[Bug 1026450] [NEW] Pangolin installer problem

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I'm attempting to install precise pangolin on an HP BL35P blade using an
ubuntu server x86-64 CD.  HP BL35P blades have broadcomm nics that need
restricted firmware, which I have placed on a USB key.  The USB key must
be inserted prior to booting the installer CD or it doesn't seem
readable.  That in itself is no big deal, however, the USB key becomes
/dev/sda.  The internal hard disk is assigned to /dev/sdb.

During installation, the installer lets me choose which drive to install
the operating system onto.  It shows a selection for the 1GB USB key,
and the 140GB raid array.  I choose the raid array, and the installed
files are written there with no difficulty.

The problem comes when attempting to do the grub installation.  The
installer defaults to writing the master boot record to /dev/sda, which
in this case, is the USB stick with the restricted firmware on it.
After a couple tries at re-installing I do finally notice the issue, but
I don't think a novice would see it at all.  Of course, I have to
override the installer so it will write the MBR to /dev/sdb and then the
system will boot correctly, and the installer does support that cause of
action.

What I expect to happen: The installer should default to writing grub to
the disk that was chosen for the server install.

What happened: The installer rather blindly chooses /dev/sda by default.

** Affects: debian-installer (Ubuntu)
     Importance: Undecided
         Status: Confirmed


** Tags: bot-comment installer pangolin precise
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Pangolin installer problem
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1026450
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