> rpm -ivh --force kernel-smp-2.6.9-34.0.2.EL.PRX.01.i686.rpm The --force is a bad idea. The rest of the command is fine. Also, since you're doing it this way, the kernel itself should tweak grub.conf for you as part of the post install script in the rpm. -- During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act. George Orwell