DKMS modules and kernel updates

mren · 2013-04-26 02:03:48

Hi,

for my atheros ar8161 I need the kernel module alx, which is not (yet) in the standard kernel. But it is in the AUR as dkms-alx. So I (tried to) install it, but as I had also a kernel update it failed to install the module:

>> DKMS: Module add, build, and install

Creating symlink /var/lib/dkms/alx/3.9/source ->
                 /usr/src/alx-3.9

DKMS: add completed.
Error! echo
Your kernel headers for kernel 3.8.8-1-ARCH cannot be found at
/usr/lib/modules/3.8.8-1-ARCH/build or /usr/lib/modules/3.8.8-1-ARCH/source.
error: command failed to execute correctly

Kernel update was 3.8.8-1 -> 3.8.8-2. So, dkms (or what else) doesn't find the headers for the kernel currently running, because the update removed them. If I'm right so far all seems logical to me. Sure, I can install the module after a reboot, but: What if I remove my second network card (with which I'm currently online) in that box? Will I be able to recompile this module after the next kernel update? 'Cause I think from the above I can only install it after a reboot, but then I'll have no working network. Is there a way around it? Or am I wrong with the above? Or should I stay with my second (addionally added) network card?

hadrons123 · 2013-04-26 02:17:26

Download and install the correct kernel headers and always reboot when you do a kernel update to overcome this trouble.
option 2.
For a fool proof method use this http://www.linuxfoundation.org/collabor … orking/alx

mren · 2013-04-26 15:04:40

I've installed the correct headers (for the new kernel). My question is: How am I able to update the network driver via dkms-alx, when I have no working network (because of a missing driver/module)?

I need the module to be able to access the network to download the files, but I need also the new kernel to be booted. At this time I will have no working network and therefore can't install dkms-alx. Or do I miss something?

hadrons123 · 2013-04-27 01:17:36

please try the second option. dkms-alx doesn't work all the time.

Last edited by hadrons123 (2013-04-27 01:17:48)

mren · 2013-04-27 01:34:01

Ok, thx, just thought there might be a way to use dkms/yaourt. But I'm fine with the second option, just wanted to be sure.

progandy · 2013-04-27 01:43:14

If you want to try dkms, do not reinstall dkms-alx after the kernel update. dkms-alx should work this way:
- install dkms-alx (and the kernel-headers)
- install new kernel (and headers)
- reboot --> dkms detects missing module and rebuilds it.

Last edited by progandy (2013-04-27 01:44:34)

mren · 2013-05-02 12:50:05

Just for clarity:

progandy wrote:

- install dkms-alx (and the kernel-headers)
- install new kernel (and headers)
- reboot --> dkms detects missing module and rebuilds it.

Will dkms re-install the net-driver after reboot, if no working network (due to missing module) is present? If so, it will solve all my (thinking) problems.

progandy · 2013-05-02 17:58:36

It should do that. Don't forget to enable dkms.service. Then all autoinstall-modules will be automatically updated. (maybe you'll need a second reboot since the service does not reload already loaded modules I think. You could also do rmmod psmouse && modprobe psmouse manually after the modules are built. ).

Last edited by progandy (2013-05-02 18:03:43)

mren · 2013-05-02 20:24:59

Thx, will try that.

Arch Linux

#1 2013-04-26 02:03:48

DKMS modules and kernel updates

#2 2013-04-26 02:17:26

Re: DKMS modules and kernel updates

#3 2013-04-26 15:04:40

Re: DKMS modules and kernel updates

#4 2013-04-27 01:17:36

Re: DKMS modules and kernel updates

#5 2013-04-27 01:34:01

Re: DKMS modules and kernel updates

#6 2013-04-27 01:43:14

Re: DKMS modules and kernel updates

#7 2013-05-02 12:50:05

Re: DKMS modules and kernel updates

#8 2013-05-02 17:58:36

Re: DKMS modules and kernel updates

#9 2013-05-02 20:24:59

Re: DKMS modules and kernel updates

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