HD Install :: Adding DSL to Linux computer

I would like add DSL to a computer that currently dual boots suse and windows xp. It uses grub as the bootloader. I will be installing a new hard drive to hold the DSL-N image. I want a frugal type installation.

I understand the basics of partitions etc.

I think I understand that I add an item to the grub for DSL but I am not sure how and what images I should copy to the HD. I don't think I can use the installation menu because I am afraid it will overwrite the existing grub-menu. So is there an easy way to do this or a pointer to a howto.

Thanks.

From Suse, as root....
1) Mount the ISO

Code Sample

mount -o loop /path/to/dsl-2.4.iso /path/to/mountpoint

2) Copy the contents of the mountpoint to your new ext2 or ext3 partition

Code Sample

cp -Rp /path/to/mountpoint/* /mnt/whatever/

3) Add entry to Suse's /boot/grub/menu.lst
(this example assumes DSL is on hdb1)

Code Sample

title Damn Small Linux
kernel (hd1,0)/boot/isolinux/linux24 root=/dev/hdb1 dsl <options>
initrd (hd1,0)/boot/isolinux/minirt24.gz

mikshaw

I know this is not a DSL question, but I'd like to use this same idea to frugal install KNOPPIX4 or 5 the same way (but on otherwise Fedora).

I think I'd be stopped in finding a suitable initrd.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
yeti

I've never used or even seen Knoppix, so i couldn't tell you. When you say "I think I'd be stopped in finding a suitable initrd" are you just speculating that the initrd wouldn't work, or is this an experience you had? Grub's initrd line allows you to specify the file precisely. If for some reason Knoppix doesn't have an initrd, you can probably leave out that line and it should still boot. I've never gotten around to creating an initrd for my slackware, and it still works without trouble.

mikshaw

This is a non-problem.
I just couldn't see the initrd using emelfm.
Perfectly usable kernel and initrd in KNOPPIX 4.0.2.
KNOPPIX frugal install works like DSL setup,
except result runs in unionfs.

Thanks, anyway.
yeti

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