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

[John Bradford]

> 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.  Using init=/bin/sh will allow you to use the shell as the init
process, which proves it's an init problem.

> I accidentally compiled initrd in, but ive got it off
> with "noinitrd".

I don't really understand what you're trying to do.

> >> whats system.map actually for
> >
> >Decoding numerical addresses in to function names.
> 
> Does it need to be put in /boot after compilation from
> the root linux source folder, 'coz the mandrake one
> for 2.4.19-16mdk is in there.

No.

John.