Disk initialization does not work in AutoYaST

This document (3664970) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 SP1

Situation

You want to make an automated installation via AutoYaST and need to clean all existing partitions from the disk, because it contains e.g. windows partitions. Until SLES 10 SP1 you have used the option

<initialize config:type="boolean">true</initialize>

in AutoYaST, but this does not work anymore.

Resolution

This is a bug in AutoYaST. We are currently investigating this and will release an update soon.

As a workaround you can initialize the disk via a pre-install script.

If not already in your AutoYaST profile add a section

<scripts>
</scripts>

and in this section add the following

<pre-scripts config:type="list">
<script>
<filename>cleandisk.sh</filename>
<interpreter>shell</interpreter>
<source><![CDATA[
   #!/bin/bash
   parted -s <device>rm 1
   parted -s <device>rm 2
   parted -s <device>rm 3
   parted -s <device>rm 4
]]></source>
</script>
</pre-scripts>

But be aware, when you do a semi automatic installation, where the user has to accept the configuration, the disk is initialized BEFORE the user gets asked !

Update:

This issue is fixed, please use

ftp://ftp.suse.com/pub/people/ug/autoyast/sles10sp1_root_fix_v0.4

to create a yast2-update structure and include it to your auto-install.

Additional Information

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.