Arch Linux

random.bits

Member

From: Ottawa Canada

Registered: 2004-07-18

Posts: 39

modifying startup profile of install disk

The problem I am trying to solve is:

Using a usb stick version of the arch ftp install cd
(easily built using syslinux), the user boots into
arch install mode.

Immediately, the usb stick is mounted onto /mnt/u
and the shell script /mnt/u/install.bsh is run.
When that scripts finishes, the usb stick is unmounted
and the user is prompted to remove the usb stick and
reboot.

I know if I could replace the /etc/profile file that is created when
the initrd.img is unpacked, then the job is done.

I can unpack initrd.img using bsdtar, but unfortunately I am
unable to successfully rebuild the initrd.img (kernel panic when
trying to mount the image).

I looked at the mkinitcpio wiki, but do not see how I can
achieve the above.

I have seen some discussion in this area, but it appears
more changes were being made than I need.

Pointers to documentation on building this image would
be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Mark

random.bits

Member

From: Ottawa Canada

Registered: 2004-07-18

Posts: 39

Re: modifying startup profile of install disk

Anybody have an answer?

I tried to rebuild the image using bsdtar but the kernel
panic'd when trying to mount the ram disk (it unpacked
it ok).

gradgrind

Member

From: Germany

Registered: 2005-10-06

Posts: 921

Re: modifying startup profile of install disk

I would try something like this

cd initramfsdir
find . | cpio -H newc --create --verbose | gzip -9 > /boot/myinitrd.img

There may be useful info on the cpio man page.

---

larch: http://larch.berlios.de

random.bits

Member

From: Ottawa Canada

Registered: 2004-07-18

Posts: 39

Re: modifying startup profile of install disk

Thank you for the reply. By building the image the way you
specified, I was able to make the changes I wanted.

Works like a charm now.