[syslinux] Problems with Acer netbook freezing on syslinux bootup

[François Laverdure]

Ok, here we go.
I was trying to install Ubuntu 12.10 (quazal). So I used the recommended 
tools specified on the website.
First I tried Universal USB installer, and it failed.
Then I tried LiLi and the same thing happened.
Then I tried unetbootin, similar results.
So, I thought it might be a Ubuntu issue, so I tried them all again with 
Puppy Linux (Precise) and with PeppermintOS 3.
They all failed, so it couldn't be the OS' fault. But while trying this, 
I noticed that all the installers didn't use the same version of 
Syslinux. So I came to the conclusion that syslinux must be packaged 
inside the installer itself. When I looked at the logs closely, I 
discovered it was true, so I pushed on trying to figure it out.
So I got version 4.06 of syslinux and proceeded to re-write the MBR by 
hand. I thought making it work in stupid mode would help... but it didn't.
Then I thought about one of the installers which was still using version 
4.04 and was failing. I knew the computer would work with some version 
of Syslinux since I had already installed Ubuntu on it using the same 
method.
So, I decided to try and figure out down to which version the boot 
loader would start working. So I got version 4.03 from the repository. I 
redid the MBR using it. The only thing I did different is running it in 
stupid mode. So I sent it using the -mafs option (instead of only -maf) 
and it worked. I'm pretty sure the -s mode wasn't necessary.

I hope this clarifies the method a bit for you...

François

On 06/12/2012 4:58, Ady wrote:
>> Hi!
>> I'm not a programmer, so I will try and be as clear as I can.
>> I currently have an Acer Aspire One which has issues with syslinux 4.06
>> When I try and make a usb bootable install key using common automated
>> programs under windows (Universal USB installer from Pendrivelinux, LiLi
>> and unetbootin), they all fail when booted on the netbook.
>> Now, I know it's an issue with syslinux for many reasons. All I get to
>> see is the syslinux 4.06 EDD header and then everything freezes except
>> the power button.
>> So I got different versions of syslinux and re-did the MBR like said in
>> the wiki page.
>> I had to downgrade to version 4.03 in order to get ubuntu installed.
>> I'm happy that it worked, but I also know this is not normal behavior so
>> I joined the mailing list in order to help bring back compatibility.
>>
>> Here are details of the machine. I hope this is going to be of some help.
>>
>> Acer Aspire One Netbook AOA150
>> Insyde H2O Bios 3.5
>> Intel Atom N270 (single core) 1.6ghz
>> VGA Bios Intel V 1585
>> Acer bios version 0.3310
>>
>> If you need more information, I will gladly help.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> François
>   
> Are you saying the _only_ thing that you changed was the MBR, and the
> MBR change from 4.06 to 4.03 was _all_ that it took for your system
> to boot? If there were other changes you made, please specify them
> all, step by step.
>
> Also, which exact Ubuntu version and edition you installed? Were you
> using any of those utilities you mentioned so to install it?
>
> (Note: To be clear, I am curious as you are about what exactly
> happened so it can be improved. I'm not a developer either.)
>
> TIA,
> Ady.
>
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