Hi Paul -- You asked: > I need to create a custom installation boot disk to install Debian on a > system at work. This is a custom server, with a SCSI main drive on an > Adaptec 2940UW controller. Once I get the main drive supported and the > base installed, I can finish it from there. > > I've heard here that the custom kernels available do not work. Can they > be made to work, or would creating my own be better? (I have a working > Debian machine at home.) Where are the docs hiding to create my own > install boot disks? >
If I were you, I'd just make my own. Here's what to do: Fetch the latest kernel. I use tsx-11.mit.edu, and get the latest version from /pub/linux/sources/system/v2.0 I think the latest version is 2.0.20. If you unzip and untar the kernel into, say, /usr/local/src/linux-2.0.20, then cd to that directory. Install the Debian package kernel-package. (Even though you're not supposed to, I then) execute make config. Execute: make-kpkg kernel_image This will make a .deb file which includes the kernel and modules. Install the Debian package boot-floppies (which is in the devel section). Then run bootdisk.sh. It takes three arguments: -- the full path name of the .deb file containing your kernel -- the device name for your floppy, e.g., /dev/fd0 -- the number of blocks on your floppy, e.g., 1440 If you forget, just execute bootdisk.sh with no arguments, and then you'll get reminded from a Usage statement. There are scripts in there to make a rootdisk and basedisks as well, but you can just as easily use the rootdisk and basedisks provided at any Debian archive. HTH, Susan Kleinmann
