cant get syslinux to work

[benji_1986]

Hi people im new to this.

 

Ive downloaded syslinux and the UNRAID application and ive read though the instructions about putting it onto a USB pen, but its not working, just wondered if anyone new what to do. ill go though what i done

 

i downloaded the syslinux file and extracted it and copyed it to a directory. but when i click run on the file a black box appears for a split second and then goes.

 

wondered if anyone else has had this problem?

 

[BRiT]

You need to run syslinux from a dos command prompt and provide it parameters as instructed in the step-by-step guide. You do not just click on it blindly. [ http://lime-technology.com/support/unraid-server-installation ]

 

Step 2 Extract the syslinux.exe executable and copy to a simple directory, for example, c:\.  Then run it by clicking on Start/Run; in the dialog box enter:

 

    c:\syslinux.exe -ma f:

 

(Instead of c:\ use whatever directory you downloaded syslinux to, and instead of f: use whatever drive letter Windows mounted your Flash on).

 

The syslinux tool will create a hidden system file named ldlinux.sys on the Flash and make it boot-able.

 

For Vista or Windows 7, the dos command prompt must also have Administrator level permissions.

[Rajahal]

I had this same problem when I first started, so don't worry, you aren't alone.  You don't run the syslinux file directly, you invoke it from the command line.  What operating system are you using?  You have to be using some form of Windows.  Open up the command prompt (either browse for it, or type 'cmd' into run on WinXP).  If you are using Win7 or Vista you have to right click the command prompt icon and choose 'run as administrator'.  It is located under 'Accessories>Utilities', if memory serves.  Once you have command prompt open, type in this:

 

c:\syslinux.exe -ma f:

 

(Instead of c:\ use whatever directory you downloaded syslinux to, and instead of f: use whatever drive letter Windows mounted your Flash on).

 

Note the two spaces in there (before the dash and before the drive letter)

 

It will seem to do nothing, but it will in fact be making your flash drive a linux boot device.

[benji_1986]

im using vista os and thank you for your help.

[benji_1986]

hey ya

 

Ive found the command prompt and typed in what you said. c:syslinux.exe  -ma  f: but it keeps comin up with

C:syslinux.exe is not recongised as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file

 

 

this is where ive saved the file on my computer after i extracted it

C:\Users\Ben\Downloads\syslinux(3)

 

cheers 

[BRiT]

As per the directions:

 

Step 2 Extract the syslinux.exe executable and copy to a simple directory, for example, c:\.  Then run it by clicking on Start/Run; in the dialog box enter:

 

   c:\syslinux.exe -ma f:

 

(Instead of c:\ use whatever directory you downloaded syslinux to, and instead of f: use whatever drive letter Windows mounted your Flash on).

 

The syslinux tool will create a hidden system file named ldlinux.sys on the Flash and make it boot-able.

 

Try:

 

C:\Users\Ben\Downloads\syslinux(3).exe -ma f:

[graywolf]

and that is assuming that the f: drive is the usb drive....if not, replace f: with whatever drive letter it is

 

ie if it is the g drive, it would be

 

C:\Users\Ben\Downloads\syslinux(3).exe -ma g:

[MvL]

Maybe also important i didn't had any luck with installing syslinux on a usb drive large as 4GB. Use a 4GB usb drive or smaller.

 

Anybody on the forums any luck with installing syslinux onto 8GB usb drive? I think it has something to do with the FAT32 file system, although syslinux version 3.0 supports FAT32.

[BRiT]

I had no issues with my 8GB flash drive.

[MvL]

Hi Brit,

 

Strange, you have no issue. I have two 8GB usb drives and both refuse to boot. Just a blinking cursor. When i use a 4 GB usb drive i have no problems.

 

How did you make it work?

[neilt0]

My 16GB drive also works. I doubt there's a limit.

[BRiT]

I didn't do anything magical. I followed the instructions and everything just worked without any issues. It was so uneventful I don't even remember the steps required or even performing them. I think it took longer to download than it did to setup the flash drive.

[MvL]

hmm, i don't understand why it won't work for me. My friend has also the same problem. When i put syslinux on a 4GB usb drive no problem, 8GB no go.

 

- I used Windows 7

 

- I formated the drive with Windows 7 format tool. File system FAT32. Device name UNRAID.

 

- Copied syslinux.exe to c:\ and did c:\syslinux.exe -ma h:

 

- Extract Unraid server 4.5.6 to h:

 

I tried different things yesterday evening but no success. I really like to use the 8GB usb drive because it is small usb drive.

 

Any ideas?

[Rajahal]

I also use a 16 GB flash drive on my test server.  Works with no problems.  I followed the same instructions you just described.  Did you leave the file system as 'default' as the instructions say?  I believe the default is Fat32 anyway, but just to be sure...

[MvL]

I also use a 16 GB flash drive on my test server.  Works with no problems.  I followed the same instructions you just described.  Did you leave the file system as 'default' as the instructions say?  I believe the default is Fat32 anyway, but just to be sure...

 

Yes, i spent Wednesday and Thursday evening 2 hours to solve this problem, no success. I think i use the 4GB usb drive. I have no problems at all with this usb drive and i set this drive up in no time. Really strange.

[mangledjustice]

Hey  everyone...

 

Im new to all this stuff i'm trying to get the syslinux file on my flash drive by way of the command prompt but nothing. Can i just extract the file to my desktop then just drag and drop it on my flash drive.

[BRiT]

No. You must follow the directions as they are specified.

 

[mangledjustice]

Ok

[mangledjustice]

Well after much trial and error i finally decided to leave win 7 system and try the wife laptop with XP it work.

In addition to that which might be another reason it work i did get the cruzer flash drive and i dug out the u3 crap.

I'm so happy it work 

Thanks all for the help and great forum

[skank]

is there anyway to check if its ok?

ive done it (run as administrator) he gave no error..

he just took another line...

when browsing to the usbstick i dont see anything (not even hidden, i thought a hidden file would be there, like the manual says)

so any way to check?

[Joe L.]

is there anyway to check if its ok?

ive done it (run as administrator) he gave no error..

he just took another line...

when browsing to the usbstick i dont see anything (not even hidden, i thought a hidden file would be there, like the manual says)

so any way to check?

You must enable the viewing of BOTH "hidden" and "system" files to see the files it creates.

[skank]

is there anyway to check if its ok?

ive done it (run as administrator) he gave no error..

he just took another line...

when browsing to the usbstick i dont see anything (not even hidden, i thought a hidden file would be there, like the manual says)

so any way to check?

You must enable the viewing of BOTH "hidden" and "system" files to see the files it creates.

 

i did , but it doenst show anything

 

edit: nevermind , thx for the tip, hidden was shown, but system not, thatswhy i didnt see

its good now, thx