Help with bootloader

meh · Post by **meh** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:53 pm

I'm using a loopback device to try and test my operating system, but my bootloader will not load my operating system. I think the reason is because when I write my bootloader to it, it wipes out the filesystem.

Combuster · Post by **Combuster** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:04 pm

Well, the obvious question: Is your bootloader actually compatible with the filesystem?

meh · Post by **meh** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 4:45 pm

Yes, it is the bootloader that John Fine made, and the filesystem that I am using is FAT.

jerryleecooper · Post by **jerryleecooper** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:03 pm

AusZero wrote:Yes, it is the bootloader that John Fine made, and the filesystem that I am using is FAT.

Yes, JOhn Fine is doing fine bootloaders, is a reputed source for you to get source from. Of course the problem doesn't come from your assembly of "objects" that you got from the internet.
I think it's your use of your linux that is the problem.

The solution, use mkfat12 or something what is called, mount it, copy your files, unmount it, and copy your bootloader on your file, dont use your loopback thing I dont know what it is because Im using Windows not linux.

meh · Post by **meh** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:55 pm

Without the loopback device, I can't mount it.

jerryleecooper · Post by **jerryleecooper** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 8:01 pm

sorry for my previous message, I wasnt clear. What I wanted to say is, dont have your image mounted while you copy your bootloader on it. I don't know if it can cause problem, but probably yes. My theory was that linux doesnt let you write your bootloader while the image is still mounted, but... how do you copy your bootloader to your image?

meh · Post by **meh** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:25 pm

I've tried that too.

I use dd if=./boot/boot of=floppy.img conv=notrunc to copy the bootloader.