Anyone succeeded on bootable multiboot ISO ?

Vetal

I am trying to make pfSense a part of Multiboot flash drive.

The way I created it is outlined here:

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/boot-multiple-iso-from-usb-via-grub2-using-linux/

Everything works this way, Mint, Ubuntu, Windows, Acronis ….. Besides pfSense (and, most likely, FreeBSD)

Error I've got is

Mounting from cd9660:/dev/ada0 failed with error 22.

Yes, I've seen a prompt suggestion. Different combinations of
ufs:/dev/… , cd9660:/dev.... [ro] didn't help

Trying
https://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/Boot_Troubleshooting#Booting_from_USB
https://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/Install_pfSense_nanobsd_2.0_to_thumb_drive

Didn't work. Failed at "How to escape to command prompt" and can't find "Option 3"

Checked some stuff at
https://forums.freebsd.org/threads/how-to-boot-freebsd-10-1-release-amd64-dvd1-iso-via-grub2-from-usb.50915/
https://forums.freebsd.org/threads/boot-freebsd-iso-from-grub2-usb-stick.19701/
https://forums.freebsd.org/threads/tip-booting-mfsbsd-iso-file-from-grub2-depenguination.46480/

Have no clue what is the mfsBSD and how to mfs-ing of pfSense works.

Some solutions say about writing pfSense to separate UFS partition, which looks like quest by itself and diverting the course. In this case it is easier just dd pfSense .img file to separate Flash drive.

The algorithm I apply to other distro is:

1. DL Distro (.iso file)
2. Place it on Flash drive to /iso/distro.iso
3. Add entry in /boot/grub/grub.cfg

And it works. It is simple. New distro, new iso file, modify file name and it works and free for other useful stuff

My current /boot/grub/grub.cfg entry is


have_grubenv=true
load_env
insmod part_msdos
insmod fat
set gfxmode=640x480
set locale_dir=/boot/grub/locale
set lang=en_EN
set menu_color_highlight=yellow/dark-gray
set menu_color_normal=black/light-gray
set color_normal=yellow/black

set timeout=10
set default=0

menuentry "pfsense 2.2.2" {
 	set isofile=/iso/pfSense-LiveCD-2.2.2-RELEASE-amd64-20150413-2010.iso
	loopback loop $isofile
	kfreebsd (loop)/boot/kernel/kernel.gz boot=casper iso-scan/filename=$isofile noeject noprompt splash --
	kfreebsd_module (loop)/boot/pxeboot type=mfs_root
	kern.cam.boot_delay="10000"
#	set kFreeBSD.vfs.root.mountfrom=ufs:/dev/ada0
	vfs.root.mountfrom=cd9660:/dev/acd0
	vfs.root.mountfrom.options=ro
	debug.acpi.disabled="hostres"
}

I have another way of loading things, via grub4dos

Having /boot/grub.exe and win.lst

Linked via /boot/grub/grub.cfg


...

menuentry "Windows & Othr Grub4Dos compatible" {
 linux /boot/grub.exe --config-file=/boot/win.lst
}

and in /boot/win.lst


title pfSense 2.1 x64
find --set-root /iso/pfSense-LiveCD-2.1.5-RELEASE-amd64-20140825-0744.iso
map /iso/pfSense-LiveCD-2.1.5-RELEASE-amd64-20140825-0744.iso (hd32)
map --hook
root (hd32)
chainloader (hd32)

Doesn't work, "Life is hard my son, there is no easy ways. What you hoped for is an illusion, you'll get it when be old and wise"

Mounting from cd9660:/dev/iso9660/PFSENSE failed with error 19

This way I can escape to command prompt and do what is said at

https://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/Boot_Troubleshooting#Booting_from_USB

But, no, same mount error regardless

So, speaking from mere mortals perspective. Or someone who is not FreeBSD booting guru. Is it "unicorn" or there is a way to load .iso dropped in to flash drive?

Can someone share a holy grail, grub.cfg entry ?

Thanks a lot!

heper

https://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/Writing_Disk_Images

Vetal

@heper:

https://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/Writing_Disk_Images

Thank you,

but question is a bit different.

It is easy to make dedicate flash drive for pfSense. One pfSense dist - one drive. Yes, it is one "dd" command, classic way to do it. No issues with this one.

I need a universal bootable flash drive with a bunch of .iso files on in.
Which is usually left for remote non-tech-savvy family members. And referred as "Remember this flash drive I left to you?" in time of technical hardship.

heper

so you plan to let your non-tech-savvy family members use a multi-boot usb stick to install pfSense "in time of technical hardship' ?

–> good luck with that :)

btw, no clue on how todo what you wish todo ; someone else might

pf123user

Honestly if I were you I would burn a CD, write a description on it with a Sharpie and be done with it.

You can try this:

https://forum.pfsense.org/index.php?topic=23709.0

It's old and I don't think Jim's links and files are there any longer but it should get you moving in the right direction although I do think it requires a dedicated USB drive for pfSense. That wouldn't be that bad since you only need a 2gb drive for pfSense and they can be attached and labeled.
https://forum.pfsense.org/index.php/topic,28264.0.html

If you Google "pfsense pendrivelinux" a bunch of stuff comes up that should also help you. FYI, I've never spent the time to figure it out and get any of the pendrivelinux (YUMI) installers to work with MULTIPLE ISO's AND pfSense as you suggest. I carry around a copy of the ISO on my USB drive on my keychain but I also keep two CD's and two DVD's in the pocket of my laptop case. Of all the things to fail, I'd bet you would have hardware issues much sooner than you would have software issues with pfSense. If that's the case and it's family, you can buy a backup appliance and let it collect dust as a spare for almost no money.

Hope that helps…

jacksnack

Hello

I too am attempting to boot the iso using loopback, but am unsure of the grub parameters.

Has anyone had any success at this?

Thanks

/joe