tc-install test result

[ixbrian]

Now I can create a bootable FAT formatted USB stick with CorePlus CD manually. Need some testing and I can provide a script.

Here are the 2 issues identified and which we are working on fixing:

-If you select to format and install to an existing partition that is already mounted, the partition isn't formatted.
-If you select to use an existing vfat partition without formatting, extlinux is installed instead of syslinux.

Are you seeing any other issues other than these 2?

[bmarkus]

Did you select to format with a ext2, ext3, or ext4 filesystem?   If so, extlinux would be installed by design.   Was there any problem when booting the pen drive?

Both 256M and 4G sticks boot OK created in USB-HDD / format ext4 mode.

[bmarkus]

Now I can create a bootable FAT formatted USB stick with CorePlus CD manually. Need some testing and I can provide a script.

Here are the 2 issues identified and which we are working on fixing:

-If you select to format and install to an existing partition that is already mounted, the partition isn't formatted.
-If you select to use an existing vfat partition without formatting, extlinux is installed instead of syslinux.

Are you seeing any other issues other than these 2?

Yes. The core issue we are discussing from the beginning.

Installing on USB stick where no any existing partitions are mounted in

- USB-HDD mode
- formatting to FAT

repartitions drive, formats with mkdosfs, installs syslinux and copies files but created stick doesn't boot, results

'boot error' which indicates faulty or missing boot record.

[bmarkus]

Find attached a sript which creates a working, bootable USB stick on a system booted from CorePlus CD (target partition is configured in the beginning of script, change it to fit your system).

Result is OK as long as partition is formatted on WINDOWS. Formatting on TC with mkdosfs before running script result is 'boot error'. So there is a FAT incompatibility somewhere.

[curaga]

Your script doesn't install syslinux's mbr?

[bmarkus]

Your script doesn't install syslinux's mbr?

No, with Windows formatted drives it was not necessary. I dropped everything and kept only those which really needed to have a basis to work on

[justauser]

I freshly formatted a pen drive and then did a tc-install. The drive had not been mounted at all.  After the install I mounted and in the boot directory there is the extlinux directory with ldlinux.sys and extlinux.cfg

Did you select to format with a ext2, ext3, or ext4 filesystem?   If so, extlinux would be installed by design.   Was there any problem when booting the pen drive?

The USB flash drive was formatted with Windows and was empty.  it *did* boot.

[justauser]

Here are the 2 issues identified and which we are working on fixing:

-If you select to format and install to an existing partition that is already mounted, the partition isn't formatted.
-If you select to use an existing vfat partition without formatting, extlinux is installed instead of syslinux.

Are you seeing any other issues other than these 2?

My yesy had a vfat partition and extlinux was used.

[ixbrian]

I freshly formatted a pen drive and then did a tc-install. The drive had not been mounted at all.  After the install I mounted and in the boot directory there is the extlinux directory with ldlinux.sys and extlinux.cfg

Did you select to format with a ext2, ext3, or ext4 filesystem?   If so, extlinux would be installed by design.   Was there any problem when booting the pen drive?

The USB flash drive was formatted with Windows and was empty.  it *did* boot.

What formatting option did you choose within the installer? 

[ixbrian]

Find attached a sript which creates a working, bootable USB stick on a system booted from CorePlus CD (target partition is configured in the beginning of script, change it to fit your system).

Result is OK as long as partition is formatted on WINDOWS. Formatting on TC with mkdosfs before running script result is 'boot error'. So there is a FAT incompatibility somewhere.

I'm not able to reproduce.   On my hardware, booting from CorePlus 4.2 CD and installing to a partitionless pen drive using USB-HDD with vfat formatting results in a bootable, working pen drive.

I also tried the same in VirtualBox and it also produces a working installation there as well. 

Can you please try this on other hardware and see if you experience the same there?

[bmarkus]

I already explained, that it boots on my desktp and doesn't boot on the Acer Aspire 5720Z notebook. Can't tell you more.

[bmarkus]

4.2.1 result

Using frugal mode and existing partition formatted to FAT on WINDOWS previously, without formatting by tc-install created USB stick now boots

Using the same setup except formatting partion to FAT with tc-install results 'boot error'.

In all other modes no change.

[ixbrian]

4.2.1 result

Using frugal mode and existing partition formatted to FAT on WINDOWS previously, without formatting by tc-install created USB stick now boots

Using the same setup except formatting partion to FAT with tc-install results 'boot error'.

In all other modes no change.

Let us know if you ever find a way to format FAT within Linux and then have it be bootable on your Acer. 

[Juanito]

I already explained, that it boots on my desktp and doesn't boot on the Acer Aspire 5720Z notebook. Can't tell you more.

I just posted an updated version of syslinux - I saw the release notes mentioned something about fixing a bug to do with booting on acer machines...

[bmarkus]

This is what I wanted to see, but no change. In my case what causing issue formatting with TC. Windows preformatted stick works.