Bug 113800

Summary:	documentation "using grub" defaults for multiboot could be be made safer
Product:	[OLD] Docs-user	Reporter:	john ryan <john>
Component:	Handbook	Assignee:	Docs Team <docs-team>
Status:	RESOLVED WONTFIX
Severity:	normal
Priority:	High
Version:	unspecified
Hardware:	All
OS:	Linux
URL:	http://www.gentoo.org/doc/en/handbook/handbook-x86.xml?style=printable&full=1
Whiteboard:
Package list:		Runtime testing required:	---

Description john ryan 2005-11-28 08:03:29 UTC

In code Listing 4: grub.conf for genkernel users, the lines:

default 0
timeout 30
splashimage=(hd0,0)/grub/splash.xpm.gz

causes splashimage to be run first and gentoo to be booted by default.


It is possible, by a careless choice of video parameters, to severely screw up 
the splash video screen and render an alternative OS choice impossible. (On an 
initial install, it is also possible that careless typing may also result in 
Gentoo not booting either). Once in this situation and realising what has gone 
wrong, recovery is only possible by using the LiveCD again to edit grub.conf

Whereas, if the alternative and presumably already working OS was the default, 
the careless choice of video parameter would only mean that one would have to 
wait the timeout period in order to have A operating system

Reproducible: Always
Steps to Reproduce:
1.
2.
3.

Comment 1 Jan Kundrát (RETIRED) gentoo-dev

2005-11-28 08:26:44 UTC

"splashimage" is a feature of GRUB. Submit a bug against GRUB if it breaks your 
screen.

Comment 2 Xavier Neys (RETIRED) gentoo-dev

2005-11-29 08:07:51 UTC

(In reply to comment #0)

> Whereas, if the alternative and presumably already working OS was the default, 
> the careless choice of video parameter would only mean that one would have to 
> wait the timeout period in order to have A operating system

Requiring than an already working legacy OS has already been installed is not an
option.