What is the /agp directory for?

[richs-lxh]

I have had problems with Squeeze, Crunchbang and a custom Squeeze remix regarding the updating of initramfs.
EDIT: (That's Debian Squeeze [comma] Crunchbang AND a Custom Squeeze remix, as in the same problem on ALL three distros)

Crunchbang trial and error posted HERE
EDIT: (which is an example of "exactly" the same messages I received from Debian Squeeze) Just to make it completely clear.

An apt-get upgrade after a new kernel is installed automatically updates initramfs which then stalls at

Code: Select all

Copying module directory kernel/drivers/char/agp
Adding module /lib/modules/2.6.32-3-686/kernel/drivers/char/agp/ati-agp.k

I moved the entire /agp directory to the root directory for safe-keeping and then ran update-initramfs again with no problem.

I replaced the directory and rebooted and had no adverse effects although there is clearly a problem with the contents of the /agp directory as it always happens on Pure Debian Squeeze AND Squeeze based distros.

This is on an Acer Laptop powered by an AMD Sempron processor and uses a Sis graphics card, so I guess that nothing in the agp directory is important to this hardware.

Could anybody tell me if I can safely remove that directory? or if maybe there is a different fix, or if I need to file a bug report.

Thanks in advance.

PS: I know about mixing repos, custom distros, custom compiled kernels, and if editing an Openbox/Fluxbox theme will effect kernel modules.

[Absent Minded]

If you are having specific issues with Debian please post the Debian specific errors. Just because a distribution is based on Debian does not make it Debian compatible (ie. Ubuntu is not binary compatible with Debian). Many distributions are based on Debian but make subtle changes to meet their needs so what applies to one will not nessarly apply to another. Hence, with out Debian specific error messages or examples it will be probmatic at best helping you.

If you are looking for help with something other than Debian please let us know so that this topic can be moved to a more aproperate location.

Lastly, it is inadvisable to mix distributions. Doing so very often results in a highly unstable system or even a system that can not be used.

[richs-lxh]

The first line states that this happened on Squeeze, which as far as I am aware is Debian, no?

Just a little off-topic here, but why is it that most replies on these forums are aimed at the post content as opposed to offering suggestions or fixes? It's starting to remind me of Ubuntu Forums around here. If you don't know the answer just say so.
One sensible reply on this thread: http://forums.debian.net/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=49771

I wouldn't mind if you would at least read the post first. It quite obviously states that the problem refers to Squeeze, but has also been an issue with two Squeeze based distros.

Now, if you have any idea why the /lib/modules/2.6.32-3-686/kernel/drivers/char/agp/ directory is stopping the initramfs-update, I would be grateful for any pointers, even RTFM or JFGI would suffice if you don't have any ideas.

Thanks.

[julian67]

Actually your post refers to a "a custom Squeeze remix"

That could mean almost anything.

I moved the entire /agp directory to the root directory

which might be a good idea or might not. The agp directory contains agpgart.ko, a driver required for accelerated 3D. It's certainly used on my desktop using nvidia GPU. Run

Code: Select all

$ lsmod |grep agpgart

on any desktop system and I think you'll find it's used.

I suggest that if you encountered this problem on a regular (official Debian binary) system then submit a bug report. If it's a "custom remix" system or you compile your own kernel then you get to be your own bug reporter, tracker, patcher

btw all my systems run custom kernels and some other self compiled stuff so this isn't a criticism. I'm just saying that if the problem can't be reproduced on a plain Debian system then you aren't in a position to complain if you don't feel happy with support here or on the Debian bug tracker or IRC.

[Absent Minded]

The first line states that this happened on Squeeze, which as far as I am aware is Debian, no?

Yes, however then the only data that you give us is from another distrobution... NOT your Debian's error messages. How are we suppose to help you when you haven't even provided Debian relivant information to your problem?

[richs-lxh]

Actually your post refers to a "a custom Squeeze remix"

That could mean almost anything.

I moved the entire /agp directory to the root directory

which might be a good idea or might not. The agp directory contains agpgart.ko, a driver required for accelerated 3D. It's certainly used on my desktop using nvidia GPU. Run

Code: Select all

$ lsmod |grep agpgart

on any desktop system and I think you'll find it's used.

I suggest that if you encountered this problem on a regular (official Debian binary) system then submit a bug report. If it's a "custom remix" system or you compile your own kernel then you get to be your own bug reporter, tracker, patcher

btw all my systems run custom kernels and some other self compiled stuff so this isn't a criticism. I'm just saying that if the problem can't be reproduced on a plain Debian system then you aren't in a position to complain if you don't feel happy with support here or on the Debian bug tracker or IRC.

Ok, so as this laptop has a Sis graphics card that has no proprietary 3D drivers, I suppose I could remove the directory and see how it goes. Thanks for that information, really appreciated. Sme body else sent me a link to info on Agp as well, so it looks like i've got some reading to do.

As for the remixes. They are exactly that, a remix, not a full blown distro like Ubuntu for example. There are only cosmetic desktop changes that would in no way effect the kernel modules. The base is pure Debian Squeeze from the repositories. Also, the problem occurred on a pure Debian Squeeze as well as the remixes which led me to post here. I also posted on the relevant forums for the remixes.

Thanks

rich

[nadir]

*******
Edited for Profanity
Absent Minded

edited too. will send the info as a pm now.
you oughta be kidding.

[richs-lxh]

*******
Edited for Profanity
Absent Minded

edited too. will send the info as a pm now.
you oughta be kidding.

Hi nadir,

I read your PM, the link was very helpful indeed, thanks

PS: I have edited my first post to try and make it as clear as possible.