[syslinux] pxelinux and 2.6.9 kernel parameters

[H. Peter Anvin]

scott domars wrote:
> I am using RHEL4 with kernel 2.6.9. I can load this on my hardware by
> passing the following kernel parameter: memmap=496M at 16M, and it loads up
> and runs OK. If I do not use this parameter, I get a kernel panic.
> When I try to load the same software onto the same hardware using PXE, I
> add the same parameter on the server's
> tftpboot/pxelinux/pxelinux.cfg/default file: 
> append  initrd=some_file.gz memmap=496M at 16M
> 
> On startup, the slave machine negotiates the transfer OK. The kernel
> transfers. The initrd transfers. The kernel uncompresses the image OK
> and boot starts. The kernel panics and dies with an error like "ram
> image not found at 0"
> 
> Where has the uncompressed image gone to? Is there an offset at play
> here? Is pxelinux not compatible with (older) EISA based machines?
> My hardware is an old Compaq Proliant 5000 server. The need for a kernel
> memory parameter is well documented. Please see www.cpqlinux.com.
> Thanks for any help.
> 

You're probably putting your memmap in the middle of the ramdisk.  Try 
adding mem=496M.

I don't have time to go hunting on Compaq's website, and a quick search 
didn't find anything.

	-hpa