Booting more than one kernel on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

This document (3086701) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10

Situation

Booting more than one kernel on Suse Linux Enterprise Server
How to update the kernel and save the previously installed kernel

Resolution

Run YOU to update the linux server, but do not do an automatic update, select the option to manually select packages.
Select all of the desired packages minus the linux kernel packages.
Finish the update of the linux system.
Download the kernel packages separately.
Install the kernel rpm packages from the commandline with the following parameters:
rpm -ivh --force packagename.rpm

Note: Do not use the -F option. This option will remove previously installed kernels.
Next change to the /boot directory and review the symbolic links to make sure they are correct. The install script should have modified initrd and vmlinuz so they point to the new kernel:
initrd ->initrd-2.6.5-7.283-default
vmlinuz ->vmlinuz-2.6.5-7.283-default

Along with two new symbolic links (initrd.previous andvmlinuz.previous) pointing to the previous kernel:
initrd.previous ->initrd-2.6.5-7.244-default
vmlinuz.previous ->vmlinuz-2.6.5-7.244-default
To create the symbolic links manually use the following syntax:
ln -s vmlinuz-2.6.5-7.244-default vmlinuz.previous
ln -s initrd-2.6.5-7.244-default initrd.previous
Next edit the /boot/grub/menu.lst file and put an entry in here for the previous kernel. You can copy the current entry for the current kernel you are using and modify it. The end result should look similar to:
###Don't change this comment - YaST2 identifier: Original name: linux###
title Linux Previous
kernel (hd0,1)/boot/vmlinuz.previous root=/dev/sda2 vga=0x333 selinux=0 splash=silent resume=/dev/sda1 elevator=cfq showopts
initrd (hd0,1)/boot/initrd.previous
Reboot the server and validate that the previous kernel shows up in the boot menu and that both kernels are bootable.

Additional Information

Formerly known as TID# 10099979

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.