Linux boot floppy
 

Hi folks- I am quite new to Linux but I have used a Knoppix CD to rescue files from a PC that would not boot. The present question relates to an IBM Thinkpad 760c which I can start up and run without the hard drive fitted and perform the various self tests which shows all fitted components as being ok. When the hard drive is fitted the pc starts with the flash screen but then stalls displaying error code 00174. The PC only has a floppy drive so I am thinking to prepare a Linux boot floppy so I can hopefully take a look at the hard drive. I am not a computer expert so certainly need some guidance.
Mel

The only way I know of to do that is to make a gpxe/ipxe floppy and boot a networked available distro. Knoppix running on a lan computer with Knoppix terminal server running should allow this.

Most IBM's also have pxe boot so you don't (shouldn't) really need gpxe/ipxe.

Gpxe also allow you to boot to something like www.netboot.me or almost any networked location.

I forgot most of the boot errors but get the feeling the 100's are stuff very basic like keyboards or other first needed stuff.

Hi Jefro-Thanks for your reponse -My ignorance is not helping me here. I sort of get what you're saying but how to actually do it is not so clear to me. Here is what I have on hand
1-A win 7 pro laptop.
2- A USB floppy drive.
3-ADSL internet
4- An IBM Thinkpad 760c showing error 00174,which I understand relates to a configuration problem!

So do I have the suitable hardware?
If so I do then I need step by step procedure to make the Boot floppy.


Regards
Mel

You may have a different error:

http://www.techsupportforum.com/foru...4-a-51410.html

They indicate that it may be a BIOS error in which case, a floppy boot won't work as it won't get that far. If that error can't be cleared, then the motherboard may be damaged.

You have what you need but maybe we should explore this error.

Do you have any bootable floppies like dos/freedos or qnx or bsd or windows?

The IBM site (lenovo) may still have a wealth of information and even software like boot floppies for system testing. Look at that stuff.


Now as for a way to boot if you decide to got that way first would be to boot the windows 7 laptop to knoppix 3.x to maybe 6.x. I think 5.x had a problem on dvd but all you'd need is the cd. Then start knoppix terminal server. With this broken laptop connected directly via a patch or crossover lan cable to windows 7 boot the broken to pxe and see if you can boot to knoppix.