Missing file in kernel tree

[Dutch_Master]

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]

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.

[roseway]

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

[Dutch_Master]

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 ) 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]

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

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make menuconfig
make all && make modules_instal && make install

Although I'm sure you know that.

[Dutch_Master]

I do:

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make xconfig
make && make modules && make modules_install && make install && mkinitramfs -o /boot/initrd.img-3.7.3 3.7.3 && update-grub

That's why I said "a little more involved" Took about an hour (AMD quad-core, 32 GB RAM)

[nelz]

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.

[Dutch_Master]

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]

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?

[Ram]

Got loads in mine, 3 newest are

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/usr/src/linux-headers-2.6.32-45-generic/include/linux
and
/usr/include/linux
both with these 2 lines
#define LINUX_VERSION_CODE 132640
#define KERNEL_VERSION(a,b,c) (((a) << 16) + ((b) << 8) + (c))


The other one is in

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/usr/include/linux/dvb

with this in it.
/*
 * version.h
 *
 * Copyright (C) 2000 Holger Waechtler <holger@convergence.de>
 *                    for convergence integrated media GmbH
 *
 * This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or
 * modify it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License
 * as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2.1
 * of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
 *
 * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
 * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
 * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
 * GNU General Public License for more details.
 *
 * You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
 * along with this program; if not, write to the Free Software
 * Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307, USA.
 *
 */

#ifndef _DVBVERSION_H_
#define _DVBVERSION_H_

#define DVB_API_VERSION 5
#define DVB_API_VERSION_MINOR 1

#endif /*_DVBVERSION_H_*/


[Dutch_Master]

@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]

Which driver are you using.

Similar issue but for Ubuntu here With 313.09 driver. 1 reply say use 313.18 driver.

[Dutch_Master]

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

[cmcevoy]

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

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cd /lib/modules/3.7.1-17-desktop/build/include/
ln -s generated/uapi/linux


[Dutch_Master]

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