Re: I compiled the kernel but it doesn't do any thing, its a bit like typing "halt

> > init=/bin/sh is already defined in init/main.c isn't 
> > it?
> >
> >Once the kernel has booted, it usually passed control to init.  The
> >kernel usually looks for init in /sbin /etc and /bin, but if there is
> >no init in those locations, /bin/sh is looked for as a last resort.
> 
> 
> >I am assuming that you have an init on your system, but something is
> >wrong.
> 
> Perhaps. It may be the kernel.
> 
>   Using init=/bin/sh will allow you to use the shell as the init
> >process, which proves it's an init problem.
> 
> I did it but to no avail... Alas Mandrake sucks :-)

So, does the shell run successfully, or does the kernel still hang?

If the shell runs successfully, it's an init problem.  If the kernel hangs,
it's probably a kernel problem.

> >> I accidentally compiled initrd in, but ive got it off
> >> with "noinitrd".
> >
> >I don't really understand what you're trying to do.
> 
> Ok John, I'll put it simply, Im trying to compile a 2.5.* kernel. ;-) 

OK...

> Once ive got a 2.5.* series kernel to work on my machine, I've
> decided to download .66 when I can get the one Ive got now to compile.

So, if your init works fine with 2.4.x, why are you assuming that it's
likely to be an init problem when a 2.5.x kernel doesn't boot?  I thought
maybe you were having specific problems that suggested that init might be to
blame.

> Ok John, calm down you seem a bit agitated :-)

Eh?  What are you basing that on!?  I'm not agitated at all.

> Maybe you've been talking to Andre ;-)

Errr, no.

John.