UPDATE-INITRAMFS(8)                  update-initramfs manual                  UPDATE-INITRAMFS(8)



NAME
       update-initramfs - generate an initramfs image


SYNOPSIS
       update-initramfs -c|-d|-u [-k version] [-t] [-v] [-b directory] [-h]

DESCRIPTION
       The  update-initramfs  script  manages  your initramfs images on your local box.  It keeps
       track of the existing initramfs archives in /boot.  There are  three  modes  of  operation
       create, update or delete.  You must at least specify one of those modes.

       The  initramfs  is  a gzipped cpio archive.  At boot time, the kernel unpacks that archive
       into RAM disk, mounts and uses it as initial root file system. All  finding  of  the  root
       device happens in this early userspace.


OPTIONS
        -k  version
              Set  the  specific  kernel  version  for whom the initramfs will be generated.  For
              example the output of uname -r for your currently running kernel.  This argument is
              optional for update. The default is the latest kernel version.

              The  use  of "all" for the version string specifies update-initramfs to execute the
              chosen action for all kernel versions, that are already known to update-initramfs.


        -c    This mode creates a new initramfs.


        -u    This mode updates an existing initramfs.


        -d    This mode removes an existing initramfs.


        -t    Allows one to take over an custom initramfs with a newer one.


        -v    This option increases the amount of information you are  given  during  the  chosen
              action.


        -b  directory
              Set an different bootdir for the image creation.


        -h    Print a short help page describing the available options in update-initramfs.


EXAMPLES
       Update the initramfs of the newest kernel:


       update-initramfs -u


       Create the initramfs for a specific kernel:


       update-initramfs -c -k 2.6.18-1-686


FILES
       /etc/initramfs-tools/update-initramfs.conf


AUTHOR
       The initramfs-tools are written by Maximilian Attems <maks AT debian.org>, Jeff Bailey <jbai‐
       ley AT raspberryginger.com> and numerous others.


SEE ALSO
        initramfs.conf(5), initramfs-tools(8), mkinitramfs(8), lsinitramfs(8).



Linux                                       2008/12/19                        UPDATE-INITRAMFS(8)