OSDev.org

I'm trying to get GRUB to work but it doesn't seem like it wants to >:(

I've been following this tutorial: http://osdever.net/tutorials/grub.php?the_id=5

It says:

================================================================
Installing GRUB on a floppy with no filesystem
================================================================
1. Get the GRUB binaries (files "stage1" and "stage2")

2. Concatenate the files "stage1" and "stage2" into one file:

(DOS) copy /b stage1 + stage2 boot

(UNIX) cat stage1 stage2 >boot

3. Write the file "boot" directly to the floppy disk:

(DOS) rawrite boot a:
-OR-
(DOS) partcopy boot 0 168000 -f0

(UNIX) cat boot >/dev/fd0

I'm on NetBSD so I followed the UNIX instructions. I used fdformat before, to format the disk. At the end, I rebooted to test it. Nothing happend ???

so a summary:

cat stage1 stage2 > boot
cat boot > /dev/rfd0a

Tim Robinson, I notice you use GRUB... how do you set things up?

It is literally this simple. stage1 goes at the start of the disk. stage2 goes after it. If this isn't working, then either your disk is broken, or your files are corrupted.

I've tryed many disks, I've compiled GRUB on both NetBSD and FreeBSD, and i've used different methodes of putting the stuff on the disk

Windows:
copy /b stage1 + stage2 > boot
rawwrite boot a:

NetBSD:
cat stage1 stage1 > boot
cat boot > /dev/fd0a

-AND-

cat stage1 stage > boot
dd if=stage1 of=/dev/fd0a bs=512 count=1
dd if=stage2 of=/dev/fd0a bs=512 seek=1


I don't understand how it can still not work... it must be something dumb i'm doing ???

Ok well I downloaded the GRUB images from osdever.net and used rawwrite to stick it on a floppy. It works, and boots to the screen where you can choose an OS.

Now I just need to get it to boot my kernel. I'm not sure if I stick both files on a formatted floppy or append the kernel to the end of the image? I tryed sticking the GRUB image onto a fat formatted disk and it wouldn't fit ???

i have more up to date images here;

read

Once you've got a bootable GRUB floppy (disk A):

1) Prepare a second FAT disk (disk B)with the files stage1 and stage2 on it
2) Copy your kernel to it, and probably menu.lst
3) Boot from disk A
4) Replace disk A with disk B
5) Use the GRUB install command to install GRUB on disk B
6) Reboot using disk B
7) Keep disk A handy for next time

df: I tryed your grub-flat image, and I guess it's a bit different that the other version. When it booted I got to a menu that had Slackware on it. I edited the info:

root=(fd0)
kernel=/boot/kernel.bin root=/dev/fd0

I'm no sure if the is appropriate but it tryed to boot the kernel, but said it was an invalid execuatable. It was KJ's grub kernel from osdever.net.

Is this all that needs to be done, and I simple need to find a different kernel? Or am I doing something wrong

edit: I've .90 working... same problem with the kernel, so I'm guessing GRUB is fine and the kernel is not.

I am happy to announce that I have the kernel running ;D I used ELF instead of binary this time. Everything seems to be fine for now. Thanks for all your help