install from rsync tree on local partition possible?

[Todd Denniston]

Michal Jaegermann wrote, On 03/27/2008 05:36 PM:
> On Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:48:19PM +0100, Gianluca Cecchi wrote:
>> I have an rsync tree of rawhide on a local f8 partition.
>> I would like to install rawhide to another partition.
>> Is there a way without generating iso images?
> 
> I would think so.
> 
>> I can boot from a cd containing
>> the boot.iso, but it seems there is no menu for this situation.
> 
> Just add vmlinuz and initrd.img from the current installation images
> to your f8 boot partition and make a corresponding grub entry.  Boot
> this and that should get you anaconda running with a root on a
> ramdisk.
> 
>> It should be a sort of nfs in method, but using as a target the local tree top
>> on a local partition....
> 
> I did not look yet at the latest anaconda but it used to have
> among installation methods "from a local disk partition"
> (or something to that effect).  That is what you are trying to find.
> 
>    Michal
> 

Unfortunately some folks believe it causes too many bug reports against anaconda
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=435976

I was wondering (have not had time to play) if you could tell it you were 
doing an install from the web/ftp and when giving the URL give it 
file:///where/my/repo/is/

Like you I don't understand why it is so much harder to support the Everything 
directory on the local hard drive vs NFS|HTTP|FTP.

<not so gentle chain pull>
I would have thought that Katz would have been clever enough to have an 
indicator printed (for placement in the bug) whenever the person pointed 
anaconda at a non-iso-image so he could just respond 'oh not using an iso, 
must be a half mirror problem, get an iso and try that' when he got the error 
message.
</not so gentle chain pull>

Jeremy, could we have a sub OPTION (not auto find) or separate option for hard 
drive work that would let us pick install from an Everything that is on a 
local hard drive, and of course I could live with it having in 18pt font "IF 
YOU GET A FAULT WHILE USING THIS METHOD, USE AN ISO IMAGE BEFORE REPORTING A 
PROBLEM!" above the entry box for the URL of the Everything?


-- 
Todd Denniston
Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC Crane)
Harnessing the Power of Technology for the Warfighter