I have encountered numerous problems with my current Mint 17.3 installation and have tried to do a clean install from the same disc that I did the original installation but it will not load

I turn my laptop off, then I insert the disc before turning it back on.
I can hear the disc start up then it goes silent and my computer boots from the original installation.

The main reason why I want to do a clean install is because my current installation has stopped functioning properly.
I cannot access any items like Computer, Home folder, Network, Desktop, Trash and Control centre from the drop down Menu list.
When I click on them, nothing happens.

What am I doing wrong?

Usually it is caused by the install media. Have checked the downloaded iso file before burning it into the DVD? and compare the sum with that published from the download source site. If the hash doesn't match then the downloaded file is defective. Download again, use torrent if available, it is more accurate given the tight internet bandwidth.

Another possible source of the trouble is the secureboot of the BIOS. You may disable it first as it will sometimes blind the BIOS how and which device to pass the command and seek a kernel after POST.

After trying it come back if you still have the problem.

Hope that helps. Good luck and enjoy.

m.m.

1 members found this post helpful.

Hatman KZN,

I suggest that you start with a clean slate and a brand new DVD.

First make sure that your computer's BIOS/Startup is set so that the DVD boots first ahead of the hard drive in the Boot Order.

Find a friend with another computer to download the .iso image for Linux Mint 17.3 MATE 64 bit from here:

https://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=206

Then click on the mirror for the University of Free State.

Save the .iso file and burn it to DVD.

Boot the DVD on your computer.

Good luck.

1 members found this post helpful.

Thank you Malekmustaq and Beachboy2 for your response.

You both suggested that I reset my bios but did not tell me how.

What command do I use?
Step for step please.

It appears that my CDrom has opted for early retirement.

I do have an ISO image of Mint on a flash drive.
Is it possible to do a clean install from that?

Please bear in mind that I suffer from the ID-ten-t syndrome so simple, step by step instructions will be appreciated.

Boot into your current Mint system.
Copy iso file from flash drive to internal hard drive.
Open terminal and run this command to find your flash drive:
check for your flash drive presence in command output and note how it marked (sda, sdb or sdc)
run this command to put iso file to flash drive:
replace sdX with the value from fdisk output. Note that dd command will delete all the data on /dev/sdX so be careful when pointing to flash drive

Wait until command reports and exit
Reboot your machine and boot from flash drive

Also you can use Unetbootin to create bootable flash drive instead of using dd command if you not familiar with command prompt.
Unetbootin can be installed from Mint software center.

Hatman KZN,

Way back in your first post to LQ you mentioned a fellow Linux enthusiast.

Is it possible to ask him for assistance?

I really do not want to be responsible for you messing up your BIOS.

You say that you have an .iso image of Mint on a flash drive.

Is the .iso image just stored on there with other items or does the drive contain only this BOOTABLE .iso image?

Also, does your computer's BIOS have an option in the Boot Order for USB HDD or similar?

This is why your Linux pal would be really useful.

Assuming that your actual DVD is okay, you may be able to borrow or buy an external USB DVD drive like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/External-Net...7254314&sr=1-1

My advice is to find another Linux enthusiast to help you hands-on.

Teufel,

Your suggestion is a good one, but if you have read Hatman's earlier posts, you will realise that he is very anxious about using the command line.

beachboy2
Yeah, that's why I added info about Unetbootin.
It's easy enough to create bootable USB using Unetbootin

Is the .iso image just stored on there with other items or does the drive contain only this BOOTABLE .iso image?


The drive contains only the .iso image.

My mate can no longer help. He is now truly deadicated.

Okay, the methods of reaching the BIOS Configuration dialogues can vary between machines of different brands and age. These are the best ways of finding out:
1. Check the Manual included in the machine, the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) includes it usually.
2. If none is ready go and use Google by searching the Manual "Your Unit Name" then read on and find out if there are relevant information. Common practice is to download a *pdf file of the machine's manual.
3. Old practice is to press "F2" key during POST (Power On Self-Test) the short moment after switching On. However, there are OEM's who have modified this common practice: Acer for example has altered to press any of the Function Keys (Fn)+2, but when the BIOS is reset into "Legacy" you can no longer enter the BIOS except by way of Windows 10 Settings. So be careful and read much before making a try.

Most things in this life are lived by doing what we see others do; but most problems in life are solved by *thinking*. Therefore, we need to read and read and read to gather relevant information in aid to our *thinking* for solution.

Hope that helps. Good luck. Keep in touch along the way.

m.m.

1 members found this post helpful.

Hatman KZN,

What is the make and model of your laptop?

Samsung Notebook NP300E5A
Bought June 2014

I am going to Samsung in the morning to have my CD rom checked.
with a bit of luck I might even find a Linux boffin.

Take your USB drive and DVD with you.

On your machine the F2 key should give access to the BIOS:

http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/skp/faq/1038018

You then need to look for the Boot tab and make sure that the Boot Order is changed to something like this:

1. USB HDD

2. DVD

3. Hard drive/Notebook drive HDD

To save the changes and exit, press F10.

NB Ask the Samsung rep to change the BIOS settings (as above) for you. You probably need to use Legacy settings.

I suggest that you leave well alone in the meantime.

1 members found this post helpful.

Thank you Malekmustaq and Beachboy2.

I have to wait for at least ten days for my new cdrom. ( we are a bit backwoodsy here on occasion)
So in the meantime I followed your advice re the boot settings and VIOLA !!!!!!
it worked.
The process was a bit more involved than what you suggested but I managed to work it out, got it to work and reset the boot options as you suggested.
I am ever so chuffed.

Now I am going to load a brand new version of Mint and save it to my flash drive and then boot from there.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
I will keep you updated.



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I am not as dumb as I thought I was. Yippeeeeeeeeeee.