Next Previous Contents

4.2 Using the patch

After you install your brand new kernel, open your ``menu.lst'' and:

  1. Add an entry for your new kernel
  2. At the beginning of your configuration file, change any ``default number'' you may have in ``default saved''.
  3. In your new kernel entry, add the line ``savedefault number_of_old_and_good_kernel_entry''.
  4. From the command line, run the grub shell with the command ``grub'' (you need to be root) and type the command ``savedefault number_of_new_kernel_entry''.
  5. Check the operation was successful by using ``showdefault''.
  6. Add the parameter ``panic=10'' to your kernel image.
  7. You should now be done.
This process is not ``idiot proof'' and does not guarantee against many kernel malfunctions. Anyway, this process can be easily automated and quite a number of kernel problems will be nicely catched and handled without having to access the server physically. At worst, you will be able to make a phone call and ask for somebody to just reboot your server.


Next Previous Contents