Public bug reported:
I'm working with ubuntu on Xen right now, and this is a very bad
problem. Both the server and desktop install CD's, for both dapper and
edgy, use fancy full screen (vbe based?) isolinux install screens.
Could we please do away with these screens on the server or alternate
install CD? These fancy screens are causing fully virtualized guests
that try to boot from these CD's to crash before the boot screen is even
drawn. This is true for both Xen and KVM.
To clarify, this does not cause the -host- to crash, just the guest, but
you get a blank screen and wonder what happened.
Background (mostly speculation, but I think it's right):
Intel designed VT in a strange way, such that only protected mode instructions
are allowed o be virtualized. Anything done in real mode must be
emulated...every instruction. The Xen and KVM folks have emulated enough to get
things working, but have not handled every instruction, including apparently
some of the fancy (VBE?) graphics isolinux on the ubuntu boot cd's is using.
(FreeBSD's btx loader also has problems)
For reference, AMD's SVM analogue does, in fact, virtualize real mode
instructions on the processor, and I'm able to boot all install CD's
just fine on an AMD machine. This is an Intel VT .... 'quirk'.
The mini.iso network install CD loads just fine and works, and I can
install over an emulated network. And that CD includes a splash screen
w/ isolinux, so it's not all VBE operations that cause problems. You
should still be able to have a splash screen, but more then that might
cause the problems.
I've filed a bug against Xen about this, and I just tried KVM and ran
into the same issue, so I'm assuming it's th same problem. But until
the Xen folks figure out what instructions need to be emulated, and take
enough time to care, or Intel comes out with an updated VT
implementation that does what AMD's does, we can't just boot up a ubuntu
install CD on virtual machines and have it work.
My requested solution is that isolinux use just the standard (preferably
text) menu and options on the server and/or alternate install CD.
Having one full, officially supported install CD that doesn't crash
Xen/KVM when trying to install a ubuntu would go a long way towards
helping those of us trying to use ubuntu in a virtual environment out.
Besides, while I really appreciate all the fancy boot options for a
desktop machine, but I would prefer a plain text option for servers
anyway. I do, however, see why some would like the opposite.
Would it be possible to get the feisty 'server' install CD to forgo the
fancy bootup options?
NOTE: I think I understand what's going on, but if I'm missing something
obvious, please tell me.
** Affects: Ubuntu
Importance: Undecided
Status: Unconfirmed
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fancy isolinux screen on install isos hang xen/kvm HVM guests
https://launchpad.net/bugs/83642
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