Coding⏱️ 3 min readπŸ“… 2026-06-19

How to Fix: __modver_version_show undefined error when building linux kernel 3.0.4 version

Linux kernel build error fix for __modver_version_show undefined.

Quick Answer: Use the correct version number in the Makefile and update the EXTRAVERSION variable to match the actual version, then try rebuilding the modules.

The '__modver_version_show' error occurs when building the Linux kernel, specifically in this case, trying to build Linux kernel version 3.0.4 on Ubuntu 11.10 in VirtualBox. This issue affects users who attempt to compile the Linux kernel from source and encounter an undefined error during the module building process.

This problem can be frustrating for users who have successfully built other versions of the Linux kernel, as it may indicate a compatibility or configuration issue with the specific version being attempted. Fortunately, this issue can be resolved by applying the steps outlined in this troubleshooting guide.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary reason for this error is that the '__modver_version_show' function is not defined in the Linux kernel version 3.0.4 source code. This function is used to display information about the kernel's version and configuration. In older versions of the Linux kernel, this function was present, but it has been removed or modified in newer versions.
  • Another possible cause for this error could be a mismatch between the expected and actual kernel version being built. The Makefile indicates that the expected version is 3.0.4, but the source code provided is actually from version 3.0.0. This discrepancy can lead to undefined errors during the build process.

πŸ› οΈ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Using the correct kernel version

  1. Step 1: Download the Linux kernel source code for the correct version, which in this case should be Linux kernel version 3.0.4.
  2. Step 2: Extract the downloaded tarball using the command 'tar xjvf linux-source-3.0.4.tar.bz2'.
  3. Step 3: Change into the extracted directory and verify that the correct version is being used by checking the VERSION variable in the Makefile. If necessary, re-download the source code for the correct version.

Modifying the Makefile to include the '__modver_version_show' function

  1. Step 1: Open the Makefile and locate the line that defines the __modver_version_show function. If this function is not already defined, add a definition for it using the syntax 'define __modver_version_show '.
  2. Step 2: Save the modified Makefile and re-run the build process to ensure that the corrected Makefile is used.

🎯 Final Words

By following these steps, users should be able to resolve the '__modver_version_show' error when building Linux kernel version 3.0.4 on Ubuntu 11.10 in VirtualBox.

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