how to install zorin os on hp pavilion g4

uncastratedman · 07-31-2012, 10:28 AM

Hello. My name is ray and i was trying to install zorin os on a hp pavilion g4. First the first screen comes up fine, it says what kind of install would you like. (Install from live cd or install directly.)
Then the screen goes black and stays black. I can barely see the z from zorin. This is a brand new computer. Which settings do i have to change? I like zorin better than windows. Thanks

alfredo10 · 07-31-2012, 12:10 PM

Hi ray!
The best way, almost surely, takes more time than a quick installation.
Every newcomer to Linux should have a second live medium (CD, DVD or USB) - e.g. Knoppix, SystemRescue , PartedMagic,...
I prefer PartedMagic, because it includes many useful tools, see:
http://partedmagic.com/doku.php?id=screenshots
especially GParted (partition editor).
You could run GParted, take a screenshot and attach it to your next post - to see how to proceed.
If you have 4 primary partitions, it is necessary to delete one and prepare an extended partition for an installation.
alfredo

uncastratedman · 07-31-2012, 07:44 PM

hi Alfredo. Is it possible to use virtual box with zorin os for installation, since it is an HP pavilion and when i try installing it the regular way the screen turns black and stays black. Are you sure i need to use magic partition? thanks man ray

alfredo10 · 08-01-2012, 02:37 AM

Hi!
Sorry - I can't make suggestions concerning virtual box (no experience).
If you want to install a dual boot W7 - Zorin, you should first post your partitions.
You can boot from your live medium, open a Terminal / Konsole and to get admin rights

Code:

sudo su

or

Code:

su

afterwards

Code:

fdisk -l

lowercase "L" like list and / or

Code:

parted -l print

And please choose "#" (second row above) to copy and paste the output between the pair of brackets -
to better read the output.
alfredo

alfredo10 · 08-01-2012, 08:35 AM

Hi!
After a test with the 32 bit iso:
Because of the PAE kernel I could not start it on my old notebook.
On another computer (64 bit) I could boot from that disc, but as I tried to install it, I got - after 3 steps -
an error message (Internal error).
I wanted to help, but...
This was the first time during the last years that I had such a trouble.

Nevertheless you should post the output mentioned.
alfredo

TroN-0074 · 08-01-2012, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncastratedman

Then the screen goes black and stays black.

I think the problem there is the drive for your video card is missing in the install CD. That is what happens with hardware that requires proprietary software to work. Perhaps an Opensource driver is available but you will have to install it after you have installed the Operating System. I dont know is a text base installer is available for Zorin.
Good luck to you!