system freezes after last kernel update

[golfbuf]

I've had 3 system freezes after the last (jun 17, 2006) kernel update. I'm using i386-686 2.6.15-25.43.

On three occasions, my system has frozen (nothing responds) and required power off to reboot. I couldn't even get C-A-F1 to take me to a terminal. I'm running a pci nvidia-glx card, and using dialup ppp. On all 3 occasions I was on the internet. The first time, I was opening links to add additional tabs in firefox and the system froze. The next two times were downloading big files overnight .. in the I found the system frozen.

I'm using kde-3.5.3 from kubuntu. But, none of these problems occurred before this update, so I believe something in the update was the cause.

I will try rolling the kernel back to see if that might be the problem.

I am a 5+ years linux user with moderate to high knowledge.

regards,

Note: the original reporter indicated the bug was in package 'linux-image'; however, that package was not published in Ubuntu.

[golfbuf (golfbuf)]

It will take me a while to test other kernel versions and report back. Some others on the ubuntu mail list have suggested trying the i386 kernel, which I will test first.

[golfbuf (golfbuf)]

I have investigated this bug further and believe it is a problem with the 686 version of linux-2.6.15 ubuntu dapper kernel. I ran the linux-image-2.6.15-23-686 on dapper for a couple weeks until an update linux-image-2.6.15-25-686 (version 2.6.15-25.43) became available in the repository. After upgrading, I encountered the 3 system freezes and filed this bug report. Then, I changed to the linux-image-2.6.15-25-386 (version 2.6.15-25.43) and had no problems for 2 days. So, I uninstalled and then reinstalled linux-image-2.6.15-25-686 just to be sure it was properly installed. Now, I have tried linux-image-2.6.15-25-686 and it has again caused a system freeze. I believe there is something wrong with the package linux-image-2.6.15-25-686 (version 2.6.15-25.43).

I did not meantion in the original bug report, but my processor is an intel pentium III. I assume the a 686 kernel configuration is meant for a pentium III, but am not sure how to confirm this.

If you would like additional information, please advise. For the time being, I will use the 386 kernel version.

regards,

[golfbuf (golfbuf)]

Here's another update, because I just had a system freeze while using the linux-image-2.6.15-25-386 (version 2.6.15-25.43), so now I can not say that this is just related to the 686 kernel version.

I will go back to the older kernel, test more and report back.

regards,

[golfbuf (golfbuf)]

After 3 days on prior version of kernel (linux-image-2.6.15-23-686), I have experienced no crashes or problems. So, I conclude my computer does not have any hardware or software bugs. Therefore, the crashes must be related to the updated version 2.6.15-25-x86.

Please advise if I need to supply more information.

regards,

[Tyler Willingham (tyler-ubuntu)]

I am not getting crashes, but X on my laptop with the nvidia-glx driver and the 2.6.15-25-686 kernel does show a severe "lag" when doing things like using gnome-terminal and launching an application from the gnome-panel. Downgrading to the 2.6.15-25-386 kernel does eliminate the lag issue.

[Svilen Vassilev (tarakanbg)]

I can confirm the freeze of the xserver on system startup with linux-image-2.6.15-25-686 and the proprietary "nvidia-glx" drivers. The problem does not persist with the "nv" drivers or with the older linux-image-2.6.15-23-686 kernel. I'm using Kubuntu (kdm login manager), KDE 3.5.3

[Alexander Grundner (agrundner)]

I've been experiencing the same problem with linux-image-2.6.15-25-686. After I upgraded from 386 to 686 with linux-686-smp I've been having system freezes when browsing the web with firefox. It doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen randomly. And, yes, the only thing I can do to get things working again is doing a hard reboot :(

* Using Intel P4 3.0Ghz HT
* Problem also is occuring with the standard "nv" drivers

[delvalle26 (bassaf)]

It's been stable, but I can confirm the laggy video (using open source ati driver) that does not occur with the -23 version of the kernel. I tried compiling my own, but didn't get wifi support (intel pro wireless 2915)... Still too much of a n00b I guess...

Anyway lag is visible with minimizing for example, and ruins emulators like dosbox and zsnes, causing lots of sound stuttering...

What changes would cause such a thing?.

[delvalle26 (bassaf)]

Just verified, the 2.6.15-25-386 kernel image does not have the lag problem. Guess I'm a 386-kernel user until the next update :)

[golfbuf (golfbuf)]

Have verified that this system freeze occurs with newest update to this kernel, linux-image-2.6.15-26-686.

[golfbuf (golfbuf)]

I have tested the latest update to the kernel, linux-image-2.6.15-26-686 version 2.6.15-26.45 and still have this freeze up.

[golfbuf (golfbuf)]

I have tested the latest update to the kernel, linux-image-2.6.15-26-686 version 2.6.15-26.46 and still have this freeze up.

[golfbuf (golfbuf)]

I have tested the latest update to the kernel, linux-image-2.6.15-27-386 version 2.6.15-27.48 and still have this freeze up.

[golfbuf (golfbuf)]

I have determined that my freeze up is related to the open source modem driver I had been using. Now, I have a different modem and have no crash problems. The bad driver was unsupported. I suspect one of your kernel updates caused an api problem with it. Anyway, it's unrelated to my nvidia, which is working fine with these kernels now.

As of OP, I would be willing to close this bug.

regards,

[Motin (motin)]

Closing upon request from OP. Hope you find a better modem driver soon! ;)