On Thu, 2026-07-23 at 19:49 +0200, Pascal Hambourg wrote:
> On 23/07/2026 at 16:05, Kevin Locke wrote:
>> "Installing to this disk will modify the installation media.
>> <Continue> <Go Back>"
>
> IIUC this needs to be inserted in every menu item and action which affect a
> disk. IMO it would be simpler to ask if the disk should be used for
> partitioning when starting partman and ignore it otherwise.
That's unfortunate. I would be hesitant to add a prompt for all
users, which adds a cost (in time/complexity/effort) for all (netboot)
users, given the scope and impact of this issue.
To summarize the options we've discussed and add a few of my own:
1. Leave the issue unsolved for netboot.
Pros:
- Only affects netboot (more often used by power users)
- No additional changes required.
Cons:
- Users may still inadvertently overwrite the installation media
(interactively or preseed).
2. Prompt to use install media when starting partman on netboot.
Pros:
- Nearly eliminates risk of overwriting installation media.
- Relatively simple to implement.
Cons:
- Adds time/complexity/effort for all users.
- Non-interactive preseeds must be updated for netboot, and
requirements will differ between netboot and other media.
3. Prompt to modify installation media at key points.
If it's infeasible to ask for every action which might affect a
disk, perhaps we could ask at key points? For example,
during/after "If you continue, the changes below will be written to
the disks" and when installing the bootloader?
Pros:
- Reduces risk of overwriting installation media.
- Only users at risk of overwriting must answer the question.
Cons:
- Implementation complexity.
- May not cover all cases.
4. Add a non-user-visible debconf prompt to allow overwriting
installation media. Default to allow.
Pros:
- Gives preseed authors a mechanism to use to prevent overwriting.
- Relatively simple to implement.
- No time/complexity/effort for most users.
Cons:
- Users may still inadvertently overwrite the installation media
(interactively or preseed) in the default state.
Does that match your understanding as well? If there are other
options, or other pros and cons worth considering, please chime in.
My preference would be 3 > 4 > 1 > 2, but I'll defer to your
expertise and implementation willingness.
Thanks again,
Kevin
