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[doc] Since deb 10 almost-automatic install using preseed on usb, webserver, tftp, flop (instead of in initrd.gz) #2

@porteusconf

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@porteusconf

Thx for udib! (& happy 2023) Not really an issue, just suggestion for some info to add to readme...

An almost-automatic install using preseed and standard non-custom iso is easier since deb10.

See https://wiki.debian.org/DebianInstaller/Preseed for details where it says:

As of Debian 10 preseed file can be loaded using these URL schemes: file floppy http https tftp

The file URL scheme requires a full path inside the installer initrd. The second partition of the installer USB disk which is mounted at /media in the installer initrd usually has a little space where you can put a preseed file.
...
Loading the preseed file from a webserver
Most install methods you can interrupt early on and add a URL to a preseed file, for an almost fully automated installations. Here exemplified with the graphical installer:

When the graphical installer boot menu appears, press ESC

(Type "help" if you want view generic help)

Type

auto url=http://webserver/path/preseed.cfg

replacing the URL with the address to your preseed configuration file

Or if you copy standard non-custom iso copied to usb, put the preseed.cfg file in the 2nd partition of the installer usb, and use something like:

auto url=file://media/mountpoint-for-2nd-partition/preseed.cfg

If I have time I'll try in virtual environment and report back with actual tested examples.
P.S. I was hoping the standard unmodified installer/live usb and/or pxe-boot netinstaller could/would automatically look for the preseed.cfg in that 2nd partition of usb, or a (virtual) floppy, (or a standard tftp location for pxe-boot). If found it could ask to if ok to use custom preseed, with a timeout to go ahead and use it. That is, a fully automatic install with custom preseed.cfg able to run completely unattended. The virtual-floppy could be provided in VirtualBox, VMware, Parallels, qemu, etc.

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