Comment 38 for bug 47768

I have found this to occur in Feisty.

I attempted to update the kernel to that in Gutsy - added Gutsy to the repository list.
On rebooting, the boot stops at the point where it tries to mount the hard disc (inferred from symptoms).

After many minutes, I get a prompt from busybox.

When I check /dev, there are no nodes for hard discs (please excuse the Australian spelling).

If I copy the deb to a debian (etch/lenny) system and install, then copy the initrd.img to the ubuntu system, it all works. This initrd is larger than the native ubuntu one.

Looking at the descriptions in this post it seems that the following occurs:

Installing a kernel from the next version i.e during an upgrade, creates a faulty initrd.img.
Booting this new system with the old kernel, then re-installing the new kernel creates a good initrd.img.

This is not related in any way to any USB configuration.

I agree that there is more than one bug reported here, but both need attention..