| Lubuntu
linux Tips (2015-2020) |
How to Install EXTlinux |
I must say, I am somewhat anti-GRUB. With it's configuration files, it's learning curve is above most other boot managers I've used and so prefer not to use it. Instead I'll show you how to use EXTlinux, a derivative of SYSlinux that works with EXT partitions. Extlinux does not mess with your MBR (unless you want to), instead it installs itself on the VBR, i.e the bootsector of the partition. Syslinux/Extlinux has a reputation of being a very reliable boot. 1. Install extlinux with Synaptic Pacakge Manager, OR you can type in a terminal; sudo bash <enter your
password>
apt-get install extlinux 2. Write a configuration file inside /boot/extlinux/ cd /boot/extlinux
Replace UUID=<your usb_stick's_uuid>leafpad extlinux.conf #add these lines below
DEFAULT linux LABEL linux SAY Now booting the kernel using EXTLINUX... KERNEL /boot/vmlinuz-3.2.0-35-generic APPEND ro root=UUID=5af0dcb0-e5c3-4956-80b0-aa3c36c044bf initrd=/boot/initrd.img-3.2.0-35-generic The uuid uniquely identifies your
usb stick device, you can find it by the command;
blkid
or ls -l /dev/disk/by-uuid Replace 3.2.0-35 with your kernel's version number for vmlinuz and initrd.img You can find this by looking in the
/boot directory;
ls /boot
3. Update the VBR with extlinux cd /boot/extlinux
don't
forget the "." This command will update
the VBR using extlinux.conf in the current directory.extlinux -i . You can now reboot. The beauty of this system is a reliable boot with a simple setup. If you choose to copy your whole system to another stick or harddisk, you just have to change the UUID and issue another "extlinux -i ." . (and also change your fstab !). Notes: Extlinux itself does offer an auto-installation command (extlinux-install), however it does generate more complicated files and uses menus but more importantly I found the boot less reliable). If you dual boot with Windows, windows insists on overwriting the MBR to boot 'first' into windows and then into a) the Metro boot manager or b) the classic black and white NT boot manager. In either case, you need a third party app (such as EasyBCD, to chain boot into you linux parition. |
| If you need an MBR boot manager, (and you
don't use GPT) I would recommend Ranish. More Lubuntu Tips |