what appears to be the problemThere now appears to be a problem with the laptop that I just received from the ebay seller.
Support/Assist screen came up saying "Time of day not set - please run setup program. Invalid configuration information." Then a screen came up asking to restore settings. I tried to do that and the screen froze asking "Load all system settings? Current settings will be lost." I finally was able to exit from that screen and it began running a hardware scan "complete with no issues." Along with this message:what appears to be the problem
I jiggled F10 key as I pressed the "on" button. The SupportAssist screen came up with this info:ok has it got a harddrive in the cady?
switch it on at the same time jiggle the F10 key, this should open the short boot menu, look at the list if it dosnt mention the harddrive then its missing or faulty
next test, if you have another working machine [or a Friend to help] download Mint xfce and either burn an iso to dvd or pendrive [i prefer etcher for pendrives]
when you down load make sure the MD sum is the same as one given on the download page
put the iso into dvd or usb switch on and jiggle F10 highlight whichever you are using and enter, this should load a live session [you do not need a harddrive for this step] play atound and make sure everything is working [sound/graphics/wireless etc]
now open a terminal [black icon with $_ on it] type inxi -Fnx [inxi[space]-Fnx] this will give an output of your components provided it shows a harddrive , you should be ok to go and install linux..
I suspect the harddrive will be there and the windows are corrupt
if this dosnt work then tomorrow we can go through the bios settings
Bwiz
Thanks for your help. I've already tried creating a bootable USB on the mac and it won't work with etcher. Seems I'm stuck. Sleep well!ok. its sleepy time here, use the mac if you can to download and burn your iso ready for tomorrow
and when I get up I will go through the bios settings for a del it wont be a quick job [if you have a FB or skype account it may be easier if you pm me with your contact details and i can talk you through it. your choice]
Bwiz
Thanks!@brickwizard can probably tell you which key to tap to bring up the spot to change the boot order.....so that your laptop will boot from the USB stick, , not the usual hard drive.
On a Dell I think it is the F12 key, but brickwizard can probably confirm.
I am out of here for the next 12 hours....good luck !
What I am hoping is the previous owner may have tried to wipe off their files and screwed windows, this is not a problem as we can install over it using a full disc set up,Maybe tomorrow, try booting to the USB stick?.....this may simply be a windows 10 "thing" ?
My target laptop is a Dell Refurbished unit that I just purchased through eBay. I've sent a message to the seller and haven't yet received a response. I'm considering returning it as there is a 30-day warranty. This should have worked right out of the box.What I am hoping is the previous owner may have tried to wipe off their files and screwed windows, this is not a problem as we can install over it using a full disc set up,
My problem is I am not famalia enough with big A to advise Carol on the best way to make an ISO using it.
Bwiz
What is "big A" ?What I know about the big A you could write on my thumbnail....and still have space to spare.
I am hoping he is rebooting the laptop in this time....you just never know......miracles do happen....
Every time I turn it back on, I get the same screen that says "no bootable devices found." The only option is the Shutdown button on the bottom right of the screen. I click "Shutdown" and it turns off. When I turn it back on, I get the same screen again with only the Shutdown option.In the meantime, have you rebooted the laptop ?....maybe a few times?
I am just hoping against hope....
Apple Corp [or appleMac]What is "big A" ?
My target laptop was supposed to have arrived with Windows 10. I'm currently using a MacBook but that isn't the one I want to use for Linux. Sorry for the confusion.Apple Corp [or appleMac]