Here in this post I will explain how to compile and install Linux Kernel 3.0 and Linux Kernel 3.1 in Ubuntu. Linux Kernel 3.0.1 is the latest stable release and you can download it from kernel.org. If you are new to Linux then I strongly recommend you try with Linux Kernel 3.0 and you can later patch it with Linux Kernel 3.0.1. If you don’t like to compile the kernel, then you can directly install the debian packages Click Here.
Fedora users Click Here.
Update: Follow the same steps to compile and install the Linux Kernel 3.4rc3 / 3.3 / 3.2 / 3.1 / 3.0.x in your system.
Dependencies
To compile Linux Kernel the following are required to be installed.
- gcc latest version,
- ncurses development package and
- system packages should be up-to date
To install the dependencies run the following commands in terminal and type the password for the user, when prompted.
For gcc
$ sudo apt-get install gcc
For ncurses development package
$ sudo apt-get install libncurses5-dev
After installing the above packages then update your system by running the following command
$ sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
Now download the Linux Kernel 3.0 from kernel.org or by using the below command.
Note:
If you are trying with Linux Kernel 3.4 / 3.3 / 3.2 / 3.1 / 3.0.x then just replace the name linux-3.0 with linux-3.4 / linux-3.3 / linux-3.2 / linux-3.1 / linux-3.0.x in all commands below.
$ wget http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v3.0/linux-3.0.tar.bz2
Once the download complete move to the directory where you have downloaded the kernel package “linux-3.0.tar.bz2“. Now extract the tar file to the location “/usr/src/“.
To move to the directory, for example if the downloaded package is in your Downloads directory. Use the below command.
$ cd Downloads/
To extract the tar file run the following command. Type the password for the user when prompted.
$ sudo tar -xvf linux-3.0.tar.bz2 -C /usr/src/
Now move to the directory where the extracted file is, or copy and paste the below command in terminal.
$ cd /usr/src/linux-3.0/
Now you can configure, compile and install Linux Kernel 3.0 in your system. Run the commands one by one and type the password for the user, when prompted.
To Configure
$ sudo make menuconfig
The above command is used to configure the Linux kernel. Once you execute the command, you will get a pop up window with the list of menus and you can select the items for the new configuration. If your unfamiliar with the configuration just check for the file systems menu and check whether ext4 is chosen or not, if not select it and save the configuration. Check the screen shot below for menuconfig.
If you like to have your existing configuration then run the below command.
$ sudo make oldconfig
There are other alternate configuration commands are available and you can find them in README file under linux-3.0 directory.
To Compile
$ sudo make
The above command is used to compile the Linux Kernel. It will take some time to complete it, approximately 40 min to 50 min it depends on your system configuration.
To Install
$ sudo make modules_install install
The above command will install the Linux Kernel 3.0 into your system. It will create some files under /boot/ directory and it will automatically make a entry in your grub.cfg. Check whether it made correct entry and check for the files it created.
The files under /boot/ directory are,
- System.map-3.0.0
- vmlinuz-3.0.0
- initrd.img-3.0.0
- config-3.0.0
If you unable to find the initrd.img-3.0.0 file then create it. Run the below command to create it.
$ sudo update-initramfs -u -k 3.0.0
Update
If the above command unable to update / generate the initramfs then run the following command to create new initramfs.
$ sudo update-initramfs -c -k 3.0.0
Your grub.cfg file should be like the screen shots(example) below if not edit it.
For Linux Kernel 3.0
For Linux Kernel 3.0.1
To modify the grub.cfg under “/boot/grub/” directory. Open the file using below command.
$ sudo gedit /boot/grub/grub.cfg
After modifying your grub.cfg, update your grub by running the following command.
$ sudo update-grub
Restart your system by default it will boot in Ubuntu 3.0.0, you can able to see while booting. To check after booting open a terminal and type “uname -r“. Check the screen shot below.
Hope this will be helpful for you!!!
Thanks for a detailed explanation. It really worked as mentioned and I have now updated my kernel on Ubuntu 11.04. Thanks again
Did not work on kubuntu 11.10. make and install worked with no errors or problems. I done the 3.1.0 and it shows up in grub.cfg as well has 3 files in boot for 3.1.0 but when i reboot and get grub 1.99 list it only shows linux mint and ubuntu kernel 3.0.12 and 3.0.11 but when check grub.cfg it shows all them even 3.1.0 so i cannot boot into the kernel
Hi Windsigra,
Which is your default OS, Linux Mint or Ubuntu. If its Linux Mint, then update your grub in Linux Mint.
I changed default…and even when i check it with start-up manager it shows 3.1.0 kernel as default…but when boot up linux mint stays default and 3.1.0 kernel dont show only 3.0.0.12 and 3.0.0.11 and linux mint at top
I uninstalled grub 1.99 and reinstalled grub which switch it from linuxmint custom back to ubuntu’s i guessing but eitherway it worked perfect and all show up now.
$ sudo update-initramfs -u -k 3.0.0
i had to switch -u to -c in debian so probably in ubuntu too
root@debianvm:/usr/src/linux-3.1# update-initramfs -u -k 3.1.0-rc4
/boot/initrd.img-3.1.0-rc4 does not exist. Cannot update.
Hi Flex,
Yes, If its unable to update the initramfs file then you need to create it using -c.
If you build a new kernel you cannot use ‘update-initramfs -u’ as there is no initramfs to update yet. You can only create a new one ‘… -c’ and then update at some point if necessary..
thanks alot
it really works
hey i am doing my project on uec iand i sometimes get an error “no address associated with hostname”
i have tried all the ways change dns nameserver to google and manually enter the ip address of web sites
but manually entering is a bulky process
could you help me out
thanku:)
When I update initfrafms to 3.0.3 i did not any changes to 3.0.3
#
# DO NOT EDIT THIS FILE
#
# It is automatically generated by grub-mkconfig using templates
# from /etc/grub.d and settings from /etc/default/grub
#
### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/00_header ###
if [ -s $prefix/grubenv ]; then
set have_grubenv=true
load_env
fi
set default=”0″
if [ "${prev_saved_entry}" ]; then
set saved_entry=”${prev_saved_entry}”
save_env saved_entry
set prev_saved_entry=
save_env prev_saved_entry
set boot_once=true
fi
function savedefault {
if [ -z "${boot_once}" ]; then
saved_entry=”${chosen}”
save_env saved_entry
fi
}
function recordfail {
set recordfail=1
if [ -n "${have_grubenv}" ]; then if [ -z "${boot_once}" ]; then save_env recordfail; fi; fi
}
function load_video {
insmod vbe
insmod vga
insmod video_bochs
insmod video_cirrus
}
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root=’(/dev/sda,msdos5)’
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root e35f5b30-8654-4a9d-9c7f-1189a7394800
if loadfont /usr/share/grub/unicode.pf2 ; then
set gfxmode=auto
load_video
insmod gfxterm
fi
terminal_output gfxterm
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root=’(/dev/sda,msdos5)’
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root e35f5b30-8654-4a9d-9c7f-1189a7394800
set locale_dir=($root)/boot/grub/locale
set lang=en_US
insmod gettext
if [ "${recordfail}" = 1 ]; then
set timeout=-1
else
set timeout=5
fi
### END /etc/grub.d/00_header ###
### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/05_debian_theme ###
set menu_color_normal=white/black
set menu_color_highlight=black/light-gray
### END /etc/grub.d/05_debian_theme ###
### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/10_linux ###
set linux_gfx_mode=text
export linux_gfx_mode
if [ "$linux_gfx_mode" != "text" ]; then load_video; fi
menuentry ‘Ubuntu, with Linux 2.6.38-8-generic’ –class ubuntu –class gnu-linux –class gnu –class os {
recordfail
set gfxpayload=$linux_gfx_mode
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root=’(/dev/sda,msdos5)’
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root e35f5b30-8654-4a9d-9c7f-1189a7394800
linux /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.38-8-generic root=/dev/sda5 ro quiet splash nomodeset
GRUB_GFXMODE=1280×800
video=uvesafb:mode_option=1366×768-24,mtrr=3,scroll=ywrap vt.handoff=7
initrd /boot/initrd.img-2.6.38-8-generic
}
menuentry ‘Ubuntu, with Linux 2.6.38-8-generic (recovery mode)’ –class ubuntu –class gnu-linux –class gnu –class os {
recordfail
set gfxpayload=$linux_gfx_mode
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root=’(/dev/sda,msdos5)’
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root e35f5b30-8654-4a9d-9c7f-1189a7394800
echo ‘Loading Linux 2.6.38-8-generic …’
linux /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.38-8-generic root=/dev/sda5 ro single
echo ‘Loading initial ramdisk …’
initrd /boot/initrd.img-2.6.38-8-generic
}
### END /etc/grub.d/10_linux ###
### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/20_linux_xen ###
### END /etc/grub.d/20_linux_xen ###
### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/20_memtest86+ ###
menuentry “Memory test (memtest86+)” {
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root=’(/dev/sda,msdos5)’
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root e35f5b30-8654-4a9d-9c7f-1189a7394800
linux16 /boot/memtest86+.bin
}
menuentry “Memory test (memtest86+, serial console 115200)” {
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root=’(/dev/sda,msdos5)’
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root e35f5b30-8654-4a9d-9c7f-1189a7394800
linux16 /boot/memtest86+.bin console=ttyS0,115200n8
}
### END /etc/grub.d/20_memtest86+ ###
### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/30_os-prober ###
menuentry “Windows 7 (loader) (on /dev/sda2)” –class windows –class os {
insmod part_msdos
insmod ntfs
set root=’(/dev/sda,msdos2)’
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 90984726984709E4
chainloader +1
}
### END /etc/grub.d/30_os-prober ###
### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/40_custom ###
# This file provides an easy way to add custom menu entries. Simply type the
# menu entries you want to add after this comment. Be careful not to change
# the ‘exec tail’ line above.
### END /etc/grub.d/40_custom ###
### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/41_custom ###
if [ -f $prefix/custom.cfg ]; then
source $prefix/custom.cfg;
fi
### END /etc/grub.d/41_custom ###
sorry I forget to say when update grub I got this massage:
hasan@hasan-HP:/usr/src/linux-3.0.3$ sudo update-grub
Searching for GRUB installation directory … found: /boot/grub
/etc/default/grub: line 39: unexpected EOF while looking for matching `”‘
Hi Hasan,
I think kernel 3.0.3 is not installed in your system. After running the below command what the output your getting?
$ sudo make modules_install install
And can you able to find the files (System.map-3.0.3, vmlinuz-3.0.3, initrd.img-3.0.3, config-3.0.3) under /boot directory.
Hi . When I run this command I found drivers are installing.
and I create initrd.img-3.0.3 . The other files exist.
I thinck your right .it is a problem from my system.
Thanks.
actually kernel README specifically says to put source in home directory and not in /usr/src: “Do NOT use the /usr/src/linux area! This area has a (usually incomplete) set of kernel headers that are used by the library header files. They should match the library, and not get messed up by whatever the kernel-du-jour happens to be.”
Hi:
I tried this, but how do I get /usr/lib/firmware/3.0.0 file.
In my last step sudo updatre initrm, it gives errors saying missing firmware.
I hope you are still reading the blog!
Hi Ben,
I have not yet come across this error, will check it and come back to you soon. Your using Debian OS isn’t it? Check for the updates.
i did according to ur way. I in grub menu i am missing linux-3.0. and in my /etc/defualt/grub there is no grub. and in /boot/ i found grub.cfg, menu.lst and menu.lst~. what should i do
Hi Dastagir,
Make a menuentry in your grub.cfg file. The menuentry should be like the screen shots which i have given under “update-initramfs” step.
thanks for ur quick reply. Very good guy. But u said if i unable to find initrd.img-3.0.0 in /boot directory. then i should run sudo update-initramfs -u -k 3.0.0. i found them when i ran sudo make modules_install install. so i didn’t run sudo update-initramfs -u -k 3.0.0. Though i found all four things under /boot directory i am still missing grub in /etc/default directory. and one more thing. i wanna do kernel programming. what are the procedures or steps. thanks again. god bless u
thanks Manivanna. It worked. keep going this good work pls
Great tutorial. Had problems with kernel for the last few days. Its really helpful for beginner. Thank you
Hello, according to the dscription, I installed kernel 3.0.4 for ubuntu 11.10
No problems with startup, but I need to have :
ubuntu@ubuntu-Aspire-5000:~$ sudo apt-get install linux-headers-`uname -r`
Paketlisten werden gelesen… Fertig
Abhängigkeitsbaum wird aufgebaut
Status-Informationen einlesen… Fertig
E: Paket linux-headers-3.0.4 kann nicht gefunden werden
E: Mittels regulärem Ausdruck »linux-headers-3.0.4« konnte kein Paket gefunden werden
> linux-headers-3.04 is not available
and I also see only :
ubuntu@ubuntu-Aspire-5000:~/rtl2832u-new-3.0$ ls /usr/src
linux-3.0.4 linux-headers-3.0.0-12 linux-headers-3.0.0-12-generic
any idea ?
Hi Gosia,
Thanks and Welcome to HowOpenSource
I updated the kernel to 3.0.4 in accordance to the description
But this didn’t solve the problem with the Cinergy T Stick Black.
I tried to pick up the installtion process again, but now I get
ubuntu@ubuntu-Aspire-5000:~/rtl2832u-new-3.0$ make
make -C /usr/src/linux-headers-`uname -r` SUBDIRS=/home/ubuntu/rtl2832u-new-3.0 modules
make: *** /usr/src/linux-headers-3.0.4: Datei oder Verzeichnis nicht gefunden. Schluss.
make: *** [default] Fehler 2
ubuntu@ubuntu-Aspire-5000:~/rtl2832u-new-3.0$
which is correct because I also see :
ubuntu@ubuntu-Aspire-5000:~/rtl2832u-new-3.0$ ls /usr/src
linux-3.0.4 linux-headers-3.0.0-12 linux-headers-3.0.0-12-generic
> I now tried to get the …headers-3.0.4 files
>> But the following didn’t help either
ubuntu@ubuntu-Aspire-5000:~$ sudo apt-get install linux-headers-`uname -r`
Paketlisten werden gelesen… Fertig
Abhängigkeitsbaum wird aufgebaut
Status-Informationen einlesen… Fertig
E: Paket linux-headers-3.0.4 kann nicht gefunden werden
E: Mittels regulärem Ausdruck »linux-headers-3.0.4« konnte kein Paket gefunden werden
ubuntu@ubuntu-Aspire-5000:~$
> translates to : NO linux-headers-3.0.4 packets could be found
How should I proceed now ? Did I miss someting by upgrading to kernel 3.0.4 ?
How do I get the linux-headers-3.0.4 ?
Hi Erwin,
I am not clear about this errors, Here you are building a new kernel, If you just want to update the kernel to new one (3.1/3.0.4) then you can follow this guide http://www.howopensource.com/.
Or if you want to install the linux-header-3.0.4, you can download it and install the same way from the above link..
Thank you very much, it works now for me. I had missed the above link.
DO NOT EDIT /BOOT/GRUB/GRUB.CFG BY HAND. Instead, do:
grub-mkconfig > /boot/grub/grub.cfg
as root.
Hi,
Can somebody explain to me if there are differences, and if so which, between installing a pre-compiled kernel and compile one with the above mentioned instructions?
I have installed kernels before but always the pre-compiled ones. Now I just wonder will it make a difference?
Who can help me with this question?
Hi,
There is difference between pre-compiled kernel and customised kernel.
In Case of customised kernels,
the kernel can be customised to work for specific hardware and user needs.
for e.g you don’t want someone to access the NTFS partition on linux machine..
Then u can uncheck the NTFS support while customising the kernel.
Then when booted using customised kernel it cannot mount NTFS…
By this way customised kernels help in adding drivers for printers, Lan ports etc. for the latest ones which are not supported by pre-compiled kernels..
fiuuhhh….got problem while running make, am using ubuntu 10.04 kern 2.6.32, want to upgrade to kern 3.0, i found error while running make and can’t solve it, would you please help me? thanks…
Hi rh15c,
What error you got while running make?? paste the error here…
Hi,
I’m using this method to compile kernel 3.1.2 and getting following error.
Please help me out from this trouble. And let me know what is missing for compiling(for make command).
Here is error code.
“samples/hidraw/hid-example.c:49: warning: unused variable ‘info’
samples/hidraw/hid-example.c:48: warning: unused variable ‘rpt_desc’
samples/hidraw/hid-example.c: In function ‘bus_str’:
samples/hidraw/hid-example.c:171: error: ‘BUS_VIRTUAL’ undeclared (first use in this function)
make[2]: *** [samples/hidraw/hid-example] Error 1
make[1]: *** [samples/hidraw] Error 2
make: *** [vmlinux] Error 2
”
thanks & regards,
bhavin
Hi, I want to get the option of booting to one of the desired kernels e.g 2.6 or 3.1 during startup , not something default . The steps above directly took me to 3.1.5 without any chance of rebooting to another kernel . Is there a way to attach that option .
Hi Motiur,
Modify your grub and make entry for other kernel(2.6), then set timeout=10.
I have got the same error as bhavin has got., I am trying to upgrade kernel on a vm machine (Xenserver)
Hi guys,
I have not yet tried in vm machines. I will try to check your errors and will get back to you on asap.
Your tutorial has been fully followed with GREATTTTTTT !!! Results usin mythbuntu 11.10 v …
Thanks a lot
Hey iam trying to build 2.6.35 in ubuntu 11.10 64 bit, and iam messed up with following errors
include/linux/irq.h: In function ‘alloc_desc_masks’:
include/linux/irq.h:442:8: warning: variable ‘gfp’ set but not used [-Wunused-but-set-variable]
AS arch/x86/kernel/entry_64.o
/tmp/ccSpnDT7.s: Assembler messages:
/tmp/ccSpnDT7.s: Error: .size expression for do_hypervisor_callback does not evaluate to a constant
make[2]: *** [arch/x86/kernel/entry_64.o] Error 1
make[1]: *** [arch/x86/kernel] Error 2
make: *** [arch/x86] Error 2
gajjela@gajjela-Dell-System-Inspiron-N411Z:/usr/src/linux-2.6.35$
Any help please….!
thanks for the wonderful detailed explanation. this went flawless. i just upgraded my kernel from 3.0.14 to 3.2.1 on ubuntu 11.10
hi
i have a problem
the initrd.img-3.2.9 does not existed
i do all the job successfully but i can not create it
help me please
i use kernel 3.2.9 libre
Hi Numb,
Use this command “sudo update-initramfs -c -k 3.2.9″ to create it.
Thank you very much, it works now for me.
how i am having ubuntu 11.10 .. for study purpose i want to learn abt kernel compilation. I want to know how to edit the grub that i can able to choose my kernel. Previously i used slackware where i edited lilo to make it work.
Hi,why im trying to use “apt update -grub ” it’s not working in command line
plz help wt the problem,,,,my linux MINT so i got problem with GRUB n i delete the ubuntu grub 1.9 wanna update MINT grub
I tried to compile 3.3.2 and i got this error :
OBJCOPY arch/x86/boot/vmlinux.bin
BUILD arch/x86/boot/bzImage
Setup is 16800 bytes (padded to 16896 bytes).
System is 4599 kB
CRC 569f109b
Kernel: arch/x86/boot/bzImage is ready (#2)
Building modules, stage 2.
MODPOST 3268 modules
ERROR: “__modver_version_show” [drivers/staging/rts5139/rts5139.ko] undefined!
WARNING: modpost: Found 4 section mismatch(es).
To see full details build your kernel with:
‘make CONFIG_DEBUG_SECTION_MISMATCH=y’
make[1]: *** [__modpost] Error 1
make: *** [modules] Error 2
Hi I did kernel upgrade to 3.0.0 but at boot I get error msg saying “MDIO-GPIO” already registered. The system hangs and falls back to command line and no graphics. I’m using ubuntu 10.10. and old kernel 2.6.35.32