how to use initrd command

I'm attempting to upgrade Debian 3.1 kernel version 2.4 to the latest 2.6 version. I understand I need to add a initrd command somewhere in this. How do I pass this command and when (a link to a document would be a big help). Thanks Jon

kernel upgrade error

I'm trying to upgrade my Debian sarge 3.1 kernel 2.4 to the 2.6. Using aptitude install kernel-image-xx.xx.xxx when I rebooted the system hung at the prompt of sbin/init:432: cannot open dev/console: no such file. I then used a knoppix 4.0 cd to boot from and mounted the root partition and issu