Errors during boot after FC7 update

[ttx336]

I did a fresh install of FC7 on my computer Thursday, seem to go ok, then I let it do an update. Now when I boot up I get three boot choices, one for XP, one for Fedora (2.6.23.1-21.fc7) and one for Fedora (2.6.21-1.3194.fc7). I don't know which one is the update but if I choose the latter one get several errors during boot up referring to ata2.00 and ata2.01, I took some pictures of the screens during the boot up because I don't think it is possible to do any kind of screen-shot during boot.

I can give details about the error messages but first... is there some kind of boot log I can look at instead of taking pictures of the screen to captures the error messages? Second, how can I tell which one of the boot choices is the latest one? Third, why does Fedora leave the old boot choice? BTW, the 2.6.23.1-21.fc7 seems to boot just fine.

The reason I am waiting to provide details on the errors is that I suspect there is a boot log somewhere and that would hold more clear details, if not I can type in what I have or even attach the photos.

Thank you in advance,

Gary

ps - I'm trying FC7 because I have a book on it, once I get comfortable with it I will switch to 8.

[Seve]

Hello:
You can look through your /var/log/messages log or type
dmesg |less
from a terminal to see more details of the error you are seeing

By default Fedora will keep 2 kernels installed and when a new one is installed the oldest one will be automatically removed.
It's a good idea to keep at least 2 kernels installed at any one time in case you install a kernel that does not work that well for you. (it hapens from time to time)
The kernels are released in a numerical sequence, meaning
2.6.23.1-21.fc7 is newer than 2.6.21-1.3194.fc7

If one kernel works very well with your hardware, there is no need to use any other. It's totally up to you.

Seve

[glennzo]

Gary, Fedora (2.6.23.1-21.fc7) is the newest kernel installed on your system based on what you have posted above. So tell us what you get when you choose that boot option.

[ttx336]

Thank you Seve and Glennzo, I booted up the latest one (2.6.23.1-21.fc7) and I don't see any errors that are immediately apparent.

What is dmesg? I applied some of my old DOS skills and typed dmesg > log.file and then opened it with a text editor to review... wow there is a lot of stuff in there! I wish I understood more of what I see in there but I will learn I guess.

I also searched for and viewed the message file in /var/log and I was able to pick out the same output as the log.file I made from dmesg.

Thanks,

Gary

[glennzo]

Gary, if you open a terminal and type man dmesg you'll get a much better explanation of what dmesg is than I can provide, man being the manual pages.