NOTE: CentOS Enterprise Linux 5 is built from the Red Hat Enterprise Linux source code. Other than logo and name changes CentOS Enterprise Linux 5 is compatible with the equivalent Red Hat version. This document applies equally to both Red Hat and CentOS Enterprise Linux 5.
The kickstart file is a simple text file, containing a list of items, each identified by a keyword. You can create it by using the Kickstart Configurator application, or writing it from scratch. The Red Hat Enterprise Linux installation program also creates a sample kickstart file based on the options that you selected during installation. It is written to the file /root/anaconda-ks.cfg. You should be able to edit it with any text editor or word processor that can save files as ASCII text.
First, be aware of the following issues when you are creating your kickstart file:
Sections must be specified in order. Items within the sections do not have to be in a specific order unless otherwise specified. The section order is:
Command section — Refer to Section 28.4, “Kickstart Options” for a list of kickstart options. You must include the required options.
Omitting any required item results in the installation program prompting the user for an answer to the related item, just as the user would be prompted during a typical installation. Once the answer is given, the installation continues unattended (unless it finds another missing item).
Lines starting with a pound sign (#) are treated as comments and are ignored.
For kickstart upgrades, the following items are required:
Language
Installation method
Device specification (if device is needed to perform the installation)
Keyboard setup
The upgrade keyword
Boot loader configuration
If any other items are specified for an upgrade, those items are ignored (note that this includes package selection).
