RH4.0 AS/ES/WS Update 4 In-kernel Driver Install Procedure

This article covers installing the driver as a non-boot and boot device, and it applies to kernel versions 2.6.9-42.EL and later.


1. Using the Promise SuperTrak as a Non Boot Device


Step 1

Log in as root to the respective kernel (UP, SMP, etc)

Note: The below references to <2.6.9-42.ELsmp> is just an example. Your kernel maybe UP, Hugemem, SMP, etc. In Step 5, "Updating the kernel ramdisk", you may choose to update the ramdisk without having to boot into each respective kernel.

Step 2

Change directory to find the Promise module - stex.ko
# cd /lib/modules/2.6.9-42.ELsmp /kernel/drivers/scsi/

Step 3
 
In the /lib/modules/2.6.9-42.ELsmp/kernel/drivers/scsi/ folder execute these commands:
# modprobe sdmod 
# insmod stex.ko

Step 4

Using a text editor add this line to /etc/modprobe.conf:
alias scsihostadapter stex

For example:
vi /etc/modprobe.conf
alias eth0 e1000
alias eth1 e1000
alias scsihostadapter1 atapiix
alias usb-controller ehci-hcd
alias usb-controller1 uhci-hcd
alias scsihostadapter2 qla4xxx
alias scsihostadapter stex
.
.
.
"/etc/modprobe.conf" 7L, 188C

Step 5

Update the kernel ramdisk with this command:
# /sbin/mkinitrd -v -f /boot/init-2.6.9-42.ELsmp.img 2.6.9-42.ELsmp

Step 6

Reboot the system back in to the same kernel; the driver should load automatically.



2. Using the Promise SuperTrak as a Boot Device

Step 1

Visit the Promise website and download the RH4.0 AS/ES/WS Update 4 driver install disk
http://www.promise.com/support/download/downloadeng.asp

Step 2

Open the driver install disk and follow the read-me instructions to create a Linux Driver Disk - linux dd

i. On a DOS-based PC, run "rawrite.exe" and follow the prompt to extract the image file to the floppy.

ii. On UNIX/LINUX-based PC, run this command to copy the driver image to the floppy:
# dd if=<imagefilename> of=<floppydevicename> bs=10k

Note: The <imagefilename> is the disk image file name that you want to copy. <floppydevicename> is the floppy device name on the Linux system, typically /dev/fd0.

Step 3

Once the driver install disk has been created you can proceed with the installation of Red Hat 4.0 AS/ES/WS.
Boot from a CD or DVD and at the boot prompt execute the command: linux dd
Insert the floppy when prompted for the Promise driver install disk.

Step 4

Continue with the installation normally.


This document is available for download in Word and PDF format: RH4.0 ASESWS Update 4 In-kernel Driver Install Procedure