recompile of kernel 2.4.18 killed my system. Can't even use boot disk.

[John Lukar]

I had kernel 2.2.2-compact version installed on my woody 3.0 Debian
dual athlon box. With 2 scsi HD's and one scsi DVD-ROM.

I downloaded the source (apt-get) for 2.4.18 from Debian and followed
through a mini-how to enable SMP, sound and loadable modules(using
make xconfig) and recompiled the kernel by building a .deb boot
install pakcage. I then used dpkg -i to install the .deb package.

I rebooted and get the following kernel panic message:

reqeust_module[scsi_hostadapter]: Root fs not mounted
......<snip> <snip>....
request_module[block-major-8]: Root fs not mounted
VFS: Cannot open root device "803" or 08:03
Please append a correct "root=" boot option
Kernel panic: VFS: unable to mount root fs on 08:03

I tried using my boot disk to bring up the system but not happening. I
type following at boot:

boot: linux.bin root=/dev/sda2

sda2 is where my /root filesystem is since by default it wants to boot
into /dev/sda1 which is my boot partition.

It goes thourgh boot and dies with kernel panic:

Invalid session number or type of track
Kernel panic: VFS: unable to mount root fs on 08:02

I see in the message before it scrolls by that both scsi HD's are
picked up.

please help. suggestions please.
I need to recover my system. I have data on it that I didn't save.

JK.