Installation problem, cannot boot from USB (w10)

apket

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I'm trying to install Linux Mint from USB drive to Lenovo Ideapad that currently runs windows 10. I used the same USB to succesfully download Mint to other computers so the USB should be ok.
Now the problem is that I cannot access Bios. Fast boot is set off. I'm guessing I should disable secure boot but I cannot get to Bios to change the settings. Pressing the Novo button goes to Novo menu, which has options Normal startup / BIOS setup / Boot menu / System recovery. BIOS setup does nothing, it just continues to normal startup. Boot menu shows options to boot to Windows / USB flash disk / etc. Choosing USB does nothing, just continues to normal windows startup. Also, when I try to get to Uefi firmware settings other ways (Recovery -> Advanced startup -> Restart / Shift + restart / "shutdown /r" in command prompt), it won't continue to settings, it just continues to normal windows startup. Any advice?
 


OK the normal route to Lenovo Bios/UEFI is power off [not restart] switch on whist jiggling F2 [older machines may be FN+F2]
secure boot should be in the security settings, fast boot should be under power settings, and whilst there go to boot and make sure USB boot is enabled


you may have to try several times to catch it right. to open short boot menu it's power off insert USB power on whist jiggling F12 select usb pendrive and enter
 
For a Lenovo Ideapad, it should be/was the F1 key (as it's booting, keep pressing it) to access the BIOS.

I haven't owned one in a while, so that could have changed.
 
David it was on older Lenovo products the work sheet now says F2

I figured it might have but thought I'd mention it as I have no idea when that change happened and exactly how old their device is.
 
Press the F2 key repeatedly as the machine is booting up.
OR> Press Fn+F2 in combo.

Your BIOS menu should pop up. Then go to the boot section and select that usb.

Code:
To enter the BIOS on a Lenovo Ideapad, power on the device and repeatedly press the F2 key or Fn+F2 combination. Alternatively, shut down the laptop, find the small Novo button, press it to access the Novo Boot Menu, and then select BIOS Setup

Lenovo Ideapad how to enter the bios
 
Yeah, sorry I should've mentioned, I've tried that also, Fn+F2 doesn't open Bios, but sometimes it does show a flashing screen (so maybe something is happening that isn't shown on the screen?). (Fn+F12 does open boot menu)
 
I should've mentioned, I've tried that also,
is this pad very old [over 6 years] if so try F1 [or try a full purge shutdown by from on holding the power button down for 60 seconds then switch on and jiggle [keep tapping like a machine gun fire] as it powers up
 


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