I need to make a multi-function USB key with 3 partitions:

1- Anaconda CentOS Installer (minimal)
2- Working Desktop CentOS with utilities
3- Standard partition to store files/backups

I can create the Anaconda installer fine using either:

http://www.lewan.com/blog/2012/02/10...-x-from-an-iso

In which case the Anaconda installer launches fine but does not see any partitions or space to create partitions of the USB key (for me to make a Desktop install).

or using

https://www.centos.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=29829

Which then allows me to plug this USB stick in a Desktop CentOS and using gparted, I can shrink the partition, and create the extra 2 partitions I need. Only problem is once booted in the Anaconda installer, the installer sees the disk (USB) as an iso volume and not allow to install to it.

My end goal is when I boot from the USB stick to have a grub menu asking me:

1- Boot into Anaconda installer
2- Boot into desktop CentOS

Can this be done and how? And please do not answer with "why do you want to do this, or You should do this instead" This is what I need to get done.

Thanks

Manuel

What do you have in mdadm.conf?

One option would be to install the desktop and grub2 so that you can boot the minimal ISO image without actually installing it. Not sure what would happen after a kernel update.

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...os-6-a-949220/

http://www.howtogeek.com/196933/how-...ur-hard-drive/

1 members found this post helpful.

One thing that would be possible is if I could launch the Anaconda installer from a Desktop CentOS session. This way I could have only two partitions:

1- Desktop CentOS
2- Storage/Backup

I would always boot off the 1st partition, and either run the utilities I need, or launch the Anaconda installer for a minimal CentOS 6.7

Any ideas on how to run Anaconda from a Desktop CentOS?

Manuel

My suggestion does just that.

If you want to have a full install of CentOS plus the installation iso, the suggestion above would be the way to go. Just do a full install of CentOS, put the iso on the same partition and put a loopback entry in /etc/grub.d/40_custom if you want it permanently in the Grub menu. Make sure to run grub-mkconfig command after doing this. Then create your second data partition. A standard CentOS iso will boot directly with Grub2 with a loopback entry so maybe the Anaconda installer will also. Never tried that so I don't know.