Re: Extracting documentation from Debian installer
On Mon, May 10, 2021 at 10:00:01AM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote:
> On 05/10/2021 09:32 AM, Andrew M.A. Cater wrote:
> > On Mon, May 10, 2021 at 08:18:06AM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote:
> > > Debian's goal might be described as providing "the most power to a maximally
> > > diverse audience". My underlying problem is that it does that *TOO* well.
> > >
> > > I need two types of information that I doubt are documented anywhere except
> > > in the source code.
> > >
> > > I. Text of error/cautionary messages.
> > > Specifically, what is the _exact_ text of the message given when the
> > > operator chooses to install neither Grub nor LILO.
> > > II. Content of menus presented to the operator.
> > > Early in the installation a list of optional auxiliary programs is
> > > presented. I don't recognize any of the names, but if I looked them
> > > up I might find something very useful.
> >
> > Which image?
> >
> > Which machine architecture?
> >
> > Which intended boot method - Legacy/MBR or UEFI?
> >
> > The nature of the message will be "bootloader not found" but it depends
> > very much on WHICH boot loader you don't install.
> >
> > What sort of things in terms of optional auxiliary programs at which stage?
> > Bearing in mind that you can take screenshots from an installer in-a VM
> > have you tried this?
> >
> > >
> > > "If you like more flexibility or just want to know what's going on ..."
> > > Section 4.3.3 of "Debian GNU/Linux Installation Guide"
> > >
> > > TIA
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Andy C - seeking info from you, as ever :)
>
> I've only used i386 and AMD64 installers.
> I asked to be directed to *SOURCE* code.
>
debian-installer/packages/grub-installer/debian is your starting point
The templates file inside there gives you your questions and answers
grub-installer.templates is the file you need, I think.
e.g.
Template: grub-installer/apt-install-failed
Type: error
# :sl2:
_Description: GRUB installation failed
The '${GRUB}' package failed to install into /target/. Without the GRUB
boot loader, the installed system will not boot.
Template: grub-installer/grub-install-failed
Type: error
# :sl2:
_Description: Unable to install GRUB in ${BOOTDEV}
Executing 'grub-install ${BOOTDEV}' failed.
.
This is a fatal error.
Template: grub-installer/update-grub-failed
Type: error
# :sl2:
_Description: Unable to configure GRUB
Executing 'update-grub' failed.
.
This is a fatal error.
as examples.
So those will return you to the menu, I think, at that point.
The installer is mostly built as cdebconf. The logs you need from an install
are under /var/log/installer
Hope this helps,
Andy C.
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