Using boot.img to boot from HD

[david_hadas]

I would like to setup a nice clean workspace to experiment with changes I make to the Knoppix original CD (and than remaster).

Therefore I followed the "HowToos" on this subject and some of the postings on this server as well. I now understand how I can remaster from source and master dirs using mkisofs and than boot from that fs using a flpooy without burining it (or burn it and use the burned CD).

My Q is as follows:
Is there a way to test the changes without going through the long path of mkisofs ?

What I mean is to preserve the unique knoppix boot sequance using boot.img or a clone but instead of continuing the boot sequance using an ISO fs, continuing the boot sequance using the environment I am developing with as appears in the source dir.

In other words booting into a 1:1 equivalent KNOPPIX environment but using an uncompressed fs (EXT2) that I can manipulate more easially.

I hope my Q is clear as I may be still a bit :?
David

[david_hadas]

Well, I figured out that if I copy the source directory (the same stuff as in KNOPPIX/KNOPPIX file) into a new partition

AND

change the linuxrc inside the miniroot.gz inside the boot.img to mount my new partition as /KNOPPIX (instead of its original plan to mount a partition which have a KNOPPIX file inside) I can make it work.

It now works. I boot from "special floppy" to my HD partition. Once I will get the functionality I am after, I will turn it into a KNOPPIX file and possibly burn it.

I think this is a wonderfull way to test stuff as it is hassle free (just rebooting is required to test the new version). But I will be happy to hear from the remastering experts of any pitfalls or comments about this method.