John Zitterkopf
2005-Mar-15 02:20 UTC
[syslinux] Excessive chaining or multiple comboot files
Does SysLinux support multiple comboot files in combination with a bootsector load? Here's what I'm thinking of doing but cannot seem to find a piece of software which will allow me to do what I need. Basically; I need/want to write several small programs which execute before the OS takes control. Today; I have a "bootloader" which copies the original bootsector to an unused location on the hard drive; then puts itself into the exiting bootsector. This loader is ofcourse limited like any boot sector to <<512bytes... and I'm have zero space to add needed features. If this sounds like a virus; it was... I took the stoned virus example and crippled it so it only infects one HD when executed as a standalone c++ program... after several user prompts and confirmations. The problem I'm running into is that I need to do some other things BEFORE the OS loads. Let's give a couple of hypothetical but real uses. 1) change the chipset registers to "tweak" memory timings. (Overclockers) 2) turn on CPU fans to maximum until the OS finishes loading and can get accurate control of the hardware monitors. 3) Print CPU / Chipset registers for user information. I have no space left in my boot loader so I was thinking / hoping that I could "modify" the SysLinux loader to do these things.... since I assuming it has a multiple stage loader that allows a "Stage 2" loader to do more things. What I was hoping was the following psuedo code: run memtwk.c32 run maxfans.c32 run printregs.c32 run orginal_bootsector.bs I've tried looking in the source code... and looking for some examples of SYSLINUX.CFG files... but can't seem to gain traction on the issue. So; I turn to the "experts" to see if this is: 1) already available? (doubt it but thought I'd ask) 2) See if this is something that can be added... I'm willing to give it a shot helping to add this feature... but would need and idea where to start looking in source code. 3) Open to alternate suggestions. John EE's do it 'til it Hz 8-) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John D. Zitterkopf~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ http://www.zittware.com _____________________________________________________________________ Under US Code Title 47, Sec.227(b)(1)(C), Sec.227(a)(2)(B)These email address may not be added to any commercial mail list with out my permission. Violation of my privacy with advertising or SPAM will result in a suit for a MINIMUM of $500 damages/incident, $1500 for repeats.
H. Peter Anvin
2005-Mar-15 04:19 UTC
[syslinux] Excessive chaining or multiple comboot files
John Zitterkopf wrote:> > If this sounds like a virus; it was... I took the stoned virus example and > crippled it so it only infects one HD when executed as a standalone c++ > program... after several user prompts and confirmations. >You can't realistically ask people to help you write a virus and expect help. The potential reprecussions for people who help you while being aware you're writing a virus (even if just a toy one) are just enormous. -hpa