FreeBSD 5.3 won't compile kernel

I used to have FreeBSD on two different boxes, each with a custom kernel. Then I installed from scratch FreeBSD 5.3 on both boxes and it runs well. However both show compile errors when i try to make a custom kernel. Both show the same error. I have even tried to use rename the file /usr/src/sys/i386/conf/GENERIC as FW_KERNEL. Without making any changes to the content I still get the same error.

Just to be clear this is a fresh install on tho separate boxes that are returning the same error, even when compiling what is essentially a GENERIC kernel.

here is the error part of the output:
/usr/src/gnu/lib/csu/../../../contrib/gcc/crtstuff.c:61:21: tconfig.h: No such file or directory
In file included from /usr/src/gnu/lib/csu/../../../contrib/gcc/crtstuff.c:64:
./tm.h:15:29: insn-constants.h: No such file or directory
./tm.h:16:25: insn-flags.h: No such file or directory
***Error code 1

Stop in /usr/src/gnu/lib/csu.
***Error code 1

Stop in /usr/src/gnu/lib.
***Error code 1

Stop in /usr/src/gnu.
***Error code 1

Stop in /usr/src.
***Error code 1

Stop in /usr/src.

Any ideas how to solve this?

Did you take your custom kernel config file from a 4.x kernel or what? I found that a kernel config file that had worked for all the kernels since 4.1 didn't work on 5.x. You may need to work with a fresh GENERIC for 5.3 and prune out the necessary lines.

The kernel I am trying to compile is the GENERIC kernel from version 5.3. I simply renamed it something else. And, even though it is the same kernel it still won't compile.

You said you didn't change anything.
But are you really really sure you didn't remove or comment out some devices that you thought were useless ? Like the SCSI devices...

There are some dependencies between ATA devices and SCSI devices, or something similar.
You should have a close look at the comments in the GENERIC kernel conf file to be sure you aren't breaking one of those dependencies.

Hi

Had the a similar problem with an earlier version of 5.3 - I dunno how clued up your are with custom kernels so I took some time to type all the steps.

I would recommend you first get the latest version of 5.3_STABLE with the command
#cvsup <path to your file>/stable-supfile

(if you have not got cvsup install it from the ports and config the "stable-supfile")

Then you do a buildworld with
#cd /usr/src/
#make buildworld

Then your rebuild your kernel with your own MYOWNCONFIG
#make buildkernel KERNCONFIG=MYOWNCONFIG

Then you install your kernel
#make installkernel KERNCONFIG=MYOWNCONFIG

reboot with
#reboot

at startup choose single user mode (option 4 on menu)
at prompt type:
#mount -a
#cd /usr/src
#mergemaster -p

AND READ the comments - normally choose the "i" option unless you know what you are doing.

now install the new world by typing:
#make installworld

and merge the new settings with
#mergemaster

and reboot with
#reboot

I trust I have not forgotten all the steps!

Hope this helps you - BTW the above is in the Handbook as well

Is there any way to avoid drop to single mode after make installkernel ?

You need to reboot after running 'make installkernel' so the new kernel takes effect.