Kernel Update Procedure
There are a few steps to installing a new kernel that is released by Mandriva for the Mandriva Linux distribution. While it is certainly easier to install kernels now than it used to be, a few precautions will ensure that if you do have any difficulties with the new kernel, you can boot into the previous one.
x86 and amd64 Kernel Updates:
Open a terminal as root and update your urpmi sources:
# urpmi.update -a
Read the advisory so you know what kernel version to install; for instance if the filename is kernel-2.4.19.24mdk-1-1mdk.i586.rpm you will want to execute:
# urpmi kernel-2.4.19.24mdk
This will install the new kernel alongside any old kernels that are currently on your system. Next, edit the /etc/lilo.conf or /boot/grub/menu.lst file (depending upon your bootloader). Ensure that you will be able to boot your old kernel by making sure a stanza exists for it specifically. If this is your first kernel update on the system, you likely will have two stanzas that point to symlinks; the kernel installer always updates these to point to the latest vmlinuz and initrd.img files. Usually a copy and paste of the new kernel stanza and modifying the kernel number is all you will need. For instance, if the new kernel is 2.4.19-24mdk and the release kernel is 2.4.19-16mdk, copy the -24mdk stanza and replace -24mdk with -16mdk.
If you use lilo, once you have modified your /etc/lilo.conf file, you must execute "lilo -v". Grub users do not have to do anything extra. Now you can reboot into the new kernel.
PPC Kernel Updates:
The PPC kernel updates are virtually identical to the x86 updates, the only real difference is that PPC uses yaboot for a boot loader, rather than lilo or grub. The file you need to edit is /etc/yaboot.conf and, like x86 users, ensure there is a stanza for the old kernel so you can easily boot into it again if you encounter problems.
On some older PPC distributions, you may need to manually create a new initrd image with USB support for keyboards and mice. This can be done by executing, as root :
# mkinitrd --with=usb-ohci /boot/initrd-2.4.8-31.3mdk 2.4.8-31.3mdk
Of course, replace the kernel version with that of the kernel you just installed. Finally, to commit the changes to the bootloader, execute "/sbin/ybin -v".