[syslinux] [PATCH 3/3] syslinux: support isolinux configuration files

[Pete Batard]

On 2012.02.14 16:45, Thomas Bächler wrote:
> In my scenario, I want users to be able to copy the contents of the
> /arch folder from the ISO to their existing USB drives (anywhere on the
> drive) and run
>   extlinux --install $PATH/boot/syslinux/
> and be able to boot it. This keeps the same configuration files and
> keeps the bootloader files contained in that folder.
>
> This is also the reason why I do not want any absolute paths in any of
> my configuration files, thus I was very disappointed to see that ..
> didn't work for anything but syslinux.

OK.

I kind of fail to see the point of wanting to let users use a 
subdirectory of their choice to copy the ISO content, unless the goal is 
to let them setup their own multiboot between archlinux and other 
distros (which doesn't strike me as worth it if the ISO -> USB process 
is made extremely easy). But I think I may be missing something there. 
What is your goal in allowing such usage?

> Right now, syslinux always searches for its configuration file in the
> same directory where you installed ldlinux.sys.
>
> I didn't realize it would search other folders afterwards. I also just
> realized your patch wouldn't make my use case any better or worse
> (therefore, I withdraw any objection towards the patch).

For the record, I just tested ISO -> USB with the latest archlinux ISO 
using the patched ldlinux.sys and my app. Everything looks fine when 
reusing the default isolinux config. I guess this is to be expected 
since the config just calls loadconfig with files from arch. All the 
proposed menu options worked as expected.

The only issue I found, which is not syslinux related, is that archlinux 
searches for an USB drive with a specific label. Since it appears to be 
the same label as the ISO, I'll address that in my app.

> However, I
> still believe that one should think about all these inconsistencies
> before making them even worse.

Agreed.

Regards,

/Pete