Failed EFI Bootloader Installation & Blinking cursor

lanceomni · #1 12-21-2008, 02:06 PM

Yesterday I gave PCwiz's Osxtools a try. I wanted to install EFI bootloader as I have been using the bios to change which drive to boot up & I was thinking of upgrading to 10.5.6. I ran the tool and it prompted for a restart. After restart I get the blinking cursor. Likewise my backup drive gets the same error when I select it to boot.

I have a few ideas but I want to get some feedback before I try anything as I would prefer not to bork it up any more than I already have.

nfoav8or · #2 12-21-2008, 08:03 PM

the blinking cursor with nothing loaded simply means that your bootloader is fried.
Use your install DVD's bootloader to start up.

place your DVD in and reboot.
when the DVD wants to start its install (and is hanging on the countdown) wait for the timer to run out and the bootloader will start up the next drive that your BIOS has specified as the startup disk. Now reinstall your bootloader.

lanceomni · #3 12-21-2008, 10:05 PM

I gave that a try earlier.

Attempts
1. Used your method
Result: despite the main drive set as the next to boot it boots the CD instead.

2. Boot install cd, let timer run out and used: rd=disk3s2 -v
Result:
Panic(CPU 0 caller 0x002D8B62):"nfs_boot_init failed with 6\n"@/Volumes/disk1s2/leo_xnu/xnu-1228/bsd/nfs/nfs_vfsops.c:851
*then some debug stuff and it hangs with my kernel version. Actually it said kernel 9.2.0 im assuming from the install disk. Though the install disk isnt really active during boot.
Something else I noticed is in the PAnic it lists disk1s2 which is my backup drive. disk3s2 is my main install.

3. Boot install cd, let timer run out and used: rd=disk3s2 -v -f -F -legacy
Result:
Hangs at "Still waiting for root device"

4. Same as 3 but added -x
Result:
Same as 3

Im having a noob moment.

nfoav8or · #4 12-22-2008, 02:00 AM

boot into your install DVD and find out the UUID for your hard drive (the one you are trying to boot)... now when you restart and start up the bootloader process and are waiting to enter boot flags... add "boot-uuid=**enter-your-UUID-here**"

I know its a long string but at least you won't get the devices confused because this is unique...

also, the kernel on the DVD is probably different than the one on your HD (if you've updated to the new kernel)... load the kernel on the hard drive if you can instead of the one on the DVD...

the boot flag "hd(0,2)/mach_kernel.voodoo", or whatever the kernel is named, can be used to load the kernel off your disk0s2 drive.

lanceomni · #5 12-22-2008, 02:31 PM

Thank you. I used boot-uuid=MYDRIVESUUID and managed to get back into my system. Ive snagged a few files that had not been backed up and am going to work on the bootloader when I get back from work today.

I am a little uncertain about which bootloader to install and if running the EFI install script will pose any problems. I am holding off on updating to 10.5.6 as I plan to attempt a retail install next month so It doesnt really matter which one I install.

I did give this a try this morning with no change.

Code:

fdisk -e /dev/rdiskX
flag 2
update
write

Ill have to do some more research.

[EDIT] I did replace the X with the appropriate number

lanceomni · #6 12-23-2008, 12:24 AM

Am I doing something wrong here?

I am able to boot using the UUID method. When I go to System preferences Startup Drive. Only my dvd and network icons show. In Disk Utility all of my drives show their mount point under /volumes but my main drive shows / as its mount point.

I try pcwiz's app and it doesnt work.

I boot the install disk in single user mode and tried both this:

Code:

fdisk -e /dev/rdisk3
flag 1
write
update

and this:

Code:

cd /usr/standalone/i386
dd if=boot1h of=/dev/rdisk3s2 bs=512 count=1
dd if=boot0 of=/dev/disk3 bs=400 count=1

I still get the blinking cursor. What would you recomend my next course of action be?

nfoav8or · #7 12-23-2008, 07:59 AM

so you are saying you don't want to install chameleon because you are using the EFI-partition to boot or am I wrong?

If you aren't using munky's method to install the bootloader to the EFI partition, then just use chameleon to install to your drive... the sources are out there so you can get the files to see what needs to be placed where...

are you using your DVD to boot after specifying your UUID? just install chameleon once booted up. or go back to PC-EFI-v8.

lanceomni · #8 12-23-2008, 12:49 PM

I installed chameleon and its working fine. I was a bit confused on a few things but Im straight now. PS that book you recommended came in today. Its a pretty good read. Thanks

nfoav8or · #9 12-23-2008, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanceomni

PS that book you recommended came in today. Its a pretty good read. Thanks

There is so much stuff that can be done with combined knowledge within that book. its crazy. good to hear you like it.

mammoth · #10 02-28-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanceomni

I installed chameleon and its working fine. I was a bit confused on a few things but Im straight now. PS that book you recommended came in today. Its a pretty good read. Thanks

Dooohhhhhh!

This is exactly where I am at now and looking for the solution... you found it

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanceomni

I installed chameleon and its working fine.

but then didn't share your success steps with us!

Please, is there any way you could do so now?

Thank you Lanceomni