New to 4MLinux?

If you are a new 4MLinux user, you should jump here




Pages

Friday, January 4, 2013

Installing 4MLinux to your HDD.

4MLinux 20.0 (and later) supports all possible boot options:
- BIOS with 32-bit CPU,
- BIOS with 64-bit CPU,
- UEFI with 32-bit firmware,
- UEFI with 64-bit firmware.

The default filesystem in 4MLinux is ext4. However, 4MLinux 23.0 (and later) can also be installed on ext2, ext3, reiserfs, jfs, xfs, btrfs, and nilfs2  partitions.

The 4MLinux installation script assumes that you have an already formatted partition (1GB or bigger), which you can use for your new system. Otherwise, please read this guide to learn how to perform disk partitioning.

Remember to make a backup of all your important data before installing any new operating system!

1) Select Installer from the 4MLinux menu.


2) The script starts with the Welcome screen. Read the instructions and press Enter to continue.


3) Let's say that you want to install 4MLinux on /dev/sda2, so you must choose '2' on the screen pictured below.


4) The script warns you that /dev/sda2 is NTFS formatted. If you are absolutely sure that you can use this partition, then you can choose 'y'.


5) Next, the script informs you about the necessity to install a new boot loader. By default, 4MLinux uses LILO (for computers with BIOS) and mini GRUB (for computers with UEFI).


6) After pressing Enter, you will see the summary screen. If everything is OK, you can choose 'y' and press Enter again. Otherwise (when you choose 'n') the script will quit without making any changes in your computer.


7) The script does its main work very quickly (in seconds rather than in minutes). Boot loader warnings can be safely ignored.


8) After rebooting your machine, you must setup root's password needed to log in. Next you can execute the startx command to start the X Window System

9) Have you any other operating system installed in your computer? If so, one more obligatory step: boot your new 4MLinux and select GNU GRUB from the Maintenance menu. 4MLinux will now install (or reinstall) GRUB adding all your operating systems to the boot menu. This is a fully automatic process. 
 

Done!

Time to customize your new 4MLinux. Continue your reading here.

67 comments:

  1. I could`nt write password because it was no letter that come when I wrote on the screen. Why ?
    I wrote username but not password

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's quite normal (especially in Linux) that you can see nothing when you type passwords. By the way, when you enter your online e-mail (or bank account) you cannot see your password either ;-)

      Delete
    2. no chance to install ... something i make wrong. after iso from cd started i reboot without cd. then input "root" and password twice. but there is no desktop no GUI. what is my failure what do i wrong ?? (sorry for my english, its from school long ago) king regards, thomas from germany

      Delete
    3. After logging in, execute the "startx" command.

      Delete
    4. GREAT !! Thank You !! I have read about this and i thought i did it exactly in this way. But yesterday something must be wrong. Today it works !! Thank You, thomas from germany (old laptop 233 HMz, 128 MB RAM and now 4MLINUX booting from CF-card;-) )

      Delete
  2. So many pages to read here, with more to find. Will try to see the range of apps in your unique repository, since it seems to be RPM-derived?

    If RPM, then this means that apps are not easily compatible nor installed, unlike Deb?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neither RPM nor Deb. 4MLinux uses its own packages (so called addons, which are xzipped tar archives).

      Note:
      Fedora is currently used to compile programs for 4MLinux, but 4MLinux itself is incompatible with Fedora, Debian, and any other operating system.
      See: http://4mlinux.com/help.txt

      Delete
  3. I´d try to install the Server Edition to an VM in VMBox. I´ve got some experience with ubuntu and suse. But on this time I came to the Desktop and the mouse doesn´t work!!
    I read that default is the ps2 mouse. Of course I´ve got a usb mouse.
    1.Question. How can I solve my problem?
    2.Question: Why is it not possible to put an usb mouse in it by default?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1) 4MLinux runs flawlessly in Oracle VirtualBox. I did not test it in any other virtual machines.
      2) 4MLinux supports USB mouses out of the box (but excluding wireless ones).

      Additional drives:
      http://sf.net/projects/linux4m/files/7.0/drivers/

      Delete
  4. ''6) The script informs us about LILO boot loader. In our example, when the installation is over, we will have to add 4MLinux to Grub via control panel in Ubuntu:''

    And how do we do that? I love the look of 4MLinux and have been using the live CD, but that wasn't enough. So, I dedicated 40GB of of HDD space for it to go on and it installed very quickly. Once I re-booted my Grub boot loader came up and went into Ubuntu and nothing. The thing is though, I can see the partition as being mountable; just can't boot into it. Any help would be great. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For example:
      https://launchpad.net/~danielrichter2007/+archive/grub-customizer

      Delete
  5. I used grub legacy. I installed 4M on /dev/sda3. Then I installed grub with manjaro on /dev/sda2. grub2 recognized 4M at once. 4M booted and stopped with error at /etc/init.d/rsC line 295 and 296: no /etc/swap.conf
    I have a swap partition on /dev/sda5 and /dev/sda9.
    would you please give me the correct lines.
    thnxs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unlike most other distros, 4MLinux needs read-write option enabled (and not "read only") during the boot, so please check how 4MLinux is configured in your Grub.
      This is because 4MLinux has no (zero, null :-) configuration files in /etc. They are created in real time during the first startup (this is why write permissions are needed to write them to your hard disk drive).

      Delete
  6. Here is the grub-entry:
    menuentry ' 4MLinux (auf /dev/sda3)' --class gnu-linux --class gnu --class os $menuentry_id_option 'osprober-gnulinux-simple-833e59c2-86a2-409d-9319-a0bb5c72efd2' {
    savedefault
    insmod part_msdos
    insmod ext2
    set root='hd0,msdos3'
    if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
    search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root --hint-bios=hd0,msdos3 --hint-efi=hd0,msdos3 --hint-baremetal=ahci0,msdos3 833e59c2-86a2-409d-9319-a0bb5c72efd2
    else
    search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 833e59c2-86a2-409d-9319-a0bb5c72efd2
    fi
    linux /boot/bzImage root=/dev/sda3 vga=normal
    }
    Sorry but I dont know which to change.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Try to replace
      "linux /boot/bzImage root=/dev/sda3 vga=normal"
      with
      "linux /boot/bzImage root=/dev/sda3 rw vga=normal"

      Delete
    2. thank you so much, its running !

      Delete
  7. I want to install 4M Linux on an old thin client, it runs perfectly, but installation fails cause it only has 960MB hard disc space, is it possible to install it anyway?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it is.
      1) Open the installation script by executing: adie /usr/sbin/install2hd
      2) Remove the whole "TARGET SIZE" section from the script.
      3) Save changes.
      Now you should be able to install 4MLinux to your disk :-)

      Delete
  8. great OS ,but how to install on usb?installer wount show my usb. but there listed in home directory?could dd to one but would like to have persistence.Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One can use UNetbootin to create 4MLinux Live USB. This is the only method to run 4MLinux from a removable USB disk.

      Delete
  9. Hi, I extracted from the .ISO file in a folder, made a GRUB2 entry for 4MLinux. It runs spectacularly. This is what in Puppy Linux have named "Frugal Install".
    But in Puppy Linux, Simplicity or Porteus Linux there is a "savefile" that creates "PERSISTENCE" for each session booted. So, if i installed something, or changed my desktop it will be saved for next boot.

    I can't get this with 4MLinux. There is a work around? I tried with DD making a file, mounting it, modifying FSTAB, but no.

    Hope there is a solution, because i'm very interested in Frugal Installs. They are very portable to any medium or pc.

    Thanks in advance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, there is no such an option in 4MLinux.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the fast reply.

      Delete
  10. Dear 4M Linux,
    I have recently installed 4MLinux distro on my old Acer laptop (2005). I's a very good distro. However, (1) I'm stucked in playing DVDs/CDs. I don't know how to, in spite of reading articles about the topic. (2) I'd like to install Filezilla software but I don't find any tip to do so; Many thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Which version of 4MLinux? Does /dev/sr0 exist? Please send this info to 4mlinux@tuxfamily.org

      Delete
    2. It's the latest version 10.1. "Does /dev/sr0 exist?" YES.I opened Home/dev/ and found "sr0" there. Besides I don't know how to use the Terminal. It's different from the one of Ubuntu, Debian or alike.

      Delete
  11. after first restart after install, i get to this promt: root@4mlinux:~1

    whats next?

    ReplyDelete
  12. 4mlinux is quite good and am actually testing it + where is a tutorial for base commands to install or to start packages ?!
    thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Disk /dev/sda: 931.5 GiB, 1000204886016 bytes, 1953525168 sectors
    Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
    Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
    I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
    Disklabel type: gpt
    Disk identifier: 462A484E-7DBA-4AC4-9609-BB9E17EF0B15

    Device Start End Sectors Size Type
    /dev/sda1 2048 1001471 999424 488M BIOS boot
    /dev/sda2 499443712 1216239615 716795904 341.8G EFI System
    /dev/sda3 1001472 62441471 61440000 29.3G EFI System
    /dev/sda4 1749833728 1752739839 2906112 1.4G Linux swap
    /dev/sda5 1216239616 1277679615 61440000 29.3G Microsoft basic data
    /dev/sda6 1752739840 1814179839 61440000 29.3G EFI System
    /dev/sda7 1339119616 1400559069 61439454 29.3G EFI System
    /dev/sda8 62441472 123881471 61440000 29.3G Linux filesystem
    /dev/sda9 1814179840 1855426559 41246720 19.7G Linux filesystem
    /dev/sda10 1277679616 1339119615 61440000 29.3G Linux filesystem

    Partition table entries are not in disk order.

    ERROR: too many partitions on /dev/sda.Disk /dev/sda: 931.5 GiB, 1000204886016 bytes, 1953525168 sectors
    Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
    Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
    I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
    Disklabel type: gpt
    Disk identifier: 462A484E-7DBA-4AC4-9609-BB9E17EF0B15

    Device Start End Sectors Size Type
    /dev/sda1 2048 1001471 999424 488M BIOS boot
    /dev/sda2 499443712 1216239615 716795904 341.8G EFI System
    /dev/sda3 1001472 62441471 61440000 29.3G EFI System
    /dev/sda4 1749833728 1752739839 2906112 1.4G Linux swap
    /dev/sda5 1216239616 1277679615 61440000 29.3G Microsoft basic data
    /dev/sda6 1752739840 1814179839 61440000 29.3G EFI System
    /dev/sda7 1339119616 1400559069 61439454 29.3G EFI System
    /dev/sda8 62441472 123881471 61440000 29.3G Linux filesystem
    /dev/sda9 1814179840 1855426559 41246720 19.7G Linux filesystem
    /dev/sda10 1277679616 1339119615 61440000 29.3G Linux filesystem

    Partition table entries are not in disk order.

    ERROR: too many partitions on /dev/sda.

    same with install2hd

    i wich to install to /dev/sda9

    how proceed thanks

    ReplyDelete
  14. 4MLinux Allinone 12

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So follow the instructions:
      "ERROR: too many partitions on /dev/sda."
      "See also: /usr/share/install2hd."

      So go to /usr/share/install2hd. You will find a readme file there.

      PS.
      I've noticed that you have GPT partitions. Do not try to install lilo to MBR unless the BIOS-compatibility mode is enabled.

      Delete
    2. it is ok thanks
      how about resolution of screen

      Delete
    3. It is setup automatically by Xorg. If you have Intel, AMD or NVIDIA video card you can execute "3d" to enable dedicated drivers. Proprietary drivers are also available here:
      http://sourceforge.net/projects/linux4m/files/12.0/drivers/

      Delete
    4. You are using the Allinone Edition, so the installation CD also includes all optional drivers.

      Delete
  15. Seriously, don't you think it's much better just to mention 1 line of code in the tutorial for people who gonna stuck after password initiating step?!
    After half an hour searching whole tutorial, still cannot find the code to insert to startx!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your question includes the answer. The code is: startx. It used to be quite obvious for every Linux user a few years ago...

      PS.
      I have added this piece of info to this post. Thanks for your comment.

      Delete
  16. Can it run emulators?

    ReplyDelete
  17. O.k., so you login as root. Is it therefore running as root during usage? I am circumspect about running as root.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/4mlinux-115/new-user-4175581471/

      Delete
  18. Can I install 4M Linux 19.0 to laptop with two SSD in RAID0 and UEFI ?
    Laptop Acer Aspire S7.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Is it possible to install 4MLinux to a external drive? I Have tried but it only comes up with sda drive and not to sdb drive.

    Thank you in advance.

    ReplyDelete
  20. how I can install or run a RDP client on 4MLinux... have some instructions for me?
    cheers...
    AS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. rdesktop used to be included in 4MLinux long time ago. However you can still install it quite easily. Please ask this question here:
      http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/4mlinux-115/

      Delete
  21. it was asking for Password, I did two letters

    then Login prompt came 4mLinux Login:

    dont know what to do now

    no possibility to start the System

    Version 22.0

    ReplyDelete
  22. directy after installing it was asking

    and I did this as Password: //

    ReplyDelete
  23. oh yes, now I found the command in the description here ist:

    startx

    and it works now

    puh, I am happy now

    ReplyDelete
  24. love 4MLinux.... can you pleaaaaaaase include a packet sniffer in the distribution, or instructions to build it... have tried to build wire shark but i get too many compile errors

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No such plans (at least in the nearest future). Sorry. Have you tried to run Wireshark via wine (Windows 32 bit version)?
      Thanks for your nice words about 4MLinux :-)

      PS.
      Your question has nothing to do with installing 4MLinux to a HDD, so please use this forum if you have more questions in the future:
      http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/4mlinux-115/

      Delete
  25. It does not work. I prepared a USB stick using dd:
    dd if=4MServer-24.2-64bit.iso of=/dev/sdc bs=4M status=progress; sync

    The stick doesn't boot. The same result for 4MLinux-24.2-32bit.iso

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://4mlinux.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-create-4mlinux-livecdliveusb.html

      Delete
    2. No. If dd doesn't work, I'll quit.

      Delete
  26. Great small Linux, without systemd ;)
    My issue currently:

    Installer (v26/64bit server) says after copying packets: I cannot find your ESP partition. No matter if I select the only OS or not. Target is the only possible device, an empty SSD. Machine is a laptop Lenovo T420, old UEFI. Booting 4M from USB is not an issue.

    Any hints? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ask here:
      https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/4mlinux-115/

      Delete
  27. Hi, I'm loving this distro on my old Toughbook Laptop, however to make it "boot" the live CD I have to use the "forcepae" flag which I add before running sofware. Thats all ok. The problem I have now that I have installed the distro to HDD is that there was no option to use this same "forcepae" flag, so now when it boots it just hangs. As i cannot specify this parameter. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. I Guess it needs to be done with grub but as It wont boot what do I do?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I understand that you use GRUB (and not LILO). If so, boot the Live CD and use it to edit your GRUB configuration file located on the HDD partition, on which your 4MLinux is installed.

      Delete
    2. No Sir, sorry for the confusion I use Lilo "the bootloader used when I installed the software to HDD. It is just not possible for me to run 4MLinux after install because I have no way of using "forcepae" when I reboot the machine.There is no way to make this command. When you run it as Live CD the dialogue option box appears and I can click the TAB button and append "forcepae" at the end of the line of text.Then it works. But when install to HDD I do not get this option. Hope that makes sense. Sorry I am not very computer literate.

      Delete
    3. So use the liveCD to edit /etc/lilo.conf on your HDD partition when 4MLinux is installed. If I were you, I would try to replace append="pci=nomsi,noaer" with append="forcepae pci=nomsi,noaer"

      Delete
    4. One more remark. When you make changes in the lilo.conf file, you must run lilo afterwards. For example, if you use the liveCD and your 4MLinux is mounted on /mnt/sda1, then (after editing lilo.conf) you must execute the following command: lilo -r /mnt/sda1

      Delete
    5. Thank you, Thank you. This worked pefectly. All is running great now and I have learned so much.

      Delete
    6. You are welcome! If you have more technical questions in the feature, please use this forum:
      https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/4mlinux-115/

      Delete
  28. Hello, how install 4mlinux core?

    ReplyDelete
  29. So do we understand right that the ISO is not burnable whit Etcher or unebootin or dd, as ordinary linux to make bootable Live or install CD?
    What is the reason for that, what is the future potential / hope to chnage that ?

    ReplyDelete