Install the \s-1syslinux\s+1 bootloader on a ext2/ext3/ext4/btrfs filesystem
extlinux [options] directory
EXTLINUX is a new syslinux derivative, which boots from a Linux ext2/ext3/ext4 or btrfs filesystem. It works the same way as SYSLINUX, with a few slight modifications. It is intended to simplify first-time installation of Linux, and for creation of rescue and other special-purpose boot disks.
The installer is designed to be run on a mounted directory. For example, if you have an ext2, ext3, ext4, or btrfs usb key mounted on /mnt, you can run the following command:
extlinux --install /mnt
-H, --heads=#
Force the number of heads.
-i, --install
Install over the current bootsector.
-O, --clear-once
Clear the boot-once command.
-o, --once=command
Execute a command once upon boot.
-M, --menu-save=label
Set the label to select as default on the next boot
-r, --raid
Fall back to the next device on boot failure.
--reset-adv
Reset auxiliary data.
-S, --sectors=#
Force the number of sectors per track.
-U, --update
Updates a previous EXTLINUX installation.
-z, --zip
Force zipdrive geometry (-H 64 -S 32).
--device=devicename
Override the automatic detection of device names. This option is intended for special environments only and should not be used by normal users. Misuse of this option can cause disk corruption and lost data.
The extlinux configuration file needs to be named syslinux.cfg or extlinux.conf and needs to be stored in the extlinux installation directory. For more information about the contents of extlinux.conf, see syslinux(1) manpage, section files.
I would appreciate hearing of any problems you have with \s-1SYSLINUX\s+1. I would also like to hear from you if you have successfully used \s-1SYSLINUX\s+1, especially if you are using it for a distribution.
If you are reporting problems, please include all possible information about your system and your BIOS; the vast majority of all problems reported turn out to be BIOS or hardware bugs, and I need as much information as possible in order to diagnose the problems.
There is a mailing list for discussion among \s-1SYSLINUX\s+1 users and for announcements of new and test versions. To join, send a message to [email protected] with the line:
syslinux(1)