Virtual machine from kernel image & modules

[lopezavila69]

Hi,

I have built a kernel image and modules from 2.6.39 sources.

I wonder if it is possible to create a virtual machine using these bzImage and modules, including a basic filesystem.

If it isnīt possible, could you give me any advice in order to create a basic filesystem? Maybe "Linux From Scratch" project?

Thanks in advance.

[Rubberman]

LFS (Linux From Scratch) is a very good approach to learn how to do this stuff. Myself, I used it to build a custom Linux system that runs in a VirtualBox VM. Download the book and the bootstrap ISO image so you can get it up PDQ.

[lopezavila69]

Hi,

I managed to build the LFS system (ended chapter 6 - Installing basic system sofwtare) into a file (mounted in my PC with loop, not a disk partition).
I suppose I have to install bootscripts for the system and make the system bootable (chapters 7-.

My question now is if it possible to create a virtual machine for VirtualBox using this LFS image (I havenīt created any virtual machine before).

Thanks in advance.

[Rubberman]

It's just like installing to a regular system. Create a VM of type "Linux 2.6" or "Linux 2.6 (64 bit)" and install as the LFS book instructs, using the VM instead of a hardware machine.

[lopezavila69]

Hi,

I managed to finish the LFS 6.8 book building the system into a raw disk image (i.e. a img file created from zero). I have also tried to create a vmdk and a vmdi file from this *.img as indicated in: "How to use a raw disk image file in VirtualBox" (searching through google)

However, when I try to start the system I get in VBox: "Fatal: Could not read from the boot medium! System halted".

Reading your comment again I assume that the LFS system should be created inside the new empty Linux VBox machine. Maybe I could copy the content of the img file into the new virtual machine?? ....or should I rebuild the entire system?

Thanks in advance.

[Rubberman]

I think need to mount the image first, or burn it to a CD/DVD.