SDB:No Hard Disks Detected on the Promise Controller

Version: 8.2

Symptom

No hard disks are found when installing SuSE Linux 8.2 on a Promise IDE controller. Alternatively, when updating to SuSE Linux 8.2 from a previous version, an existing RAID array is no longer detected.

Cause

A bug in the kernel included in the distribution.

Solution

1. Preparation

Download the file

           	bootdisk-8.2-fasttrack

from http://ftp.gwdg.de/pub/linux/suse/ftp.suse.com/projects/kernel/SL8.2-promise/ and copy it to a floppy disk.
For information on how to create boot and module floppy disks from floppy images, refer to the SDB article: SDB:Creating Boot and Modules Floppy Disks.
In addition, you need one of the module floppy disks. The respective floppy image is available on the first CD at:

		boot/modules1

Copy this file to a floppy disk, too.

Now download the kernel needed for your system from the URL above.
This is, for an Intel CPU:

		k_deflt-2.4.20-62.i586.rpm

and for an AMD CPU:

		k_athlon-2.4.20-62.i586.rpm

It is advisable to save the kernel package on a medium that can be accessed by the Linux system after the installation: for example, a partition on a hard disk attached to the mainboard's IDE controller not used for the Linux installation. Alternatively, the package can also be burned on a CD that can be then mounted on the Linux system.

2. Installation

Start the installation process by booting from the created boot floppy and selecting the entry:

		Installation

from the boot menu. The first module floppy you previously created is also required when booting from floppy disk. Insert it in the floppy drive when prompted to do so and press Enter. The hard disks or existing RAID array on the Promise controller will now be detected and you will be able to perform the installation or update.

After completing the installation and restarting your computer, boot again from the floppy disk and select once more:

		Installation

Once the installation system has booted, select the entry:

		Boot installed system

to start your Linux system. The root partition will be automatically detected and the system on it will be started.
Now install the downloaded kernel. Mount the medium containing the kernel and copy it to /tmp.
For example, if the kernel is located in the directory /Downloads in a Windows partition on a hard disk that is attached to the mainboard's first IDE controller, execute the command:

		mount /dev/hda1 /mnt

and then:

		cp /mnt/Downloads/k_deflt-2.4.20-62.i586.rpm /tmp/

To install the new kernel, enter the following command as root user in a text console:

		rpm -U /tmp/k_deflt-2.4.20-62.i586.rpm

or:

		rpm -U /tmp/k_athlon-2.4.20-62.i586.rpm

in case your system is equipped with an AMD CPU. Then execute as root:

		lilo

to install the boot loader with the new kernel.
Once the kernel has been installed, the system can be booted as usual from the hard disk. <keyword>Promise,Fasttrack,Ultra,controller</keyword>