Linux Newbie - Can't boot from USB

Hi Chris: Yes, Bios support is enabled under the Config arrow.

Hi Captain: I saw that update, too, and considered it, but I agree it may not be much use. Startup shows Boot, Network, Boot Mode (I've tried both 'quick' and 'diagnostics'), Option Keys Display, and Boot device List F12 Option (which is enabled for quick access to the boot order).
 

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john still throwing ideas in:

1. there is supposed to be an always on usb port at rear, perhaps yellow, did you try that?

2. does it have the 5-in-1 card reader?

3. does it have

Optical drive
  • Ultrabay enhanced DVD/CD-RW combo drive
  • Blu-ray combo drive
  • Blu-ray burner

wiz
 
1. Yes, and I did try that port, as well.
2. Yes it does!
3. Ultrabay enhanced DVD/CD-RW combo drive
 
most of the .iso files we use in linux are referred to as hybrid iso - that means the same file can be burned to a usb stick, a dvd or even an sd card

i am thinking you could burn your .iso to a dvd, then go into F12 and choose to boot from the dvd ahead of hard drive, and install from there.

if that works and you want to keep the option then you can F2 to enter full setup and change the order permanently.

wiz
 
Thank you. That was my next plan - to give the DVD drive a shot. I'll let you know how it goes.
 
i am thinking you could burn your .iso to a dvd
I've always had good luck burning and installing from a DVD (or CD).
I realize that many new computers don't even have optical media drives any longer but USB's can sometimes be quite 'finicky' :\
 
Do either of you think I can still go with a newer version of Linux using the DVD approach, or should I opt for something older? If so, is there one in particular that you could recommended given my CPU's specs?
 
mate best environment for linux is uefi-gpt, but bios-mbr such as you have, with 8 GB RAM and intel i5 dual-core should be fine for running a modern linux, eg LM 19.3

here's an article from ubuntu - it's 2011 but worth the read, bottom of each page links to the next

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowtoPartition/PartitioningBasics

the article will give you an idea on partitioning under your environment - if you wanted to do it in advance, you would use GParted that is on the live medium you have burned, before you enter the installer.

however i would be inclined to go as auto as possible, let the installer do the work.

once you have a working linux on the ssd, then you can use gparted to provide space for the UMassLinux 18.1 to run as well.

cheers

wizard, and hi vrai ;)
 
Do either of you think I can still go with a newer version of Linux using the DVD approach, or should I opt for something older?
With the specs you quoted you should be fine with any Linux distro.
I'm working with a brand new 256GB SSD. CPU is a Thinkpad T510 (circa 2010), 8GB RAM, Intel Core Duo i5, M540 @ 2.53GHz
I am running Linux Mint 19.3 on an Acer laptop with an Intel Core i5 6200, Intel Graphics 520, and 4 GiB of RAM. It runs perfectly! :)
 
Tried the DVD install - same result. I get to the Linux installation menu, and then the CPU automatically reboots.

I also tried all the various boot options listed here - https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/boot_options.html

At this point, I think it might be a hardware issue, even though both the hard drive and memory are new. I might try to re-seat both to see if that helps.
 
And you did verify the .iso after download, correct?
 
7A9E54212433C8547EDFD789AC933C91A9BDE1A61196FA7977C5357A2C40292D

Looks like I have a match, so I guess that means the mystery continues!
 
well i guess there is some good amongst the bad, you know you got a good download. :)

do you have a good friend or family member whereby you can take the stick an dvd and try them out?

it won't harm their computer

chris
 
Under "Security" I have the following menu options:
- Password
Sometimes when password is set, in bios showing additional options. Maybe you should set password (and remember it!), then reboot, again go to BIOS settings and look for a secureboot (or the same). To clear password you should set it again, for that enter that password witch you had set earlier and set empty string for the new password.
 
Thanks for replying.

Under "Security" I have the following menu options:
- Password
- Fingerprint
- Security Chip
- BIOS Update Option
- Memory Protection
- I/O Port Access
- Anti-Theft
If you go into the Security option in the BIOS screen, is there anything in the Security Chip option? Try to select it and see what it brings up.
 
If you go into the Security option in the BIOS screen, is there anything in the Security Chip option? Try to select it and see what it brings up.

I get a number of options, including:

Security Chips - active/inactive (current setting is active)
Security Reporting Options - Bios ROM, ESCD, CMOS, NVRAM, SMBIOS Reporting (enable/disable)
Clear Security Chip
Intel TXT Feature - enable/disable
 
Looks like a good place to start. I would start with a least disruptive setting. If you can set Security Chips to "inactive", I would start there, then Save the BIOS changes and reboot with the USB device attached.

The Clear Security Chip may be the end game, but I don't know if there may be unintended results.
 

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