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Old 01-04-2019, 07:21 PM   #1
markopollo
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Question usb that used to boot linux perfectly, now just displays a white cursor on top left.


so, let me explain. i have 3 usb flash drives (all sandisk, 2 are 16gb models and ones a 32gb). when i couldn't install lubluntu the normal way ( ie it didnt let me because i dont have 1gb in this system) so i try the alternative 64 bit. it fully installs normally then when it reboots, a white cursor shows up and nothing happens ( keep in mind that i did this TWICE, once i removed the usb the other time i didnt) and now it only boots windows, no sign of lubuntu anywhere.
but now i have a different problem, my usb sticks wont boot linux PERIOD, i tried formatting them (both quick and normal). but then i boot up "disk list" says that theirs 0b of free storage, even though its completely empty. they all work just fine normally, but it wont boot any linux at all (I used uui and unetbootin, both the same result)
so anyway to fix these to problems?
(also, thanks for everyones help so far, this pc has been kicking my @#$ lately)
 
Old 01-04-2019, 08:08 PM   #2
Brains
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Quote:
and now it only boots windows, no sign of lubuntu anywhere
If this computer has Windows 8 or later, it is likely it runs in UEFI mode, you should be able to hit an F key that will give you a UEFI boot menu that will give the option to boot either Windows or Lubuntu. Some computers require the appropriate F key first be enabled in UEFI (BIOS) settings for it to work, if you don't know which F key will give the boot menu, Google it with make and model of computer or if you know how to go into settings at the boot splash when first booting up the computer, go in there and you'll likely figure it out via the boot tab.
Quote:
so anyway to fix these to problems?
If you can boot into a Linux be it installed or live, with the USB key plugged in, run command: sudo fdisk -l to figure out which device it is, if it shows the key to be /dev/sdb, run command: sudo dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sdb, let it run for a few minutes then hit Ctrl+C keys to stop the process (this will destroy any data on the key, backup any important data if there is any first), now you can reformat the key and it should be back to normal.

Last edited by Brains; 01-04-2019 at 08:11 PM.
 
Old 01-04-2019, 08:30 PM   #3
markopollo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brains View Post
If this computer has Windows 8 or later, it is likely it runs in UEFI mode, you should be able to hit an F key that will give you a UEFI boot menu that will give the option to boot either Windows or Lubuntu. Some computers require the appropriate F key first be enabled in UEFI (BIOS) settings for it to work, if you don't know which F key will give the boot menu, Google it with make and model of computer or if you know how to go into settings at the boot splash when first booting up the computer, go in there and you'll likely figure it out via the boot tab.

If you can boot into a Linux be it installed or live, with the USB key plugged in, run command: sudo fdisk -l to figure out which device it is, if it shows the key to be /dev/sdb, run command: sudo dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sdb, let it run for a few minutes then hit Ctrl+C keys to stop the process (this will destroy any data on the key, backup any important data if there is any first), now you can reformat the key and it should be back to normal.
this is a old dell e521 (most likely 2007 ish) it runs xp. it will go through the boot up (dell logo shows up)
(when booting through usb) it just has a white cursor on the top left. (flashing white "-" and it acts like theirs no grub or anything (it used just go to menu and boot live perfectly) when i used the command "clean" on disk part, it shows all memory is available but when i do the command " create partition primary" (basically activating it) it goes back to 0b free
thats what im trying to figure out. and why it wont work as well
also, i wont let me boot into linux PERIOD, if i have the usb at the boot drive, it just goes to white cursor again.
ill try to post some picture of what im talking about

Last edited by markopollo; 01-04-2019 at 08:31 PM.
 
Old 01-04-2019, 08:48 PM   #4
Brains
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Quote:
when i used the command "clean" on disk part
Try diskpart command:
Quote:
clean all
The diskpart command "clean" only deletes partition information, "clean all" is the same as the dd command I posted earlier.
 
Old 01-04-2019, 09:03 PM   #5
markopollo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brains View Post
Try diskpart command:
The diskpart command "clean" only deletes partition information, "clean all" is the same as the dd command I posted earlier.
ill try that next, but heres some images of what im talking about.
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Old 01-04-2019, 09:03 PM   #6
Brains
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Quote:
when i couldn't install lubluntu the normal way ( ie it didnt let me because i dont have 1gb in this system)
I'm not understanding this quote above, where are you trying to install Lubuntu? On the computer hard drive or the USB key?
To boot the USB key on that computer you need to enable F12 boot menu in the BIOS, then when the Dell splash appears, hit the F12 key and you'll get the option to boot from hard drive, CD-DVD, USB device.
 
Old 01-04-2019, 09:18 PM   #7
markopollo
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Talking

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brains View Post
I'm not understanding this quote above, where are you trying to install Lubuntu? On the computer hard drive or the USB key?
To boot the USB key on that computer you need to enable F12 boot menu in the BIOS, then when the Dell splash appears, hit the F12 key and you'll get the option to boot from hard drive, CD-DVD, USB device.
sorry about that, let me clear it up.
i used the USB to make a live boot (lubuntu destop 64 amd), and used bios to boot from the USB. it booted up to the lubuntu menu, then i got to the desktop (still on live usb) i clicked on the disk image that said install lubuntu 18.10. i click on it but i couldn't install it because this computer has only 512mb (.5gb) of ram, the requirement is 1gb, so i couldn't install it. so i formatted the USB (with my main windows 10 rig) and installed the lubuntu alteritive.64bit. and after it finished i plugged it in, it went to the downloading page (pinkish purple screen). and i started downloading it, it finished with the screen saying "remove all bootable media (floppys, cdroms) so you will boot and not have to restart the installation prosses. i did just that, and then after the dell logo went off, it just went to the select windows system screen. so i grabbed another USB and went to do it again. same thing but i didnt remove it this time, and it just should the same result (white line flashing).
now when i tried to install lubuntu desktop amd 64 again. it just show the white line after the dell logo (when booting from usb). but if you remove it, it just goes to select windows system.
hope this cleared it up.

Last edited by markopollo; 01-04-2019 at 09:20 PM.
 
  


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