Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Administration Unleashed

Installing with Kickstart 31Creating the Kickstart FileA kickstart file is a plain text file with each kickstart directive on a separate line. A simpletext editor should be used to write or modify the file. Do not use a program that automaticallyline wraps because each directive must be on its own line. If a long line is wrapped,the installation program might read it incorrectly and cause the installation to fail. Linesthat begin with the pound sign (#) are comments.1The directives listed in the kickstart file must be grouped as follows:. Command section. %package section. %pre and %post sectionsTIPIf you have already performed an installation, a kickstart file based on the installationis written to /root/anaconda-ks.cfg. You can start with this sample file and modifyit as needed.Command SectionThe command section consists of directives to answer all the questions from the interactiveversion of the installation program. They can be listed in any order as long as they allappear before the %package, %pre, and %post sections. This section groups them in categoriesto make it easier to determine which directives are suitable for your needs.Notice that some commands are required. If any required directives are missing from thekickstart file, the automated installation will pause on the screen for which no informationwas provided in the kickstart file. To continue the installation, the administratormust complete the instructions for the screen and click Next.This section divides the kickstart commands into categories based on their usage: installation,basic setup, partitioning, and additional. Some directives such as the install directiverequire related directives to be listed on separate lines. If a directive is followed by anequals sign (=), a value must follow it. Also notice that some directives are required.Installation CommandsFor all kickstart files, either the install or upgrade directive is required. The other installationcommands are optional.. installInstall Red Hat Enterprise Linux as opposed to performing an upgrade. If thiscommand is specified, one of the following installation methods must also be listedon a separate line:cdromThe first CD-ROM drive contains the installation media.