[syslinux] Syslinux "new" vs "old": strange difference on USB flash set-up

[alex lupu]

Hi Ady,

Alex:
On "2.Bad", it seems the loader doesn't/cannot paint the graphical logo
('logo.16' in the 'boot.msg').

Ady:
One possibility is that the "ASCII 24" character in DISPLAY files
(which indicates the presence of the LSS16 filename) is being parsed
incorrectly in Syslinux 5.xx.

Alex:
You're right.
For completeness, 'boot.msg' starts like so:

0f 31 37 0c 18 6c 6f 67  6f 2e 31 36 0a 00 0d 20  |.17..logo.16... |
 ...

One can easily spot the Ctrl-X (0x18) "introducing" the 'logo.16'
graphics file.  So, as you say, the parsing might be incorrect here.

------

Ady:
Considering that 16-bit code for COMBOOT was dropped out from
Syslinux 5.xx, the other possibility is that Syslinux 5.xx is not
supporting LSS16 files at all.
I would suggest using Syslinux 4.06 official binaries.

Alex:
Right again!

------

TO SUMMARIZE
 Legend:
  GOOD:  Splash screen with the Vitruvian Penguin in all its glory.

  BAD:   No splashy screen.  No penguin of any kind.  Just two black text
         lines at the top (the second with the "boot: " prompt) on a blue,
         ugly background
         (obviously, not as Dipl.-Ing. Klaus Knopper designed it).

1.  4.06 compiled.  /usr/bin/syslinux -i ...             GOOD

2.  4.06 binary.    ...mtools/syslinux -i ...            GOOD

3.  5.01 compiled or binary                              BAD

(now I expect to be the laughing stock of my neighbors and friends for not
 using the latest Syslinux version.  No problem.  I'm used to it.
 I've suffered many other indignities all my life)

Thank you very much.  Best wishes,
-- Alex