How To Create A Dos Custom Boot Cd In Linux?

I'm hoping this ends up on the how to page because I didn't see it there and with everyone moving to linux, I suspect there will be a need to have a DOS boot cd to update your bios. I've tried unsuccessfully on linux using genisoimage probably because I don't know the right flags to enable but I'm open to hearing any other options.

 

Hardly! Under 2% worldwide.
Source: https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide

It is even lower if you start throwing smart phones and tablets into the mix.
https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share

 

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Updating the BIOS differs between manufacturers. It also differs between different models from the same manufacturer. And when it is possible from within Windows, different methods apply to different versions of Windows.
The exact same applies when running Linux.

It's best to check the PC makers website. Keep in mind the many different Linux distros.

Here's a good start.
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Flashing_BIOS_from_Linux

 

-Most of the current linux distro's have a user forum or at least a "FAQ" section to find info on using the various commands. Some even install a 'manual' when initially put on a hard disk or even a 'live' cd/usb. The 'flags' or operands for any command would need to be words your version is expecting to be used.

 

You're better off with a bootable DOS USB - assuming you can boot USB. The USB you can add the BIOS files, CD you could not.
https://www.howtogeek.com/136987/how-to-create-a-bootable-dos-usb-drive/
If you want a boot CD, get something like WinISO, there is an option to add a boot image to a CD.

 

I appreciate the responses but they haven't helped in my case. I am running Linux without WINE so rufus and other solutions. based on Windows will require it installed to create bootable DOS. I've looked through the genisoimage manpages and still haven't come up with a solution. I've worn out a CDRW disk in my attempts so it's not for lack of effort that I'm failing.

 

What and/ or how are you running linux?
Command line mode only or do you have a desktop also?
I have several linux able to run which can see and work with all my drives, though I haven't, but I can, give it a shot to make a boot cd. Just never reallly needed one.
I have a Puppy which I can work drives with from a Desktop and
I have a Trisquel which is newer but I remember it giving easy access to drives also.

Check out these two if you wish. I'm heading out but will try later if you seem interested in that route .

 

I just don't understand why anyone would need a DOS bootable disk to update the BIOS when the manufacturers all provide a file for this very purpose.

 

Now that I think about it more, which DOS is being used here? FreeDOS...QDOS....MS-DOS. If it's MS I believe it would have to come from a Windows or else an older MS-DOS 5 or 6.22. I'm sure an image of a MS_DOS boot floppy is able to be found on the internet but is it legit to use if you don't have a user license from a paid for system already. I have these disks and copies or backups also.

To be used to flash a probably an originally Windows based machine it probably needs to be MS or compatible DOS.

A boot linux wound need .....vmlinux, initrd,....
A boot windows would need ....io.sys,ms-dos.sys, command.com....
A free DOS would have something similar/ compatible to the Windows....

So which is it?

 

Here is a page that goes through several ways to make a boot cd in linux. A Freedos image and genisoimage is towards the bottom 3rd section of the page.

https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Flashing_BIOS_from_Linux