Computer won't boot from a working bootable USB

[linuxje]

OK. I've gone through all the steps and tests for installing Linux Mint. I made a bootable USB, verified the download, and test-drove it fine on my Dell laptop for a couple of weeks. So far so good.

This morning I plugged the same USB into my desktop (Dell Vostro) for the big install . . . and it started up in Windows as usual. I changed the USB port, same result. The computer recognized the USB when I plugged it in the second time before restarting and getting yet another boot into Windows. What's going on here? Are bootable drives good for only the computer you created them on? Any tips appreciated.

 

[kc1di]

Hello @linuxje
Welcome to Linux.org forum.
Try turning off the fast boot function in bios. Also make sure bios is still set to boot from USB first.

 

[linuxje]

Hello @linuxje
Welcome to Linux.org forum.
Try turning off the fast boot function in bios. Also make sure bios is still set to boot from USB first.

What is "bios"? Where do I find it?

 

[Brickwizard]

OK Its A dell, one of the best makes for installing Linux, give me a clue how old is it or better still what is the full product number [different age machines may have different causes], I use extensively dell and do nor have problems [this is coming to you from an Inspiron 5490]

 

[MikeWalsh]

^^^ +1 for Dells. Most consistent Linux "booters" there are.

Almost certainly - as @kc1di mentions above - the Windows "FastBoot" function is to blame.

This essentially 'hibernates' Windows - so it will fire-up Windows that much more quickly - but in the process it doesn't relinquish control of the main internal drive. It "locks" it - along with the boot process itself - and thus prevents anything else from being able to boot while Windows remains in that state.

When closing Windows, therefore, you have to select the "Full shutdown" option. This leaves the machine capable of booting from other media.

You WILL, however, need to go into the BIOS in order to disable the "SecureBoot" option. This restricts the machine to ONLY booting OSs that are digitally "signed".....which is supposed to guarantee them as being secure and free from "nasties"!

Our hardware master, @Brickwizard can help further with the BIOS stuff.


Mike.

 

[Brickwizard]

For now, I will assume it's a post 2016 machine with AMD or Intel standard CPU, [ if it is the latest model then it may have a snapdragon ARM CPU in which case first check you have downloaded the correct version of your distribution]

1] switch the machine off
2] switch on whilst jiggling F2 [this will open the Bios/UEFI]
3] go to security and disable secure boot [as yet not all distributions support this, if yours does you can come back and enable it after installing Linux]
4] go to power and disable windows quick start/fast boot
5] go to boot preferences and make sure boot from USB is enabled
6] put bootable USB pen drive in primary socket [usually either on the back or nearest the power connector]
7] save and exit Bios/UEFI
8] as it re boots jiggle F12 this will open the one time boot menu, select the USB pen drive from the list and enter

then follow normal installation method/ my how-to guide in signature below

This will cure most dell errors but when you install watch out for messages if it fails, as this will lead us to any problems

 

[bob466]

With secure boot and fast boot disabled...re-start computer tapping the correct key that brings up the boot menu...select the Flash Drive and hit Enter.

Follow this guide...
https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/install.html