Booting from HDD using Grub with Knoppix DVD folders copied in HDD

[rajibando]

Dear friends,

The issue is bit complex. Recently I have learnt to boot knoppix from a computer (i.e., from HDD) running Debian Lenny 5.0.4 with Grub as boot loader without (1) either installing it on the HDD as Debian, (2) or copying its iso image on the HDD and using cheatcode to boot the OS. What I do is copy the contents of the Knoppix DVD to the HDD and edit the grub menu.lst to boot the knoppix from HDD using Grub. >>>>>>>>> and I noticed that knoppix runs faster this way! <<<<<<<<<<

Of course, knoppix is very versatile, so the option is available to me, but I have run into a problem because of the whole lot of choice available to me.

The link to the Debian forum where I learnt the trick is:
[solved] Using Grub to boot from an iso image
Link: http://forums.debian.net/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=52419

I have several computers at home, including one desktop, two laptops and two HCL MiLeap ML03 netbooks. All the computers boot the knoppix the way I have stated above, easily, except the netbooks [make of HDD: PM-ST730212DE, and have three partitions, two ext2 and one swap] . For the Netbooks we reach the point:
Waiting (USB)...
Searching Knoppix 6 in: /dev/sda1
Searching Knoppix 6 in: /dev/sda2
Searching Knoppix 6 in: /dev/sda3
Could not mount disk to /mnt-system. Starting debugging shell...
sh: can't access tty; job control turned off
/#

But, interestingly, in between the search if I insert the pen drive where the knoppix folders are copied, the OS boots from the pen drive.

Also, in Debian, the partitions are identified as hda1 and hda2.

I searched the net and found that the HDD is of Seagate, details: Seagate Lyrion ST730212DE - hard drive - 30 GB. Link: http://www.seagate.com/staticfiles/support/disc/manuals/ata/100462437b.pdf

So could you please guide me as to where I am going wrong?

Regards,
Rajib

[krishna.murphy]

Rajib-

I'd suggest using the flash-install utility (on the main menu under Preferences) to put it on the hard drive. That requires a FAT32 partition big enough for the ISO (plus whatever persistent store and spare room you want) as the first partition. It also sets up GRUB to boot that first partition, and has the advantage that there are many others who are familiar with the setup.

Cheers!
Krishna :mrgreen:

[rajibando]

Dear Mr. Murthy,

Thank you very much for your quick reply. I am aware of the the other installation options, but deliberately chose not to exercise those options.

The option I chose is a very well thought out plan, and works for me for the other computers. The failure also gives me an opportunity to learn doing things.

Knoppix boots from my HCL Me laptop from ext2 partition, and also from my Compaq Presario CT501 laptop from fat32 partition, and using the same method I have already described.

Incidentally, both the laptops' HDDs I mentioned about are SATA HDDs, while the one on my MiLeap netbooks are IDE.

Is this what is creating the problem?

PLEASE, for the sake of FOSS, kindly identify the true reason for this and educate me. Try to visualise the problem I have sited in my first post, and if necessary I would be able to provide the video of the entire uploading process.

Regards