[NTLUG:Discuss] how to? -- Linux is not like NT (no stupid ATA/registry settings)

[Bryan J. Smith]

Fred wrote: 
> The question is this -- can I swap the MB/cpu and still boot, or will
> the system just lock up in the middle with a kernel panic?

No.  Unlike NT kernels (especially NT 5.x aka 2000/XP/2003), Linux
does _not_ have ATA-specific settings in the registry.**

Linux also supports a lot of ATA devices in its boot kernel file and
does not typically require a separate initrd.

This is unlike NT and its C:\ntbootdd.sys for most ATA devices that NT
didn't ship with drivers for -- and you can only have 1.

> If it won't boot, how do I fix it so it will without wiping out the
> data on the hdd?

Use a recovery CD.  Unlike NT, which does not even include a registry
editor in its recovery mode, you can do anything with a Linux recovery
CD.  At the most, I have had to build a new initrd with a SCSI storage
driver.

I know what you're talking about because I had an SiS chipset mainboard
blow and I replaced it with a ViA chipset mainboard.  Sure enough, NT
5.1 (XP) barfed because the ATA controller changed.**  Not good when you
are 1,100 miles from home with no other computer (which I was).

**NOTE:
I booted Linux and used a NT registry editor to fix the problem.
The newer Linux NT Password Change boot disks include the registry
editor too.  I know my PC_Support HOWTO on how to do this has save other
people's asses.

-- 
     Linux Enthusiasts call me anti-Linux.
   Windows Enthusisats call me anti-Microsoft.
 They both must be correct because I have over a
decade of experience with both in mission critical
environments, resulting in a bigotry dedicated to
 mitigating risk and focusing on technologies ...
           not products or vendors
--------------------------------------------------
Bryan J. Smith, E.I.         b.j.smith at ieee.org