This blog started out as an install log of RedHat 9 on a Compaq Presario 2538cl laptop (linuxpresario.blogspot.com) . However, I soon started to include little logs to myself when I made configuration changes to software, etc. So, I've moved it over to our domain, and changed its name to Linux Log. Here you will find some tips & tricks related to Linux configuration on a laptop, as well as software related things that I run into. I log here things that worked for me, of course, your mileage may vary.

Any questions/comments? E-mail me at linux_atsign_boshoff|za|net.

Can't quickrestore

May 24, 2003

Okay, after playing around a little with the Quickrestore CD's, I noticed that it uses PowerQuest software to do the image restore. I then attempted to edit the scriptfile that does the factory restore such that it would restore the image onto a 40Gb partition instead of the factory 60Gb. The script file I used is as follows:

SELECT DRIVE 1
DELETE ALL
SELECT FREESPACE FIRST
SELECT IMAGE 1
RESIZE IMAGE 40000
RESTORE
SELECT PARTITION 1
SET ACTIVE

Then used the following restore command after booting with the Quickrestore CD's and Ctrl-C to get a DOS prompt. Note Q:\ is the CD-ROM drive and B:\ floppy drive, onto which I saved the above-mentioned script.

Q:\tools\pqimgmb.exe /cmd=b:\qrestore.scr /img=q:\restore\factory.pqi /nrb /esf=q:\tools\%string%

This is the command used in one of the MS-DOS batch files used to invoke the restore.

I thought that everything would go according to plan, and other than a "Lost clusters xxx-xxx" message (!), all seemed well. Upon restart however, though WinXP appeared to work fine, it was still installed on a 60Gb partition!

So... since I'm running out of time, I did a complete quick-restore, this time going through with the standard procedure. The restore went smoothly this time. I then resorted to buying partition resizing software (7tools's Partition Manager, which I believe is basically Paragon Partition Manager at a little cheaper price for $30), resized the WinXP partition and reinstalled Red Hat 9.0 in the remaining free space.

Red Hat Linux install was smooth as well, and so I have a functioning dual-boot notebook now.

Since I have a set-up that can facilitate in getting a thesis written now, I will probably let it be for a while.

My Linux to-do list, in order of importance:

1. Get the ACPI-patched kernel compiled to have battery status displayed in Gnome.
2. Get the winmodem to work.
3. Try to resolve the hang issues whenever firewire comes into the picture in Linux.
4. Get the extra functionality keyboard buttons to work in Linux - this involves the monitor brightness adjustment (can this be done at all? - please e-mail me!) as well as Internet, e-mail etc. shortcut buttons.
5. Resolve pcmcia issues.