I'm having trouble getting OS installs to work on this low-end laptop. I've tried Linux Mint, OpenSuse, Manjaro, Zorin OS Core 9 (32bit, 64bit and lite versions). My problem is that once installed, the graphics aren't rendered correctly or (with Zorin) the system would freeze right after logging in. Manjaro did install and work, but the screen was so dark it was unusable, even after adjusting the brightness levels. With Linux Mint, the compatibility mode worked perfectly using the live cd, but the graphics were too distorted once installed. OpenSuse also had distorted graphics. I just want to put the laptop to use until it dies on my.

I've tested the hard drive with the on board diagnostics and I've checked the memory. Neither of those tests gave any errors.

The specs are:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core TK-55
2 gigs of DDR2 memory
Nvidia GeForce Go 6100 graphics card.

Any help would be appreciated. I'm not an expert, so be gentle with the help and recommendations.

With the Nvidia graphics, you will probably have to install drivers. In Mint/Zorin, you will need to access System Settings or the Control Center and look for an option for Additional Drivers. Mint Mate has Control Center, others may have System Settings or some other option.

That's the main issue I'm having. In Mint, when I ran compatibility mode I did install the Nvidia driver, but once I installed the os to the hard drive, the graphics are too distorted to do anything. All the text is small and bunched together, even in the start menu. OpenSuse does the same thing. I also installed the driver when running the Zorin live cd and once I installed it, it would freeze once it gets to the desktop. It did it with both the 32 and 64 bit versions. It could be that there is a hardware problem, but since Manjaro did install and worked okay, I'm thinking I'm doing something wrong.

I'm not sure if I'm reading your last post correctly but, it seems as if you are saying that you installed drivers while booted to the Live CD which won't help since any changes you make are lost on reboot. You have to do it after you install. You should have a second boot option with Grub, Recovery Mode or something similar on the installed system.

I have an Nvidia card on my Desktop and have this graphics problem with any recent install of Ubuntu, Mint or derivatives. Another thing you could try is to edit the kernel line on boot and add the nomodeset parameter. Do you have anything actually installed now or are you still using a Live CD.

I'm sorry to have taken so long to reply. Yes you were reading my last post correctly. I thought if I installed the driver while using the livecd, it would carry over to the actual install. I believe the issue is moot. OpenSuse is currently installed, however the system keeps freezing before I can try to add the nomodeset parameter. The area of the keyboard that is over the processor keeps getting extremely hot, so I do believe I'm having a hardware issue. It's done this before and the machine had to be taken apart to reset the cpu.

Thank you so much yancek for trying to help. Once I have time to take the machine apart, I'll try to add the parameter again and will definitely let you know if it works.