Nightloader/i386/loader

loader | Nightloader Code Partition

The partition of which the creation code is contained in this directory isn't formatted in any particular way; the partition which is created using this source code contains the instructions and data for giving control over to the next stage. More on the features of the loader can be found here

Features

The loader partition has to perform the following tasks:

1. Perform the general setup
   • Setup a bigger stack
   • Enable the A20 address line
   • Enter 32-bit mode (Protected Mode)
   • Setup Paging
2. Enable the built-in drivers
3. Load additional addons
   • Find partitions accessible with the existing drivers
   • Check the path /bin/nightloader/ for addons
   • Load and start those addons
   • If any more filesystem drivers were found, repeat the last three steps
4. Choose the appropriate action of the three following ones:
   1. If no operating system was found,
      • Send an error to any output
      • Halt execution after 30 seconds
   2. If an operating system was found and there is no addon to take control
      • Display all options onto the screen and let the user choose which operating system to start
   3. If an operating system was found and there is an addon which takes the control
      • Give the control to that addon and let it handle the task of finding out what to do
5. Execute the action chosen by the user in the last step