[NTLUG:Discuss] problem with /dev devices

[Cameron]

i'm trying to get the 2.2.14 kernel to work on my new box, but i'm
having some problems with /dev devices.

the first thing that fails is when i try to run vesa frame buffer modes
on the console.  the machine boots but can't access /dev/tty[0-9]*.
here's a snapshot of what happens when i try to boot with mode 0x307
("307" is 'vga=ask' in lilo.conf):

  ...
  crond: crond startup succeeded
  inet: inetd startup succeeded
  keytable: Loading keymap: Loading system font:
  rc: Starting keytable succeeded
  sendmail: sendmail startup succeeded
  gpm[424]: oops() invoked from gpn.c(127)
* gpm[424]: /dev/console: No such device
  gpm: gpm startup failed
  xfs: xfs startup succeeded
  linuxconf: Linuxconf final setup
  rc: Starting linuxconf succeeded
* modprobe: can't locate module char-major-4
* modprobe: can't locate module char-major-4
* /sbin/mingetty[467]: /dev/tty2: cannot open tty: No such device
* /sbin/mingetty[466]: /dev/tty1: cannot open tty: No such device
* modprobe: can't locate module char-major-4
* /sbin/mingetty[470]: /dev/tty5: cannot open tty: No such device
* modprobe: can't locate module char-major-4
* /sbin/mingetty[471]: /dev/tty6: cannot open tty: No such device
* modprobe: can't locate module char-major-4
* /sbin/mingetty[468]: /dev/tty3: cannot open tty: No such device
* modprobe: can't locate module char-major-4
  ...

the lines with astericks are the one where /dev devices are failing for
some reason.  if i use mode 6 (just plain text mode--no frame buffer), i
can boot okay.  when trying to boot with vesafb, i just get a blank
screen while everything is happening in the background b/c it can't
access a tty device.

also, when i try to run pppd (after using vga mode 6), i get similar
errors:

  ...
  modprobe: can't locate module char-major-108
  pppd[1172]: pppd 2.3.10 started by root, uid 0
  modprobe: can't locate module char-major-4
  pppd[1172]: Failed to open /dev/ttyS1: No such device
  pppd[1172]: Exit.
  ...

i'm assuming that i'm missing some options in my kernel config, but i've
looked all through what i don't have enabled and don't see anything that
appears relevent.

TIA for anyone who can help.
-- 
cameron
  [ Grow up and use mutt (http://www.mutt.org) ]