SUSE Support

Here When You Need Us

How to create a mini boot ISO

This document (7009943) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
Legacy BIOS (non-UEFI)

Situation

How to create a mini boot ISO (for example, to start network-based installs).

Resolution

SLES11:
The following assumes 64-bit SLES 11 SP1 with the original CD1 mounted at /mnt, and an installation source at http://installserver.suse.com/SLES11SP1_64.  Paths can be changed for other versions.

On an existing server:
  1. Copy files from install media.
    From a terminal session, run the following (from the # prompt):

    # mkdir /iso/minicd
    # cd /iso/minicd
    # cp -a /mnt/boot/x86_64/loader/* .

  2. Edit isolinux.cfg to add the network installation source

    # install
    label linux
      kernel linux
      append initrd=initrd splash=silent showopts install=http://installserver.suse.com/SLES11SP1_64

  3. Create image
    From a terminal session, run the following (from the # prompt):

    # cd /iso
    # mkisofs -o minicd.iso -b isolinux.bin -c boot.cat -no-emul-boot -boot-load-size 4 -boot-info-table ./minicd

    The new ISO will be created in /iso/minicd.iso
SLES12:
The following assumes SLES 12 iso is mounted at /mnt , and an installation source at http://10.1.6.128/repo/slesga-x86_64 and an autoyast file of http://10.1.6.128/repo/files12ga/autoinst.xml .  Paths can be changed for other environments.
  1. Copy files from install media.
    From a terminal session, run the following:

    mkdir -p /tmp/minicd
    cp -rp /mnt/boot /tmp/minicd/boot

    rm /tmp/minicd/boot/x86_64/*
         #ignore the errors, leaving the directories and their contents

    chmod -R +w /tmp/minicd
    cd /tmp/minicd

  2. Edit isolinux.cfg to add the network installation source and autoyast file (if appropriate).

    vi boot/x86_64/loader/isolinux.cfg


    Modify this section accordingly:

    #install
    label Linux
      kernel Linux
      append initrd=initrd showopts netdevice=eth0 useDHCP=1 install=http://10.1.6.128/repo/sles12ga-x86_64 autoyast=http://10.1.6.128/repo/files12ga/autoinst.xml

  3. Now build the ISO:

    mkisofs -o /tmp/minicd.iso -b boot/x86_64/loader/isolinux.bin -no-emul-boot -boot-load-size 4 -boot-info-table /tmp/minicd


    note: The catalog is missing (deprecated) so no -c parameter is needed.

Additional Information

Switches used by mkisofs (from man pages):

  -o FILE, -output FILE       Set output file name
  -b FILE, -eltorito-boot FILE
                              Set El Torito boot image name
  -c FILE, -eltorito-catalog FILE
                              Set El Torito boot catalog name
  -no-emul-boot               Boot image is 'no emulation' image
  -boot-load-size #           Set numbers of load sectors
  -boot-info-table            Patch boot image with info table

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

  • Document ID:7009943
  • Creation Date: 03-Jan-2012
  • Modified Date:03-Mar-2020
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

< Back to Support Search

For questions or concerns with the SUSE Knowledgebase please contact: tidfeedback[at]suse.com

tick icon

SUSE Support Forums

Get your questions answered by experienced Sys Ops or interact with other SUSE community experts.

tick icon

Support Resources

Learn how to get the most from the technical support you receive with your SUSE Subscription, Premium Support, Academic Program, or Partner Program.

tick icon

Open an Incident

Open an incident with SUSE Technical Support, manage your subscriptions, download patches, or manage user access.