Topics: Installation, Red Hat / Linux

Linux Kickstart using a configuration file on a USB thumbdrive

In case you're wondering "How do I load a kickstart configuration file on my USB thumbdrive, while installing Linux?", we can tell you, it is really simple. You only have to know the syntax to do this.

First, make sure that both the Linux DVD and the USB thumdrive are connected to the system, either directly, or through virtual media. Then, to install linux, type:

# linux ks=hd:sdc:/ks.cfg
(Replace "ks.cfg" with the actual Kickstart configuration file name)

More information can be found here: This is similar to a bos_inst.data, and lppsource definition in one file. Every Linux installation will generate one of these based on the selections made during the install. It usually can be found in /home/root/ks.cfg or sometimes /root/ks.cfg. The installer (anaconda) will tell you which of the two locations to look. This file can then be used to do various degrees of hands on/of installations. Also, a vendor may supply a ks.cfg file of their own for use to use.



If you found this useful, here's more on the same topic(s) in our blog:


UNIX Health Check delivers software to scan Linux and AIX systems for potential issues. Run our software on your system, and receive a report in just a few minutes. UNIX Health Check is an automated check list. It will report on perfomance, capacity, stability and security issues. It will alert on configurations that can be improved per best practices, or items that should be improved per audit guidelines. A report will be generated in the format you wish, and the report includes the issues discovered and information on how to solve the issues as well.

Interested in learning more?