VectorLinux
The nuts and bolts => Installation & Updates => Topic started by: icedtea on February 22, 2011, 04:58:51 am
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ok, i am not sure how could i start this one.. but.. i have an existing LILO.. VL 5.8
now i installed VL6.0 AND installed its own LILO in the boot sector.. now everytime i choose this VL6.0 its own LILO still appears.. (instead of starting to boot).. i want to remove it. . .
or can i edit my VL6.0's LILO to disable it?
here is my VL6.0 LILO :
root:# cat /etc/lilo.conf
# LILO configuration file
# generated by 'liloconfig'
#
# Start LILO global section
boot = /dev/hdc13
default = linux
#compact
#prompt
#timeout = 100
# Override dangerous defaults that rewrite the partition table:
change-rules
reset
bitmap = /boot/bitmap/boot.bmp
# VESA framebuffer console @ bootsplash-high
vga = 791
# Normal VGA console
# vga = normal
# VESA framebuffer console @ 1024x768x64k
# vga=791
# VESA framebuffer console @ 1024x768x32k
# vga=790
# VESA framebuffer console @ 1024x768x256
# vga=773
# VESA framebuffer console @ 800x600x64k
# vga=788
# VESA framebuffer console @ 800x600x32k
# vga=787
# VESA framebuffer console @ 800x600x256
# vga=771
# VESA framebuffer console @ 640x480x64k
# vga=785
# VESA framebuffer console @ 640x480x32k
# vga=784
# VESA framebuffer console @ 640x480x256
# vga=769
# End LILO global section
# Partition 1: Linux GUI mode
image = /boot/vmlinuz
# root = /dev/hdc13
# label = linux
# append = "splash=silent "
# read-only
# initrd = /boot/initrd
# Partition 2: Linux GUI mode
image = /boot/vmlinuz
# root = /dev/hdc13
# label = linux-gui
# append = "4 splash=silent "
# read-only
# initrd = /boot/initrd
vector6:/~
root:#
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VL 5.8 loader image is being dis[played ?
Where is the VL 5.8 boot directory located:
Do you still have/want to use VL 5.8
If so, steps to correct:
Chain link newer VL 6 lilo to point to the version/s desired
Note that the name of compressed kernel "vmlinuz" is optional
All you really care is, whatever chosen readily shows which is what)
And most importantly *where*
To boot VL 6. , lilo boot-loader needs the full path & name of VL6 boot image
Re-run command lilo
IIRC, VL has a utility (vasm?) to do all above
HTH -best luck
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VL5.8 is my Main LILO.. i still want to use it.. (as of now)
it carries my other boxes, slackware,zenwalk. and just recently, VL6.0
in my VL5.8,
VL6.0 is added as :
# VectorLinux 6
other = /dev/hdc13
label =VL6.0
my problem is.. this VL6.0 own LILO was installed in the boot sector.. so everytime i choose VL6.0 in my MAIN LILO, it will still prompt another boot loader..
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you have a couple options from here
1) run vliloconf from the 5.8 install and have IT add your 6.0 install.
2) change the timout in the 6.0 lilo.conf to 0 so it does not display anything and boots quickly
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you have a couple options from here
1) run vliloconf from the 5.8 install and have IT add your 6.0 install.
2) change the timout in the 6.0 lilo.conf to 0 so it does not display anything and boots quickly
i will try option 1 ..
will this do for option 2 ?
# Start LILO global section
boot = /dev/hdc13
default = linux
#compact
#prompt
#timeout = 100
# Override dangerous defaults that rewrite the partition table:
change-rules
reset
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WHICHEVER loader is used (*or* chain load) set the default O/system
IF chain loading (some O/systems do not have multi-boot capabilities) Edit others to only boot themselves
When multi-system booting, any loader only need find appropriate kernel image
Allow sufficient timeout (tab/Esc will stop countdown) to use options
Changing only VL 6 loader timeout does not *eliminate* current events
Nowdays most live or install CD's allow booting into any present O/system
IF your Mbr ever becomes corrupted, we can supply commands to wipe,
then Cfg *any* loader, (Grub/2 is better for multiples) & install any loader
Caveats:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_GRUB
("Unlike LILO, there is no need to reinstall GRUB to the MBR or a partition after changes to the configuration file.")
While lilo can do most everything desired, Grub/Grub2 has become the de-facto standard
It is easier to repair, is more user friendly/adaptable for multiple O/systems
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here is my entire VL 6.0 LILO
root:# cat /etc/lilo.conf
# LILO configuration file
# generated by 'liloconfig'
#
# Start LILO global section
boot = /dev/hdc13
default = linux
#compact
prompt
#timeout = 100
# Override dangerous defaults that rewrite the partition table:
change-rules
reset
bitmap = /boot/bitmap/boot.bmp
# VESA framebuffer console @ bootsplash-high
vga = 791
# Normal VGA console
# vga = normal
# VESA framebuffer console @ 1024x768x64k
# vga=791
# VESA framebuffer console @ 1024x768x32k
# vga=790
# VESA framebuffer console @ 1024x768x256
# vga=773
# VESA framebuffer console @ 800x600x64k
# vga=788
# VESA framebuffer console @ 800x600x32k
# vga=787
# VESA framebuffer console @ 800x600x256
# vga=771
# VESA framebuffer console @ 640x480x64k
# vga=785
# VESA framebuffer console @ 640x480x32k
# vga=784
# VESA framebuffer console @ 640x480x256
# vga=769
# End LILO global section
# Partition 1: Linux GUI mode
#image = /boot/vmlinuz
# root = /dev/hdc13
# label = linux
# append = "splash=silent "
# read-only
# initrd = /boot/initrd
# Partition 2: Linux GUI mode
#image = /boot/vmlinuz
# root = /dev/hdc13
# label = linux-gui
# append = "4 splash=silent "
# read-only
# initrd = /boot/initrd
vector6:/~
root:#
and STILL.. it drops down to its OWN LILO after i chose VL6.0 in my "EXISTING LILO"
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A few posts ago I posted the solutions:
you have a couple options from here
1) run vliloconf from the 5.8 install and have IT add your 6.0 install.
2) change the timout in the 6.0 lilo.conf to 0 so it does not display anything and boots quickly
#1 is still IMO the better way.
#2 should look like this
timeout = 0
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Icedtea:
Since the 5,8 version worked I agree w/Uelsk8s
You can cleanup that configuration file for ease of reading by deleting commented lines
Where did the last lines
(vector6:/~
root:#
come from
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Icedtea
Re-examining- it appears you did use 5.8 to chain vl6
When running lilo - see file created by using
#/sbin/lilo -t -q -v > lilotest
http://linux.die.net/man/8/lilo
EDIT: sorry forgot to mention - your first request was only how to remove the installed lilo(boot loader) from VL6
when you folowed VL install procedures to install it
(You chose to install that into VL6 sector -rather than the Mbr (not wishing to overwrite 5.8 version)
Please see lilo - u - v /dev/sdc13
Above command is presuming VL6 uses newer device naming convention -("S" d~ ) otherwise use /dev/hdc13
HTH
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Where did the last lines
(vector6:/~
root:#
come from
it is after giving the cat file. (it gets back to my root prompt)
EDIT: sorry forgot to mention - your first request was only how to remove the installed lilo(boot loader) from VL6
when you folowed VL install procedures to install it
(You chose to install that into VL6 sector -rather than the Mbr (not wishing to overwrite 5.8 version)
correct.
Ok, if i will run vlilconf from 5.8, i will re-install LILO in the MBR .. right? (since this is my main loader)
just want to verify, it will detect 2 disks, /dev/hda --win and /dev/hdc --linux disk
i must install the loader in my first primary drive which is /dev/hda .. right?
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Yes , we are on same page now
(By your description - you now cannot boot VL6 ?)
If so, using 5.8 run #fdisk -l
See if it picks up all devices
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Background:
The original 5.8 @ install detected other O/systems
VL 6 should have ( E.G. Why are there no other O/systems listed in VL6 lilo file ?)
@ Install's (create loader step) Vector should have notified what the probe found,
offered to add other O/systems to lilo
Did you run the (lilo *test*) w/any Linux version to confirm options
Was either VL version a live cd or just an ISO to install
If not detected properly, (since an install probes all devices~ )
If probes are faulty, *Any Linux* version can be edited to include as desired then installed wherever wanted
Option - can supply data to build your own lilo boot-floppy, which does not touch the Mbr
IMO - grub is the best choice for multiple boot users
Suggetion ~ take time out, download such as:
http://www.sysresccd.org/Main_Page
With that a user is never shut out of access, can repair most anything
(INCLUDING Windows)
HTH
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actually.. i can boot VL6.0 and was able to connect to the internet.. .no problem.
my concern is.. just. "everytime i choose VL6.0 FROM my 5.8 LILO.. it still goes to VL6.0's OWN LILO"
all i want is to "remove VL6.0's LILO.. so if i choose VL6.0 from 5.8, then it will boot at once..
example :
VL5.8 LILO
-->Selected VL6.0
--> will still direct to VL6.0's LILO (instead of booting directly) --because when i ran vliloconf, i install VL6.0 lilo in the boot sector
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What is happening:
VL5.8 does NOT boot VL 6 ~instead you are presented w/ VL6 boot- loader
From *there* VL6 boots
You do not *need* a boot -loader on VL 6
Why no *test run* to confirm ?
Reiterated - EITHER version can be configured to create a /etc/lilo.conf file
The installer offered options after which, if lilo.conf is not current to later installs, device modifications;
The sys-admin (root user) must manually edit events
Then running /sbin/lilo install it ---via parsing that configuration file content
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do NOT be afraid to play around w/system ~ unlike Windows, *anything* is repairable
Relying on a distribution variant's peculiarities as a "quickest " solution_ Is a personal decision
As such, we all make choices THAT is OUR RIGHT
Under FOSS, when that works, great - but - what has then been learned ?
It is often stated Linux "should-be" a glitch-free out_of_the_box experience
Is Mac/Windows - none are perfect
Developers are hard pressed to meet *demands* and only human
We all make mistakes - experienced or new-user
Only non-configurable embedded versions (if/when they meet needs) come closest
Wasted time - when is learning anything new not worthy of it
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Please post lilo.conf from 5.8 (if much too long, "relevant sections"), and the output from "lilo -V -v" from 6 and 5.8.
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Why are we making this so hard?
Either 1) add the line
timeout = 0
or 2) comment the line
#prompt
then run
lilo
from inside 6.0
then reboot
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Roarde
This is not a VL glitch
All any boot-loader needs is to find the compressed kernel image (no matter HOW it is named !)
The system map etc. is a LILO requirement
To find that kernel image any loader needs the correct path
BOTH lilo configs work one is now redundant
You already *have* the VL 6 content
Initrd itself is not a boot requirement for installed O/systems
Please see loader and kernel boot sequence events
http://www.debianhelp.co.uk/boot.htm
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Uelsk8s
Yes your advice was already agreed upon > as the fastest/"work_around_simplist " method
It was also stated, that does NOT meet the original request
NOR does it change what is happening
His choice - He wanted to eliminate the current results
We can only suggest -it is then up to him to use,.emperically test, or adopt suggestions
What is so hard to understand a "loader* is not absolutely required on any O/system partition
It must exist somewhere
They access data to find any kernel -from there the kernel takes over
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What is happening:
VL5.8 does NOT boot VL 6 ~instead you are presented w/ VL6 boot- loader
From *there* VL6 boots
correct.
You do not *need* a boot -loader on VL 6
correct.
Why no *test run* to confirm ?
i am at the office now. . i will try it when i get home.
then run
lilo
from inside 6.0
then reboot
if i do this. . . VL6.0 might over write my 5.8 LILO. . .or will it not happen?
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if i do this. . . VL6.0 might over write my 5.8 LILO. . .or will it not happen?
it will NOT happen.
your VL6 LILO is set to write to hdc13
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icedtea :
Fastest - do as Uelsk8s suggests (VL6 loader was NOT installed to the Mbr)
As configured, it will not overwrite present Mbr
Your choice
(*Remove* e now-Installed VL6 loader (from boot sector) ONLY ~ IF desired ~ using supplied data)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Developers:
A boot-loader install from within VL 6 used OWN post-built lilo.conf file
It was instructed to install in VL6 partition NOT the Mbr
VL 5.8 boot-loader was installed to the Mbr
The VL 5.8 (lilo) loader does NOT need a VL 6 lilo loader post -installed to it's boot sector
When lilo is used, the VL6 location of it's system map & "linuz" image is all 5.8 lilo -boot_loader needs
(in VL6 /boot directory)
LILO needs a system.map because it cannot understand file systems
Therefore it must be able to locate the root (/) file system of an O/sytem
*and* location of a kernel image
It is NOW :"chain-loading" from one boot-loader to activate the next
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Why are we making this so hard?
Either 1) add the line
timeout = 0
or 2) comment the line
#prompt
then run
lilo
from inside 6.0
then reboot
i did this. . .but it did not worked.
my current VL6.0
root:# cat /etc/lilo.conf
# LILO configuration file
# generated by 'liloconfig'
#
# Start LILO global section
boot = /dev/hdc13
default = linux
#compact
prompt
timeout = 0
# Override dangerous defaults that rewrite the partition table:
change-rules
reset
bitmap = /boot/bitmap/boot.bmp
# VESA framebuffer console @ 1024x768x256
vga = 773
# End LILO global section
# Partition 1: Linux GUI mode
#image = /boot/vmlinuz
# root = /dev/hdc13
# label = linux
# append = " "
# read-only
# Partition 2: Linux GUI mode
#image = /boot/vmlinuz
# root = /dev/hdc13
# label = linux-gui
# append = "4 "
#read-only
in the VL6.0 lilo this 2 items appear:
linux
linux-gui
and they are both booting.. (GUI) since its my default in inittab
Re-examining- it appears you did use 5.8 to chain vl6
When running lilo - see file created by using
#/sbin/lilo -t -q -v > lilotest
will i run this in 5.8 lilo or 6.0 lilo?
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You did NOT comment out (#) the "prompt" line in VL6 lilo.conf
will i run this in 5.8 lilo or 6.0 lilo?
Never mind, if you are not satisfied after using # before line "prompt"-
Shouldn't be necessary - but from VL 6 - First post this (created lilo-files.txt):
(Command) ls -ll /boot |cat > lilo_files.txt
The | symbol is upper-case of keyboard's ( /)
THEN still in VL 6, try
lilo - t -u -v /dev/hdc13 > rmlilo.txt
Read it to see results of (test only) remove lilo command
If it worked USE it (lilo -u -v /dev/hdc13)
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cat rmlilotest.txt
LILO version 22.8 (test mode), Copyright (C) 1992-1998 Werner Almesberger
Development beyond version 21 Copyright (C) 1999-2006 John Coffman
Released 19-Feb-2007 and compiled at 02:39:03 on Apr 1 2008.
Warning: LBA32 addressing assumed
Reading boot sector from /dev/hdc13
Warning: /dev/hdc13 is not on the first disk
Reading old boot sector.
Restoring old boot sector.
icey:$ cat lilo_files.txt
total 6514
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 20 2011-02-20 14:21 System.map -> System.map-2.6.27.12
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1356775 2009-01-22 15:14 System.map-2.6.27.12
drwxr-xr-x 2 root root 184 2011-02-20 14:21 bitmap/
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 512 2011-02-21 19:35 boot.160D
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 193 2005-01-23 07:37 boot.label
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 16 2011-02-20 14:21 config -> config-2.6.27.12
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 76888 2009-01-22 15:14 config-2.6.27.12
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 5040 2008-04-01 15:39 diag1.img
drwxr-xr-x 2 root root 512 2008-06-16 21:32 grub/
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 346032 2009-01-05 17:18 initrd
-rw------- 1 root root 415232 2011-02-25 19:23 map
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 15754 2008-02-22 08:08 slack.bmp
drwxr-xr-x 2 root root 48 2011-02-21 19:35 tamu/
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 17 2011-02-20 14:21 vmlinuz -> vmlinuz-2.6.27.12
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 4427632 2011-02-20 14:31 vmlinuz-2.6.27.12
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Use it lilo -u /dev/hdc13
Post results
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i got it.
this was the one :
# Start LILO global section
boot = /dev/hdc13
default = linux
#compact
#prompt
#timeout = 0
# End LILO global section
# Partition 1: Linux GUI mode
image = /boot/vmlinuz
root = /dev/hdc13
label = linux
append = " "
read-only
# Partition 2: Linux GUI mode
#image = /boot/vmlinuz
# root = /dev/hdc13
#label = linux-gui
#append = "4 "
#read-only
i just noticed it minutes ago before posting this. . .
everytime i run lilo.. . it posts, added linux* even though the label = linux-gui is NOT commented. . .
then upon loading the VL6.0 as i posted earlier.. the labels "linux" and "linux-gui" appears.. BUT ANY OF THE TWO just loads my default GUI. ..
i tried COMMENTING OUT, the label "linux" and VL6.0 DID NOT BOOT.. it just hangs at "loading VL6.0 and a cursor blinking"
not sure how it reads BUT.. . does this one :
boot = /dev/hdc13
default = linux
READS this ? (i know that "label" is just a name)
image = /boot/vmlinuz
root = /dev/hdc13
label = linux
append = " "
read-only
i thought that.. this "PARTITION n" (n is the number) are the same.
# Partition 1: Linux GUI mode
# Partition 2: Linux GUI mode
again a BIG THANKS to the GUYS who replied on this thread.. and has the patience to support me. . .
NOW that this has been solved.. i will jump now into configuring the WIFI tool (xfce) sorry to bother much of your time.. really appreciated it. :) again. .THANK YOU
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Good -
Uelsk8s - LOL do you have any hair left ?
Many may:
~ Be curious why latest VL7 was not tried
~ Like to see an explanation of why_
~ /boot directory contains four symlinks (of identical name) as those pointed to in_the_ same_location
(& what the heck is "tamu" )