it to /boot and make >appropriate entries in /etc/lilo.conf > >Am i doing right thing for making inird? > yes .. >5)Is there any site or manual that gives information on how to build >minimal kernel? > You should know your hardware well to figure what is _minimal_ in your case. Say kernel with math-emulation compiled in will still use the coprocessor if one is present: the math emulation will just never get used in that case. the "kernel hacking" configuration details usually result in a bigger or slower kernel (or both). you should probably answer 'n' to the questions for "development", "experimental", or "debugging" features. You can also disable FSHOOKS regards lk -- Kernelnewbies: Help each other learn about the Linux kernel. Archive: http://mail.nl.linux.org/kernelnewbies/ FAQ: http://kernelnewbies.org/faq/