Debian Sarge Kernel 2.6.8-15 boot errors

[dhtesp]

I am new to linux and debian but trying to learn as fast as possible.

I have tried to understand the following kernel errors but have so far been unable to understand them or find a solution to them any where on the net.

I have a DELL INSPIRON 8100 with debian sarge 2.6.8-15 installed.

localhost kernel: vesafb: probe of vesafb0 failed with error -6

localhost kernel: pci_hotplug: PCI Hot Plug PCI Core version: 0.5
localhost kernel: pciehp: acpi_pciehprm:\_SB_.PCI0 evaluate _BBN fail=0x5
localhost kernel: pciehp: acpi_pciehprm:get_device PCI ROOT HID fail=0x5
localhost kernel: shpchp: acpi_shpchprm:\_SB_.PCI0 evaluate _BBN fail=0x5
localhost kernel: shpchp: acpi_shpchprm:get_device PCI ROOT HID fail=0x5
localhost kernel: hw_random: RNG not detected
localhost kernel: pciehp: acpi_pciehprm:\_SB_.PCI0 evaluate _BBN fail=0x5
localhost kernel: pciehp: acpi_pciehprm:get_device PCI ROOT HID fail=0x5
localhost kernel: shpchp: acpi_shpchprm:\_SB_.PCI0 evaluate _BBN fail=0x5
localhost kernel: shpchp: acpi_shpchprm:get_device PCI ROOT HID fail=0x5
localhost kernel: pciehp: acpi_pciehprm:\_SB_.PCI0 evaluate _BBN fail=0x5
localhost kernel: pciehp: acpi_pciehprm:get_device PCI ROOT HID fail=0x5
localhost kernel: shpchp: acpi_shpchprm:\_SB_.PCI0 evaluate _BBN fail=0x5
localhost kernel: shpchp: acpi_shpchprm:get_device PCI ROOT HID fail=0x5
localhost kernel: ieee1394: Initialized config rom entry `ip1394'

I would really appreciate any help or pointers that anyone can give.

[sprucio]

How old is this laptop?

You might want to try the 2.4 kernels to see if they are succesful.

[dhtesp]

Thank you for replying.

The laptop is between three and a half and four years old. Is it possible to install another kernel image without having to re-install debian from skratch?

Would it be safe to use Synaptic and simply install the 2.4 kernel images and source files etc?

Thank you.

[sprucio]

You can grab a 2.4 image (don't need source unless you plan to recompile it) but you'd have to make changes to the /boot/grub/menu.lst file. In additition, I'm not sure how modules are handled if you do install a new 2.4 image.

The best bet would be to use a live CD such as KNOPPIX or GNOPPIX to see if it'll recognize all your hardware first. Since those two live distros (that's what we call them) are fairly updated, they do a superb job on hardware detection.

So in short, I'm not sure if installing the 2.4 image would work right off the bat. However, you do have options with a live CD.

[dhtesp]

Thank you,

I will try and download one of the live CDś today and give it a try

best regards
David