PPC: printer configuration leads to a crash

Support knowledgebase (printconf_g4)
Applies to

Kernel: Version 2.4.2
SuSE Linux PowerPC: Version 7.1

Symptom:

You want to configure a printer with YaST2 on a Macintosh G4 and kernel 2.4.2. Shortly after the start of the YaST2 module the machine freezes.

Cause:

The YaST2 printer configuration module scans all potential interfaces where printers might be connected. This causes the kernel module parport_pc.o to be loaded. This leads to a crash.
Unfortunately, this module cannot be dropped in general, because it is needed on PPC machines made by IBM.

Solution:

On a Macintosh, this module is needless. Please delete it as user root with the command below:
rm /lib/modules/2.4.2/kernel/drivers/parport/parport_pc.o
Then, edit the file /etc/modules.conf. You have to change the following part:
alias parport_lowlevel parport_pc
options parport_pc io=0x3bc irq=none,none
# If you have multiple parallel ports, specify them this way:
# options parport_pc io=0x378,0x278  irq=none,none
Here, you have to 'comment out' two lines with '# marks, so the part looks like this:
# alias parport_lowlevel parport_pc
# options parport_pc io=0x3bc irq=none,none
# If you have multiple parallel ports, specify them this way:
# options parport_pc io=0x378,0x278  irq=none,none
Now you should be able to configure your printer without problems.
Keywords: 7.1, 71, YAST2, DRUCKER, PRINTER, KERNEL, PARPORT, PPC

SDB-printconf_g4, Copyright SuSE Linux AG, Nürnberg, Germany - Version: 02. Apr 2001
SuSE Linux AG - Last generated: 09. Apr 2001 by poeml (sdb_gen 1.40.0)