Idea #11146: Offer to install Grub2 (with autodetection) on USB Memory Stick

Written by Auzy the 15 Jul 08 at 10:25. Category: System.
Related to: Live CD installer. Status: New

Description

Our bootloader (stored in the MBR) is generally messed up when installing another OS after Linux. Another problem is that swapping internal HDD's around, normally prevents booting too (because the hardcoded drive addresses change), with the only fix generally being to use a repair CD which will undoubtedly rewipe the MBR and delete Grub again.

I propose that we offer a new bootloader install method: The permanently connected memory stick (via USB).

By dumping the boot-loader on a USB stick (they are cheap), it can be removed when another OS is being installed, and it will be safe from getting overwritten.

And Grub 2, allows the use of scripts, which we could use to automatically detect operating systems and boot them without risk of booting breaking. We could also drop harddisks into the computer with OS's on them and boot without configuring grub again, or use the memory stick to help boot other computers with an already broken MBR.

Tags: grub

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Auzy wrote on the 15 Jul 08 at 12:20

Btw, this idea actually works together with alot of ideas, but it also means that Linux PC's such as Dell's could build small 128MB memory chips into their motherboards too, specifically for the purpose (and this might only add $1 onto the cost of manufacture, with a big gain in usability.

oencke wrote on the 15 Jul 08 at 23:56

This feature could also be provided by the standard Ubuntu Live CD.

Maybe the Turbomemory/ReadyBoost flash memory could also be configured (via BIOS?) to be used this way.

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