Manually compiled Linux kernel won't boot and can't find any logs (Virtual Machine VMWare Fusion 13, M2 Mac)

 When a manually compiled Linux kernel won't boot, especially in a virtual machine like VMWare Fusion on a Mac, it can be due to various reasons. Here are some steps to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue:


1. **Check the Configuration:**

   - Ensure that you've configured the kernel properly. Review your `.config` file to make sure you haven't missed any essential options. Pay attention to the virtualization options if you are running in a VM.


2. **Check the Kernel Version:**

   - Verify that you are compiling the kernel for the correct version of Linux. Make sure the kernel version you compiled matches the version of the running system.


3. **Recompile the Kernel:**

   - If you suspect a configuration issue, try recompiling the kernel with the necessary options. You might have missed a critical feature or driver required for your virtual machine setup.


4. **Check the Boot Loader Configuration:**

   - Ensure that the bootloader (GRUB, LILO, etc.) is properly configured to boot the newly compiled kernel. Check the bootloader configuration file to make sure it points to the correct kernel image.


5. **Kernel Panic Messages:**

   - If you encounter a kernel panic when booting, the system usually provides an error message and a backtrace. This information can help pinpoint the issue. Take a screenshot or note the details of the kernel panic.


6. **Check Boot Logs:**

   - Examine boot logs for any error messages or warnings. You can typically find these in `/var/log/boot.log` or `/var/log/dmesg`.


7. **Boot into an Old Kernel:**

   - If you have multiple kernels installed, boot into an older, known-working kernel. This allows you to access your system and troubleshoot the new kernel.


8. **Boot in Single User Mode:**

   - If the new kernel doesn't boot, try booting into single-user mode or recovery mode to diagnose and fix any issues.


9. **Use the Console:**

   - If the system doesn't boot into the graphical interface, access the virtual console (usually Ctrl+Alt+F1 or similar) to view error messages and logs directly.


10. **Check UEFI/Secure Boot Settings:**

    - If your Mac uses UEFI and Secure Boot, ensure that you've complied with the UEFI boot requirements, and the new kernel is signed (if required).


11. **Check EFI Partition:**

    - On UEFI systems, make sure the kernel image is placed in the EFI partition, and the bootloader configuration is updated accordingly.


12. **Revert to a Known Configuration:**

    - If you're unable to identify and resolve the issue, consider reverting to a known configuration or a backup to restore your system's functionality.


13. **Community and Documentation:**

    - Seek help from the Linux community and review official documentation. Specific issues may have solutions tailored to your kernel and virtual machine setup.


If you can provide more details about the specific error messages or issues you encounter during the boot process, it would be helpful in diagnosing the problem. Remember to create backups and snapshots before making significant changes to your system configuration to avoid data loss.

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