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    Laptop won't boot Linux DVD

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by RetroGamer87, Jan 1, 2015.

  1. RetroGamer87

    RetroGamer87 Newbie

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    I downloaded the Mint ISO and put it onto a DVD using Imgburn. I set my laptop (Dell Precision M4300) to boot from DVD and all I get is a black screen with a flashing line in the top right corner. How can I make it install?
     
    RetroGamer87, Jan 1, 2015
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  2. Althernai

    Althernai Notebook Virtuoso

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    Are you sure the DVD is OK? I had this problem recently with a Windows DVD -- it booted up fine, but gave up on the installation halfway through. Turns out the ISO had been corrupted in some way.

    I haven't actually used DVDs to install Linux in years. If you have a small USB (2GB or so), it is easier to just use that to boot. Mint has instructions on how to make a Live USB.
     
    Althernai, Jan 3, 2015
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  3. Primes

    Primes Notebook Deity

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    I agree. I would check the Md5 of the .iso you downloaded using winmd5sum, and burn the .iso to dvd at the slowest speed, or install using bootable flash drive. Unetbootin or LinuxLive USB Creator work great for this.
     
    Primes, Jan 3, 2015
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  4. tareyza

    tareyza Notebook Consultant

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    In addition to checking to make sure your iso file was burned correctly, and you can always get another DVD and retry the burn to verify that is the problem. I'd also recommend going to your BIOS's Boot Options (or equivalent) menu and making sure that the boot priorty of the CD-DVD drive is before any internal drives, as this can also be a potential problem. This way, the linux dvd installer will load before your existing OS will.
     
    tareyza, Jan 3, 2015
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