PDA

Click to See Complete Forum and Search --> : Boot loader Creation

Table16
February 8th, 2009, 09:34 AM
I would like to take a dive deep into the lower levels of the computer and would like to write a boot loader. After looking at some articles online, they mention using a floppy. Do I have to use a floppy to test my boot loader? or can I use flash drive or anything like that?

Also, could anyone point me in the right direction on where to start? I've found procedures after everything is set up, I just want to know how to set a test machine up and everything to test it.

Thanks.
twistedmike
February 8th, 2009, 09:49 AM
you can test it using Microsoft's virtual PC. you can download it for free here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=28C97D22-6EB8-4A09-A7F7-F6C7A1F000B5&displaylang=en
Table16
February 8th, 2009, 10:15 AM
you can test it using Microsoft's virtual PC. you can download it for free here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=28C97D22-6EB8-4A09-A7F7-F6C7A1F000B5&displaylang=en

Yea I would like using a Virtual Machine. How would I got setting that up to use a custom bootloader? Thanks for the reply.
Table16
February 16th, 2009, 11:41 AM
Anyone?
dglienna
February 18th, 2009, 11:22 PM
You create one, then put it on a CD, floppy, or even LAN. Start the VPC Session, and it turns on with the BIOS screen, and boots where you tell it
Table16
February 19th, 2009, 07:09 AM
You create one, then put it on a CD, floppy, or even LAN. Start the VPC Session, and it turns on with the BIOS screen, and boots where you tell it

Ah, yea that makes sense. Sorry. Since I would rather not use a floppy how would I use some other form of media to put it on?

Thanks for the help.
dglienna
February 20th, 2009, 12:59 AM
You select the boot device, and then ctrl-alt-del from the menu. (among other options)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/virtualpc/default.mspx
Table16
February 20th, 2009, 07:05 AM
You select the boot device, and then ctrl-alt-del from the menu. (among other options)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/virtualpc/default.mspx

I meant how do I create the bootloader on a different media than a floppy disk? I would rather not use floppy because I don't have a floppy drive and don't feel link installing one.
dglienna
February 21st, 2009, 02:41 PM
It boots off a bootable CD as well as a LAN-boot. You can even modify the boot device while the VPC is running, and then hit Ctrl-Alt-Del