Can't get Linux to install/open on Dell laptop
 

Hi All,
i am obviously new to this forum!

i have heard wonderful this about this program, but i seem to be having some trouble installing it (operator error, I'm sure!) i downloaded the correct version, burned it to a dvd, but when i reboot...nothing, just my regular operating system (vista).

i am no computer genius by any means, but i know how to follow directions and have fixed many things on my computer by myself with research, but this is frustrating the heck out of me!

Thanks in advance for any help!
Cheryl

Hi,

I can think of two reasons you didn't boot to the dvd:

1. Your bios is set to boot from the hard drive before checking the dvddrive
2. The dvd image was not actually burn as an image, but as normal files

Can you check these two possibilities? Also it might be a good idea to tell us exactly what file you downloaded and from where.

Evo2.

What model Dell laptop and what distro/version of Linux?

Two things come to mind:

1. When you burned the image to DVD, did you use the "Burn Image" tool in your burning program? If you did not, all that happened was that the *.iso file got copied to the new medium; the image of the CD did not get recreated.

2. Have you checked to BIOS of the computer to make sure that "Boot from USB" is enabled and comes before "Boot from Hard Drive"? Alternatively, my Dells, during POST (Power On Self-Test), display a menu choice to choose the boot device (usually F12). You can hit the designated key and get a choice of boot options. Boot from the CD/DVD drive should be one of them.

Hi & Welcome to Linux Questions!Chermac-:)

What distribution are you trying to install?

What method are you using? DVD/CD or a usb memory stick?

OMG! you guys are awesome for responding so quick!

Yes, i did "Burn Image" to a dvd. if i open it (even on another computer) i can see the files are there, so i am hoping it is the second option you all are saying to check the BIOS. but where do i check that?

i downloaded the robolinux 32bit 7.4.1 and infrarecorder from the linux site, so i'm sure i have a legit version.

I have the Dell inspiron 1536. It is an older laptop running Windows Vista...

Did I answer all your questions?! lol

As I said I'm new to this and some of the lingo escapes me....

:)Cheryl

I looked up Robolinux if anyone needs the info-
http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=robolinux

I found the spec's on your Dell in case Mr. Evo or Mr. Frankbell need it--
http://www.cnet.com/laptops/dell-stu...-33529464.html

I'm not sure if you would use F2 or F12 to get into your BIOS.
Sometimes when the computer starts and the splash screen shows it will say which key is for getting into the BIOS.

I'll look for your motherboard book online and see if I can find it to find out which key it is-

Ok, I got to it from the f2 button, but it says you can use the f12 to see :boot options"

I changed the order.......stand by for results.......

cheryl

IT WORKED IT WORKED!!!!!!

you guys are SOOO awesome!!!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

I have learned a lot this from all of you, and it is so appreciated!!


cheryl

Good; glad it worked!-:)

The Live DVD should walk you through the installation: just take your time.