x86: Change in Default Boot-Disk Partition Layout

In the Solaris 9 12/03 release, the Solaris Web Start and suninstall installation programs use, by default, a new boot-disk partition layout to accommodate the Service partition on Sun LX50 systems. This installation program enables you to preserve an existing Service partition.

The new default includes the following partitions:

• First partition – Service partition (the existing size on the system).

• Second partition – x86 boot partition (approximately 11 Mbyte).

• Third partition – Solaris partition (the remaining space on the boot disk).

If you want to use this default layout, select Default when the Solaris Web Start or suninstall program asks you to choose a boot-disk layout.

If you install the Solaris 9 12/03 (x86 Platform Edition) software on a system that does not currently include a Service partition, the Solaris Web Start and suninstall programs do not create a new Service partition by default. If you want to create a Service partition on your system, see x86: Service Partition Not Created by Default on Systems With No Existing Service Partition.

You can also choose to manually edit the disk partition layout by using the fdisk utility. You might want to manually edit the boot-disk partitions under the following conditions:

• You want to preserve an existing Sun Linux partition on the system.

• You need to create a Solaris partition, but want to preserve other existing partitions on the disk.

If your system contains an upgradable version of the Solaris software, but does not contain an x86 boot partition, you might not be able to upgrade by using the Solaris Installation CD. To upgrade a system with no x86 boot partition to the Solaris 9 12/03 release, use the suninstall installation program on the Solaris 9 12/03 Software 1 of 2 CD.