The Linux Bootdisk HOWTO

Graham Chapman, grahamc@zeta.org.au

1. Introduction

• 1.1 Why Build Boot Disks?
• 1.2 Feedback and Credits
• 1.3 Change History

2. Disks

• 2.1 Summary of Disk Types
• 2.2 Boot
• 2.3 Root
• 2.4 Boot/Root
• 2.5 Utility

3. Components

• 3.1 File Systems
• 3.2 Kernel
• 3.3 Devices
• 3.4 Directories
• 3.5 LILO

4. Samples

• 4.1 Disk Directory Listings
• 4.2 Shell Scripts to Build Diskettes

5. FAQ

• 5.1 Q. How can I make a boot disk with a XXX driver?
• 5.2 Q. How do I update my boot floppy with a new kernel?
• 5.3 Q. How do I remove LILO so that I can use DOS to boot again?
• 5.4 Q. How can I boot if I've lost my kernel AND my boot disk?
• 5.5 Q. How can I make extra copies of boot/root diskettes?
• 5.6 Q. How can I boot without typing in "ahaxxxx=nn,nn,nn" every time?
• 5.7 Q. How can I create an oversize ramdisk filesystem?
• 5.8 Q. At boot time, I get error A: cannot execute B. Why?

6. References

• 6.1 LILO - Linux Loader
• 6.2 Linux FAQ and HOWTOs
• 6.3 Rescue Packages
• 6.4 Slackware Distribution