How to Fix Docker on Ubuntu / Mint when Using a Mainline Kernel

I’ve had a number of issues using the stock kernel that is provided in Linux Mint 18 (and Ubuntu 16.04) with regard to system stability. The worst of the issues was that my system would completely lock up when it’s connected to my docking station (Lenovo Pro Dock).

A new kernel (Linux 4.5.7) fixed my stability issues. No more was I facing issues with the dreaded system lockups and even the notorious WiFi issues of Ubuntu 16.04-based distros seemed to disappear.

All except one: it broke Docker.

Turns out, you need the “extras” package for your kernel to use Docker’s AUFS implementation. This causes a conundrum when you’re running a mainline kernel build — as far as I can tell, there aren’t “extra” packages provided for mainline kernels; only the stock kernel provides such a package.