[syslinux] some thinkpad data

[Ferenc Wagner]

"H. Peter Anvin" <hpa at zytor.com> writes:

> Ferenc Wagner wrote:
>
>> Here are the details of a problematic ThinkPad model (an R50e):
>>
>>     BIOS version: 2.06 (1WET86WW)
>>     BIOS date (YYYY-MM-DD): 2005-11-15
>>     Embedded controller version: 1.04
>>     System-unit serial number: 1834-S5 GL3-BRGZL
>>     System board serial number: 1ZB6L5AC1E3
>>     CPU Type: Intel Celeron M
>>     CPU Speed: 1.40 GHz
>>     Installed memory: 512 MB
>>
>> Booting FreeDOS via current memdisk from an USB HDD (pendrive) fails
>> with (approximately, from memory):
>>
>>  - InitDiskERROR in config.sys line
>>
>> On the other hand, qemu -hda /dev/sda boots FreeDOS via memdisk;
>> issuing sys c: there makes the pendrive boot straight into FreeDOS:
>>
>>  - InitDiskWARNING: using suspect partition Pri:1 FS 0e: with
>> calculated values 0-0-50 instead of 0-1-1
>> C: HD1, Pri[ 1], CHS=    0-0-50, start=   0 MB, size=  1950 MB
>>
>> The above doesn't really support my theory, but would it be hard or
>> possible to add a memdisk option which hides every other drive
>> (eg. the pendrive itself) from DOS?
>
> It should be possible... not really sure how much work it would be.
>
> I have a question: if you use an external USB keyboard, does it work
> while in Syslinux?  Grub?  Linux proper?  I'm wondering if this is
> possibly related to the A20 issue...

I tested a Sun USB keyboard.  It works perfectly well in the BIOS, at
the Syslinux prompt, in the GRUB menu and also under Linux.  I've got
USB legacy support enabled in the BIOS setup.
-- 
Regards,
Feri.