[clue-tech] Driver Disk?

[William]

It seems that you didn't understand my question.  I'll try to be more 
clear (as I hope the answers will be).

I cannot install any modern version of RedHat-based Linux onto this Dell 
PowerEdge server.  This includes FC3 and CentOS 4 (indirectly including 
the latest RHEL).  Other people are telling me that other modern 
Linux-based operating systems suffer the same problem.  During 
installation, I (we) get an error that no hard drives were found.  I 
don't get an opportunity to tweak the kernel because the installer can't 
even copy anything onto the machine to begin with.  Making kernel 
modifications does not seem to be a viable option -- there's no kernel 
source to tweak.  Some of your answers look like a Catch-22.  If this is 
not the case, then please share the procedure.

In several other web message boards, as exposed by Google, people are 
getting around this problem by "exporting" the megaraid driver from 
earlier versions of Linux onto floppy, then using that disk as a driver 
disk -- which I can access during the new install because the option to 
do so is obvious.  The problem is, people who have done this failed to 
explain HOW they did it.  These people left the various lists or message 
boards shortly after, leaving people like me with no solution.  Many 
threads on this very topic are building only questions with no answers 
and other "I, too, need this solution" posts.  I am trying to get an 
answer and take it back to everyone else who is waiting and frustrated.

== == == == ==
The following is a rant to address a problem that disturbs me every time 
I see it, but one that I generally stay quiet about.  Please disregard 
it if you're not interested in the greater benefit of the broader Linux 
Community.
This text is emotional and tangential to the solution I seek.
Please do not let it sway you away from providing a solution, if you 
have one.
People other than myself await an answer that can be readily applied to 
our common problem.
Thank you.
== == == == ==

As for the insults (I usually ignore this crap, but since it's now in 
one of my threads, it's my bone to pick):

mike havlicek wrote:
 > ... I will not baby sit you ...
 > -Mike


Jed S. Baer wrote:
 > As for being "explicit in detail", you might find you get better/more
 > help, on any forum or mailing list, if it doesn't appear as if you're
 > asking someone to pick up a spoon and feed you.
 > jed


This is exactly the kind of attitude that I was hoping to NOT see from 
our local group.  This is the face of the "Linux Community" that drives 
people AWAY from Linux; this attitude is insulting and derogatory!  YOU 
instigate responses like this!  Don't forget that you're on this list to 
HELP and GUIDE people, *NOT* to prove that you know more than them!  
There's a very important DIFFERENCE between these two approaches...  
People who ask questions already KNOW that you're more experienced than 
them, so stop rubbing your egos and HELP THEM!

Don't lecture people on how to post to forums when all you're doing is 
asserting your ego.  I *AM* asking you to "pick up a spoon and feed 
[me]" because I have no earthly idea how to fix this problem; that's why 
I'm asking!  I have looked for the answer on other lists and Google, and 
the answer ISN'T readily available.  Don't assume an answer already 
exists unless *you* can answer the question with the very URL that 
explains the answer!  Being on this list means people are going to ask 
you for help; if you don't like that, it's better to shut up or leave 
than to shoot people down!  NEVER PENALIZE SOMEONE FOR ASKING A QUESTION!

In the end, all it looks like you're doing is hiding behind the 
possibility that the right answer is too complicated for you to 
describe.  That is your shortcoming, one that you share with hundreds of 
thousands of other Linux Gurus out there -- the people who have failed 
to direct the newbies to the right answer time and time again, forcing 
those newbies to drudge and grind and waste time when YOU HAVE THE 
ANSWER THEY NEED, but you selfishly keep it to yourself!  There is a 
shortage of REALLY GOOD documentation on procedures like this for 
Linux.  Not everyone has the time and resources to dick around with 
trial-and-error.  Linux Gurus have already spent that time and KNOW WHAT 
WORKS.  THAT'S why people like me turn to people like you for answers!

Now, either you REALLY DO know EXACTLY how to build the megaraid driver 
such that other Linux installations can use it on a Driver Disk, or you 
DON'T.  If you DO, then share the wealth of your knowledge!  In turn, 
I'll share it with the other lists I've posted this very question to.  
Incidentally, there are a LOT of people waiting for this answer!  
Namely, anyone using a Dell PowerEdge with the old PERC controller who 
don't have YOUR grasp of Linux.  It might surprise you that this is a 
rather considerable number of people...  I know, because I'm already 
getting e-mail requests for the answer and replies on the lists from 
people saying they're suffering the same problem.  NO ONE KNOWS THE 
ANSWER EXCEPT YOU!  WHY KEEP IT TO YOURSELF?!


People ask questions, exposing their own inexperience, weakness, and 
vulnerability.  Rather than abuse them, as is so typical on these 
faceless lists and message boards, please set aside a few minutes to 
strengthen them.  In the end, you contribute to a better, more friendly, 
more responsive, more helpful, more useful Linux Community.  In my 
opinion, this should be our goal...

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