SUSE Support

Here When You Need Us

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

  1. Run YOU to update the linux server, but do not do an automatic update, select the option to manually select packages.
  2. Select all of the desired packages minus the linux kernel packages.
  3. Finish the update of the linux system.
  4. Download the kernel packages separately.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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.

  • Document ID:3086701
  • Creation Date: 04-Jan-2007
  • Modified Date:04-Mar-2021
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

< Back to Support Search

For questions or concerns with the SUSE Knowledgebase please contact: tidfeedback[at]suse.com

tick icon

SUSE Support Forums

Get your questions answered by experienced Sys Ops or interact with other SUSE community experts.

tick icon

Support Resources

Learn how to get the most from the technical support you receive with your SUSE Subscription, Premium Support, Academic Program, or Partner Program.

tick icon

Open an Incident

Open an incident with SUSE Technical Support, manage your subscriptions, download patches, or manage user access.