[Bug 872826] f18 anaconda - no option to install bootloader to a partition

[Felix Miata]

On 2012-12-02 19:21 (GMT) bugzilla at redhat.com composed:

> https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=872826

> --- Comment #19 from Chris Murphy ---
> Anaconda should not offer options that are expressly stated as not recommended
> by upstream. The problem is ext4's boot sector is only 512 bytes, which is not
> enough space. The use of --force fragments GRUB, and installs the pieces into
> free space without informing the file system. At any future time the file
> system can step on any one of those block lists and render the system
> unbootable.

Upstream screwed up by replacing a bootloading system that can work 
acceptably on partitions with one that the very same devs claim cannot. 
Fedora should to compensate by providing an alternative to Grub2 that can do 
what multiboot users want. Grub2, Grub Legacy and Lilo are not the only 
bootloaders. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_boot_loaders

Personally, I can't get Fedora installed the way I want in other regards as 
well, so I install it its way, but it _never_ gets to boot that way even 
once. Before ever booting it, I undo its boot track damage, and copy its / to 
the partition I wanted it on in the first place but wouldn't let me. I 
install Grub Legacy on this target, and either use it via chainload, or load 
Fedora directly with my master bootloader installed to a different 
_partition_, while my MBR as used remains compliant with legacy BIOS, OS/2, 
DOS and Windows whether DOS or Windows or OS/2 are even installed.

Changing the boot track without permission is rude, particularly since it 
doesn't bother to report it will obliterate what is already there present. 
Fedora ought to be able to be put where the user wants it, on a partition 
prepared as the user wants it prepared, without any bootloader if that's what 
the user wants, and without writing anything to any partition table when it's 
unnecessary and unwanted due to all partitioning having been done in advance 
(see: Mandriva/Mageia: cmdline option "readonly=1" results in only 
"partitioning" to allow selection of mount points for existing partitions).

Anyone who thinks Windows installation is rude or limiting needs to put on a 
Fedora hat and look in the mirror.
-- 
"The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant
words are persuasive." Proverbs 16:21 (New Living Translation)

  Team OS/2 ** Reg. Linux User #211409 ** a11y rocks!

Felix Miata  ***  http://fm.no-ip.com/