Thread: How To: Boot PowerPC live/desktop ISOs via grub2

this how shows how grub2 can used boot powerpc live/desktop iso file stored on usb flash drive. alternative using dd command or extracting contents of iso file.

method easy dog it!

i've tested on fat32 flash drive using ms-dos partition table. you'll have adjustments if flash drive formatted apple partition map (becuase map takes partition 1).

copy live/desktop iso file first partition of usb flash drive.
copy attached files (grub.cfg, grub.img , ofboot.b) first partition of usb flash drive.

boot openfirmware

check have fat support:

code:

dev /packages ls

and listing "/fat-files".

find usb partition using dir command (this command lists files). partition usb0/disk@1:1 , usb1/disk@1:1 or ud:1

code:

dir usb0/disk@1:1,\ dir usb1/disk@1:1,\ dir ud:1,\

then boot ofboot.b file. example:

code:

boot usb0/disk@1:1,\ofboot.b

you'll error message prefix not being set. ignore it.

choose ubuntu derivative , machine menu. menu entries setup 12.04, if you've downloaded different version you'll have edit menu entry pressing 'e'. change isofile value name of iso.

live system should boot!

info:

gub.img created command

code:

sudo grub-mkimage --prefix="(grubdevice,1)" -o grub.img -o powerpc-ieee1275 -v part_apple part_msdos hfs hfsplus ext2 fat iso9660 loopback linux configfile

if want re-run command need install grub-ieee1275 package.

attached files

• grub2.zip (145.8 kb, 263 views)

if need add 'yaboot parameter' @ grub menu hit 'e' key. add parameter(s) after words "quiet splash" (or delete word splash). when you've made changes use ctrl+x boot.

reason don't see b43 firmware messages....so if using 12.04 , hangs no reason , have airport extreme card try using 'yaboot parameter' b43.blacklist=yes (see powerpc known issues wiki)

if have stored grub files somewhere other first partition use 'configfile' command. don't have usb flash drive use hard disk partition.

if you'd use the mini.iso don't have download iso. use initrd.gz , vmlinux files here http://ports.ubuntu.com/dists/precis...werpc/netboot/ .

if want use alternate cd download initrd.gz , vmlinux files here http://ports.ubuntu.com/dists/precis...erpc/hd-media/ .

don't have use 'loopback' feature mini/alternate cds. see yaboot.conf files need type in grub. can give instructions if requested.

finally, i've put instructions using grub2 on installed system. hope pretty easy follow:

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/powerpcfaq#c...stall_grub2.3f

Forum The Ubuntu Forum Community Ubuntu Specialised Support Apple Hardware Users [PPC] How To: Boot PowerPC live/desktop ISOs via grub2

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