Linux Format forums

Dutch_Master · LXF regular Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:49 am Posts: 2353

I've been trying to install the nVidia graphic driver installer in Debian Stable, with a freshly compiled 3.7.3 kernel. Unfortunately it complains about a missing file: /lib/modules/3.7.3/build/include/linux/version.h And indeed, it's not there in the tree. The 3.7.3 kernel is up and running, so it's not the issue. Can I copy the version.h file from a 2.6 kernel and what do I need to change for the nVidia installer to recognise the 3.7.3 kernel running.

TIA!

guy · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 4:42 pm Post subject:

Try googling on Linux "version.h"

The version.h from an older kernel will not be good. I suspect that you'll need to create your own, to match your custom-complied kernel - I think that may mean a re-compile, I'm not sure: you'll probably understand more of the online discussions than I do.

Be careful with nvidia drivers. Debian defaults to the free Nouveau driver, but nvidia also offer their own blob. So you'll need to know which you are installing.

Don't know if that helps much.
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roseway · LXF regular Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:27 pm Posts: 402

It sounds as though you haven't got the kernel headers installed.
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Eric

Dutch_Master · LXF regular Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:49 am Posts: 2353

Thanks guys, much appreciated!

I know using an old version.h file for my new kernel isn't ideal, hence my question on what to change. I'm also aware about the Nouveau vs nVidia driver and I'll use the latter, blacklisting the free, non-3D versions. (I need the binary blob to run Google Earth, it won't work on the nv nor nouveau drivers...)

The kernel headers should be in place: I used a fresh kernel from the Linux.org guys and compiled it with the standard "configure && make && make install" sequence (OK, a little more involved to that, but it's not exactly the first kernel I've build Wink

) Key is: it has worked on a 3.1.3 kernel before! (and I never had issues like this on the 2.6 kernels)

nelz · Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:11 am Post subject:

You don't use configuer && make && make install for a kernel, you use

Dutch_Master · LXF regular Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:49 am Posts: 2353

I do:

nelz · Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 4:40 pm Post subject:

I build the initramfs into the kernel, it avoids extra files, extra GRUB configuration lines and the possibility of a mismatch between the kernel and initramfs.
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Dutch_Master · LXF regular Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:49 am Posts: 2353

I'd prefer to keep the initrd image outside the kernel, it's more flexible that way (and takes about the same space, I'd reckon). Anyway, any thoughts on the missing version.h file (and the contents thereof, for a 3.7.3 kernel) or should I report this as a bug?

nelz · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 9:49 am Post subject:

I want reliability, not flexibility. If the initramfs was optional, I wouldn't be using it in the first place.

As for the file, that file does not exist on any of my systems, so it appears to no longer be used. However, I don't use the nvidia drivers so I've never had cause ot worry about it. Could a later release of the nvidia drivers help?
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Ram · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 12:08 pm Post subject:

Got loads in mine, 3 newest are

Dutch_Master · LXF regular Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:49 am Posts: 2353

@Nelz, the nVidia drivers I tried are the latest releases (late 2012)

@Ram: I too have a 2.6.32 kernel, but its contents is obviously incorrect for a 3.7.3 kernel. The dvb file is irrelevant, as it's not a kernel but an application. Thanks anyway!

Ram · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 1:50 pm Post subject:

Which driver are you using.

Similar issue but for Ubuntu here With 313.09 driver. 1 reply say use 313.18 driver.
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Dutch_Master · LXF regular Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:49 am Posts: 2353

The 310 and 313 series aren't applicable for my GPU (GeForce 7 series) so it's the 304 and 173 series.

cmcevoy · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 4:11 pm Post subject:

You need this snippet - obviously replace the kernel module with the version you have:

Dutch_Master · LXF regular Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:49 am Posts: 2353

Many thanks, I'll give it a try later on Very Happy