Non-destructive method for loading a new kernel

From NAS-Central Buffalo - The Linkstation Wiki

Revision as of 19:02, 30 June 2006

This article Based on work by frontalot and timtimred. Originally by timtimred. at Linkstationwiki.org

PowerPC Only | This kernel loading method only works for the powerpc-hdhlan and powerpc-hdhglan LinkStations; it does not work for the mipsel-hdhlan LinkStation.

This article details a non-destructive (no flashing required) method for loading a new kernel. We will use a special kernel module which loads a new kernel in real-time. We assume that you already have a working Projects/OpenLink or Projects/FreeLink installation.

• Download and install the appropriate additional kernel modules package for your LinkStation. You may download and manually install them from the [downloads area] or automatically install them via the [ipkg feed].

• Download and extract a precompiled kernel. You may obtain one from the [downloads area] or use an existing Kuro Box kernel. Kuro Box kernels work on the powerpc-hdhlan LinkStation while Kuro Box HG kernels work on the powerpc-hdhglan LinkStation. Remember that the kernel must be in binary form:

objcopy -O binary vmlinux

• Then load the new kernel using the special loader.o kernel module (adjust directories as necessary):

cd /lib/modules/2.4.17_mvl21-sandpoint
sync; modprobe loader kernel=/boot/vmlinux

• Wait a few seconds then log in to your LinkStation and verify that it's using the new kernel:

uname -a

• You will need to load the new kernel after each reboot. A special thanks goes out to Jochang for writing this wonderful kernel loader. You may obtain the loader.o source code from [here] or directly from [Jochang's web site].