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I'm trying to build a linux-based embedded OS using buildroot framework. After compilation I extracted contents of root filesystem on micro SD card. Now I need to install GRUB. I have stage 1 and stage 2 files. trying to write them on first sectors of /dev/sdb (using a memory reader) destroys partition table:

dd if=stage1 of=/dev/sdb bs=512 count=1
dd if=stage2 of=/dev/sdb bs=512 seek=1

Also installation on a partition (/dev/sdb1) causes damage on it.

How do I install GRUB?

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Assuming 512-bytes sectors, you are writing to both the first and the second sector. I have never seen the need to use dd on anything else than the first sector (the MBR). A partition could start at the second sector, so you may damage it. – Francesco Turco Sep 13 '12 at 10:24

1 Answer

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You're directly overwriting the boot sector / partition table with the stage1 and stage2 files, when you use dd like that. Instead, you should use grub-install (or the lower-level grub-mkimage and grub-setup commands, as mentioned in that link).

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