16. Installing from a DOS partition

You can use this section if you already have a DOS partition on your target computer. I think it is a faster installation method.

Read the section 5.3.1 "Installing from a DOS partition" from install.txt. This section is also available on the Debian CD in the html file ch-install-methods.php.

I am just going to help you to make the first point : "1. Get the following files from your nearest Debian repository"

The transfer is easy with the floppy-disc based Linux from  tomsrtbt.

Export the source cdrom drive via nfs.

Read the file tomsrtbt.FAQ

Create the floppy under DOS or Linux, you have the choice.

     Linux installation:
     a) extract the .tar.gz archive
     b) Be root
     c) Be in the tomsrtbt-<version> directory
     d) Have a blank floppy with no bad sectors
     e) Do './install.s'
     

Boot the target with the floppy. Login as root.

      $ insmod plip
      $ ifconfig plip1 192.168.0.1 pointopoint 192.168.0.2 \
      netmask 255.255.255.255 up
      $ route add -host 192.168.0.2 dev plip1
      $ mount -t nfs 192.168.0.2:/cdrom /cdrom
      $ mkdir /c
      $ mount -t msdos /dev/hda1 /c
      $ mkdir /c/debian
      $ cd /cdrom/dists/stable/main/disks-i386/current/
      $ cp resc1440.bin drv1440.bin base2_1.tgz root.bin linux \
      install.bat loadlin.exe /c/debian
     

The \ means the command line continues on the next line. The cp command takes some time. When finished, remove the floppy and then :

      $ reboot
     

Boot under DOS.

      C:\> cd debian
      C:\DEBIAN> install
     

Now you start to install Debian from a DOS partition. You do not need plip or floppy during the installation process. Everything deals with the hard drive. Read the Debian install documentation, it is very good and clear.