HOWTO: Update ALSA in a 2.6 Kernel

b1c1l1 · n00b Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 39

ChangeLog:

2004/08/28 - Logic and grammar corrections. New ALSA patch.
2004/08/24 - Initial release.

HOWTO: Update ALSA in a 2.6 Kernel

Introduction
This HOWTO is relatively simple. I made this HOWTO primarily for my friend, who has very little experience with Linux and needed to update his ALSA to 1.0.6, since it is the first release to support his Dell CT0200 (a fake Sound Blaster Live! card made by Dell that is NOT supported by snd-emu10k1). I couldn't find any clear guides on the internet, so I searched around until I found out everything that I needed to know. Hopefully this will help out any other newbies out there trying to update ALSA in their kernel. Feedback is greatly appreciated!

Overview
1. Check your current ALSA version.
2. Grab the latest patch from ALSA's FTP server.
3. Patch your kernel with the patch file.
4. Rebuild your kernel and reboot.
5. Check your new ALSA version.

1. Check your current ALSA version.
You should find out what version of ALSA you already have before deciding to patch it, mainly so you don't try to patch a kernel that already has the latest version. Go ahead and run:

rush_ad · Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 7:45 pm Post subject:

thanks, nice work.

max4ever · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 8:18 pm Post subject:

umm i have Linux linuxoid 2.6.7-gentoo-r14 #3 SMP Wed Aug 25 03:13:28 CEST 2004 i686 Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz GenuineIntel GNU/Linux

and this is what i got

black hole sun · Apprentice Joined: 14 Aug 2004 Posts: 245

Thanks a ton, b1c1! I was wondering how to update ALSA!

jp_math54 · n00b Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 12 Location: France - Metz

Hello,

I managed to install ALSA 1.0.6 on my 2.6.7.r8 kernel (using emu10k1 for SBlive!), but had to change a goto line in the file control.c or the kernel failed to compile (using genkernel)...

I had to change "goto __end_(Ican'tremenberwhat)"
for "goto __end" when I tried to compile after applying the patch

(((I'm sorry for lack of precision but I'm writing from my office, and do not have any internet at home...)))
Is that normal?

Still, my kernel compiled, and now is my big dummy question:

How do I get alsa to start, and a sound going out from my speakers? I mean I dont have this "start ALSA" line I used to have on startup with mandrake... I don't even see it in my KDE sound configuration tools...
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k:arel · Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 8:40 am Post subject:

thx for howto

worked really fine here (kernel 2.6.8.1), now running ALSA 1.0.6

before this howto i got ALSA module load erros while booting and also local gave a fault
*all solved now*
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discomfitor · l33t Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 927 Location: None

Generally when you're using one of the alsa-bk patches, they're meant for the most recent kernel that is out at that point (because that's the most recent alsa). If you have a kernel newer than the latest bk patch, then chances are it already includes the latest bk (NOT always true, but usually true).

max4ever: You're having problems patching that because you're most likely using the wrong bk for your kernel version. Either upgrade your kernel (which will probably have newer alsa anyway) or use an older bk patch.
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dwblas · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2005 11:17 pm Post subject:

Check this thread. It has hints like
"I had to run alsamixer and mute the sensor switches (headphone and line). That fixed it for me!"
https://forums.gentoo.org/viewtopic-t-404658-highlight-.html