Virtualbox 3.1 fails to compile on linux kernel 2.6.32

[Benjamin Humphrey]

The kernel module will not compile using the .32 kernel. It cites that it cannot locate the kernel image/headers.

benjamin@benjamin-laptop:~$ sudo /etc/init.d/vboxdrv setup
[sudo] password for benjamin: 
 * Stopping VirtualBox kernel module                                             *  done.
 * Recompiling VirtualBox kernel module                                         
 * Look at /var/log/vbox-install.log to find out what went wrong

benjamin@benjamin-laptop:~$ uname -r
2.6.32-020632-generic

VBOX-INSTALL.LOG:

---

Attempting to install using DKMS

removing old DKMS module vboxdrv version 3.1.0

---

Deleting module version: 3.1.0 completely from the DKMS tree.

---

Done.

Creating symlink /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv/3.1.0/source ->

/usr/src/vboxdrv-3.1.0

DKMS: add Completed.

Error! Your kernel source for kernel 2.6.32-020632-generic cannot be found at /lib/modules/2.6.32-020632-generic/build or /lib/modules/2.6.32-020632-generic/source. You can use the --kernelsourcedir option to tell DKMS where it's located. Failed to install using DKMS, attempting to install without Makefile:152: * Error: unable to find the sources of your current Linux kernel. Specify KERN_DIR=<directory> and run Make again. Stop.

---

Operating System: Ubuntu Karmic Koala 9.10 Architecture: 64 bit

[Frank Mehnert]

Did you actually have a look at the error message?

[Benjamin Humphrey]

Yeah I did, but where do I specify KERN_DIR=<directory>?

Is it added to the end of the module setup command?

[Frank Mehnert]

No, you have to make sure that the directory /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/build points to the build directory of your kernel. During make modules_install this link is generated automatically, don't create it manually.

[Benjamin Humphrey]

Sorry I don't follow, I don't have a 'build' file or folder in that directory for my 2.6.32 kernel.

[Frank Mehnert]

Ok, then step by step: What did you do to compile and install your kernel?

[Benjamin Humphrey]

Nothing, I didn't compile it myself. I downloaded and install the following two deb packages from here: ​http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v2.6.32/

linux-headers-2.6.32-020632_2.6.32-020632_all.deb linux-image-2.6.32-020632-generic_2.6.32-020632_amd64.deb

Appreciate the help.

[Frank Mehnert]

You have to install the package linux-headers-2.6.32-020632_2.6.32-020632_all.deb as well. After that, recompile the kernel module by /etc/init.d/vboxdrv setup.

[Benjamin Humphrey]

I did install the linux headers all package, re-read my previous post. I also installed the linux source package (the one that's like 60mb) because I read elsewhere that this fixed the problem - didn't do anything. And yes, I've rebooted.

[Frank Mehnert]

Typo: Install the other -amd64-headers package.

[Benjamin Humphrey]

Holy Crap that actually fixed it. I've been going weeks without Virtualbox and to think that the fix was just to install that other .deb package all along.... sigh.

Thanks a lot, appreciate your help :)

Cheers