[iPAQ] RE: 2.15.15 --> 2.16.19 in v0.5 query

The bootloader recognizes the params partition by looking for a magic
number. So the trick is to remove the magic number and make the
partition look like valid JFFS2 space. It's surprisingly easy; a
completely erased flash block is valid JFFS2. Here are the steps you
need, assuming you have four partitions: bootldr, params, kernel, and
root. To replace these with just a bootldr and root partition, do the
following:

1. Make sure you have a recent bootloader installed (latest 2.16.xx
recommended).
2. Install a valid kernel image on your JFFS2 partition in /boot/zImage.

3. Test that you can boot off of the JFFS2 partition by running from the
bootldr:
> boot jffs2 /boot/zImage.
4. From the bootloader:
> eflash params
> eflash kernel
5. Reset your bootloader so it has to scan JFFS2 again. It should boot
the JFFS2
   kernel. During the first boot it may print some debugging methods
about
   cleaning up JFFS2 blocks; these are normal.
6. Optionally add a /boot/params file --- you don't need this unless you
have
   a H3100 iPAQ or you change the normal "linuxargs" values (for
example, if you're
   using a Stowaway keyboard).

        - Andrew

> If I chose to remove the existing /params partition which I have
> to get the convenience of a params file:
>
> 1) exactly what eflash commands do I use?
> 2) does my root become /dev/mtdblock/2 automagically, or do
> I pick up the free params partition as a small extra partition?
>
>
> Des Johnston
>
>
Received on Sat Nov 10 18:04:06 2001