extlinux (1) - Linux Manuals

extlinux: install the SYSLINUX bootloader on an ext2/ext3/ext4/btrfs/xfs filesystem

NAME

extlinux - install the SYSLINUX bootloader on an ext2/ext3/ext4/btrfs/xfs filesystem

SYNOPSIS

extlinux [options] directory

DESCRIPTION

EXTLINUX is a new syslinux derivative, which boots from a Linux ext2/ext3/ext4/btrfs or xfs 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

OPTIONS

-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.

FILES

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.

LIMITATIONS

Booting from XFS only works when an MBR partition table is used (not on GPT partition tables).

BUGS

I would appreciate hearing of any problems you have with SYSLINUX. I would also like to hear from you if you have successfully used SYSLINUX, 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 SYSLINUX users and for announcements of new and test versions. You can subscribe to this mailing list