Killed my Toshiba Tecra, ancient laptop, with failed Ubuntu install

HughP1 · 07-08-2011, 03:48 PM

Hi All,

unsurprisingly, a newbie here.

Tried to install Ubuntu to old Tosh laptop from CD which ran OK on PC as a demo. Stuck at keyboard language on laptop, and now I only get the command prompt on screen. No response to keyboard or mouse pad.

Do I hit it with a hammer, throw it away, or what?

Thanks,

Hugh

Arcane · 07-08-2011, 04:00 PM

Ubuntu(especially latest versions) requires computer with enough "horsepower". If that old computer was too old then it might not even load to Live mode properly - especially without available swap. Also Lubuntu or Debian or Linux Mint fluxbox or Debian edition would fit better for older PCs. Anyway when you boot from CD just when you see something related to Ubuntu press F1 and then you will be able select some additional options. Hope it will help. However what you mean by killed? Doesn't work even without using CD?

rokytnji · 07-08-2011, 04:02 PM

What Model of Tecra? Specs are needed.

like

http://www.westworldcomputers.com/to...specs_page.htm

or

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/tosh...-33949467.html

Not a lot to go on with your post

HughP1 · 07-09-2011, 07:59 AM

Hi again.

It's a Tecra A2, probably this spec - Toshiba Tecra A2 (Pentium M 715 1.5 GHz, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB HDD)- although I can't find any more as I can't get it to run!

I burned a Ubuntu disk on my PC and ran it on that as a test - worked fine. Tried to load on the laptop, and it wouldn't boot up from the cd at first. When i did get the cd to start running, it stuck at the point where it was asking me to test my keyboard to identify what nationality it was (or something like that). It stuck there, and when I got it to move on, it went to the point it's now at. With or without the disk, all I get when I turn it on is a flashing cursor in the top LH corner of the screen. No keys do anything at all, hence mey fear that I've killed it somehow.

I don't see how to bring it back to life if it won't respond to any input.

Thanks again.

rokytnji · 07-09-2011, 08:34 AM

512MB of ram is too weak for the new full Ubuntu . You might want to go with something lighter like I did on this laptop which has about the same specs. If wanting Ubuntu or Mint.

Lubuntu

LXDE Mint

Bohdi E17 Linux (based on Ubuuntu)

What I run is http://antix.mepis.org/index.php?title=Main_Page

My screeny

Quote:

With or without the disk, all I get when I turn it on is a flashing cursor in the top LH corner of the screen. No keys do anything at all, hence mey fear that I've killed it somehow.

I don't think you killed it. Try out one of these other distros (they are all live cds), be sure to set bios to boot first from cdrom drive also.

Lastly. Puppy Linux like http://macpup.org/ is another option in case you want to try it out also. I run it also.

HughP1 · 07-09-2011, 09:45 AM

Hi,

I'm trying Lubuntu download now. Question; how do I do the following if no keyboard response?

I don't think you killed it. Try out one of these other distros (they are all live cds), be sure to set bios to boot first from cdrom drive also

Cheers, Hugh

rokytnji · 07-09-2011, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HughP1

Hi,

I'm trying Lubuntu download now. Question; how do I do the following if no keyboard response?

I don't think you killed it. Try out one of these other distros (they are all live cds), be sure to set bios to boot first from cdrom drive also

Cheers, Hugh

If me. No Keyboard response to get into bios means keyboard may not be enabled anymore in bios because of cmos battery failure. I would then try a external keyboard next to see If I could get into bios that way.

Edit: A disassembly guide for Toshiba Tecra A2 below. You probably need to replace your cmos battery as they are only good for a average
time of 5 years on that model of Toshiba Laptop.

http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptop...mbly-guide.htm