Try this, format and mount the usb disk. e.g. /media/usbdisk Note the disk is formated as ext2 or ext3 as there are softlinks being used. 2. make a directory "/boot" at the base of the disk As with a normal system disk, the boot partition can be on a separate partition or on the main partition. 3. copy /boot/message* from your system into /media/usbdisk/boot/ 4. create the subdirectory grub (e.g. /media/usbdisk/boot/grub) copy the splash file, and the *stage1_5 files from /boot/grub to this directory. create the soft link menu.lst -> ./grub.conf (just as in the original directory --> might not be necessary, ie if the filesystem does not support linking) 5. create your grub.conf. You can start with the one from your original system, and modify the entries. 6. FOR EACH BOOTABLE ENTRY --> you will need an appropriate "initrd" and kernel, and a number of other files. This is obtained by mounting a boot disc1, or a boot.iso for the distribution kernel you wish to boot, and then copying the isolinux directory into a directory under /boot on the usb disk. Something like this. e.g. let's say that you wish to boot a RHEL4, U2 environment. grab the RHEL4-U2 disc 1 (or boot iso) and do the following. mkdir /media/usbdisk/boot/isolinux-RHEL4U2 mount -ro /dev/cdrom /media/cdrom rsync -av /media/isolinux/ /media/usbdisk/boot/isolinux-RHEL4U2/ umount /media/cdrom 7. Your grub entries will look something like this: title <YOUR TITLE> root (hd0,0) kernel /boot/isolinux-RHEL4U2/vmlinuz U2 ramdisk_size=8192 ks=hd:sda1:station13-ks-U2.cfg initrd /boot/isolinux-RHEL4U2/initrd.img notes: 1. the root needs to point at the partition with /boot on it. 2. kernel and initrd are relative to "root" 3. the above example has the ks files in teh base directory of the designated partition. For simplicity, I setup my usb without a separate /boot partition (i.e. boot is a subdirectory on the main partition of the usb.) 8. actually making the usb bootable!!! stick the usb disk into a usb slot. unplug all other usb devices run grub manually grub > root (hd1,0) (you can use tab completion) > setup (hd1) I put this together from various sources ( which I don't have to hand to credit ) and this works. The information contained in this e-mail and in any attachments is confidential and is designated solely for the attention of the intended recipient(s). If you are not an intended recipient, you must not use, disclose, copy, distribute or retain this e-mail or any part thereof. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by return e-mail and delete all copies of this e-mail from your computer system(s). Please direct any additional queries to: communications@xxxxxxxxxxxx Thank You. -- redhat-list mailing list unsubscribe mailto:redhat-list-request@xxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/redhat-list