How to format a usb drive? and other NOOB issues... SOLVED

[Charlie Day]

I got Linux Mint 12.

I have no idea how Im supposed to format a USB stick. Please help.



Then, Im having a hell of a time trying to run Pendrive or UNetbootin because they are exe files. Hell, I even downloaded UNetbootin Linux and it wont run for some reason.

(Basically Im trying to re-install Linux, the 32 bit version)

[Matt267]

To reformat, I follow these instructions for linux: http://www.pendrivelinux.com/restoring- ... partition/

did you install unetbootin from the software manager? It should run.

Did you try this: http://live.learnfree.eu/download

Matt

[Charlie Day]

To reformat, I follow these instructions for linux: http://www.pendrivelinux.com/restoring- ... partition/

did you install unetbootin from the software manager? It should run.

Did you try this: http://live.learnfree.eu/download

Matt

I figured out the reformat issue. I basically got GParted from the Software Manager and that did the trick.

I reformated the USB, and have since figured out how to use UNetbootin Linux by installing WineHQ. After getting UNetbootin to work and install the 32bit Linux Mint onto the USB key, Ive run into a slew of issues. Basically, I cannot get the computer to boot from the USB no matter what I try and ever time the excuse the compter gives me is different. It's told me that the kernel was corrupted or that my floppy wasnt a bootable disck (even though it wasnt a floppy, its a USB stick). I even got to the install live screen once but then it wouldnt install.

Basically, I cannot get this re-install to work and this is after I just successfully installed Linux without any significant issues. But this morning I did it from Windows. Now Im trying to do the install from Linux and Im having all sorts of issues.

Any suggestions?

[Matt267]

I would try installing unetbootin from the software manager. Did you run md5sum on the .iso file? If not, you might want to. See: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowToMD5SUM

Can you burn the .iso to a CD and boot from that? If a CD boot isn't an option, and unetbootin from the software manager won't work, you might want to try "LiveUSB install" from the link that I sent you above. Try the .deb file, not the .exe.

Also, make sure the bios are set to boot from the USB. How did you originally install mint 12?

If none of that works, hopefully someone else will come on here with other suggestions.

Matt

[Charlie Day]

I would try installing unetbootin from the software manager. Did you run md5sum on the .iso file? If not, you might want to. See: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowToMD5SUM

Can you burn the .iso to a CD and boot from that? If a CD boot isn't an option, and unetbootin from the software manager won't work, you might want to try "LiveUSB install" from the link that I sent you above. Try the .deb file, not the .exe.

Also, make sure the bios are set to boot from the USB. How did you originally install mint 12?

If none of that works, hopefully someone else will come on here with other suggestions.

Matt

I dont know what "running md5sum on the ISO file" means. Linux is very new to me.

Bios is set to boot from USB. That is how I installed it in the first place. I started with a netbook that ran Windows. I used UNetbootin to get the ISO on the USB and it all worked perfectly. But I installed the 64 bit version by accident, not knowing it would be hard on the computer. The netbook only has a 1.6 CPU and 1GB of RAM. So after messing around and getting used to the new OS, I decided I was now brave enough to reboot and install the 32 bit version. This required downloading UNetbootin for LInux, the 32 bit ISO, and eventually making a new boot key. Which is how this thread started since I needed to reformat the key. All of which I accomplished once I figured out I needed GParted for the reformating and WineHQ to run the UNetbootin in Linux (even tho it was made for Linux...it should have been a .deb file shouldnt it?). New key was made with 32 bit ISO and now it wont properly install.

So what Im going to do now is go to my work, and use another PC to remake another key the way I originally did, within Windows, but this time with the 32 bit ISO. Ive done some reading and found that creating these keys is much easier in Windows than it is in LInux for whatever reason. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

[Matt267]

For an explanation on what the MD5 number is read this: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowToMD5SUM you compare this number to the MD5 number found on the page you downloaded your mint .iso (http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=94). It's how you verify the integrity of the downloaded file. The unetbootin link I sent you does indeed have a .deb file if you wanted to manual install unetbootin. But, Linux Mint, unlike Windows, has a "software manager" which allows you to easily install software. The software manager is in the menu. See: http://blogs.computerworld.com/installi ... dows_users There are several ways to install software in linux: you can use commands (apt-get), you can use synaptic (graphical interface for apt-get), you can manually download the program and install it (like you would in Windows), or you can use the Software Manager (which, like synaptic, is a graphical interface for apt-get, but easier on the eyes).

If you're still unable to get your live USB working, I suggest starting a new thread with an appropriate title as we've moved well beyond "How to formate a usb drive." A new thread with new title might attract additional help for you. If you solved the formating issue you should add "[SOLVED]" to this threads title.

Good luck, and remember, the best way to learn how to use something new (in this case Linux) is to read, read, read, and don't get discouraged.

Matt

[Charlie Day]

For an explanation on what the MD5 number is read this: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowToMD5SUM you compare this number to the MD5 number found on the page you downloaded your mint .iso (http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=94). It's how you verify the integrity of the downloaded file. The unetbootin link I sent you does indeed have a .deb file if you wanted to manual install unetbootin. But, Linux Mint, unlike Windows, has a "software manager" which allows you to easily install software. The software manager is in the menu. See: http://blogs.computerworld.com/installi ... dows_users There are several ways to install software in linux: you can use commands (apt-get), you can use synaptic (graphical interface for apt-get), you can manually download the program and install it (like you would in Windows), or you can use the Software Manager (which, like synaptic, is a graphical interface for apt-get, but easier on the eyes).

If you're still unable to get your live USB working, I suggest starting a new thread with an appropriate title as we've moved well beyond "How to formate a usb drive." A new thread with new title might attract additional help for you. If you solved the formating issue you should add "[SOLVED]" to this threads title.

Good luck, and remember, the best way to learn how to use something new (in this case Linux) is to read, read, read, and don't get discouraged.

Matt

The Software Manager can be a bit faulty for me. Im still learning my way around it. Mint 12 is so new that a lot of the programs I was trying to install just wouldnt download. But it isnt an issue, Im just going to go back to doing it the tried and true way that I did it in the first place, which was making the key via Windows.

As for the integrity of the ISO. Im not sure what that means. But Im downloading from the same mirror that I downloaded the first go-around. Straight off the Mint website. I see where it says the MD5 code, but I have no idea what Im supposed to compare it too.



Ive done a ton of reading, but the problem is that everyone speaks as if I know what they are refering too. Im a total noob at this. Im not incompetent but just very new. For example, even in your explanation, you start talking about °synaptic° and I have no idea what that means. Or another example is, in the the other thread that I started about this issue, I had some very helpful people assist me, and I got to the point where I thought I had all the steps laid out, and then when I tried to go thru the process I encountered torrents and mirror downloads, two things that I wasnt made aware of ahead of time, I didnt know what they were, and was never forwarned about their existence despite listing out in detail the steps of the process. To be honest, Im still not sure why I needed to download the torrent link on the Mint download page and I received no answers to that question when I posted it. So at that point I just decided to wing it and surprisingly enough, I got the process to work. Unfortunately, I was never told that I probably should have downloaded the 32 bit version for my weak netbook.

My point is, no matter how direct I can be, often some of y'alls answers can go right over a noob's head. And when I go try and read up on a subject, the sites with information are even less helpful. It just sounds like computer-nerd jargon that is not easy to understand. So tutorials are simply not much help.

Thus the reason for this thread.

I appreciate your help. I will start a new thread if I have issues re-installing this 32 bit version of Linux but I do not suspect I will. Im repeating the 64 bit process exactly as I did before so I dont expect any issues.

I will though probably start a thread asking how to use Terminal as it was a pain in the ass when trying to run UNetbootin in Linux. Im sure Im not the only noob going thru these issues.

[Charlie Day]

All problems fixed.

Making the key in Windows on another PC did the trick. And now I got the 32 bit version installed perfectly.

Only issue is the screen fading in and out constantly if I turn the brightness up. Not sure what the issue is there but Im guessing it will be fixed with updates to the OS?


Oh and as for reformatting a USB key, its as simple as right-clicking on the actual icon on the desktop. Something that was too obvious and I was too stupid to check.


Now how to figure out Terminal, figure out this screen brightness issue, and how to install Skype.

[odo5435]

All problems fixed
Now how to figure out Terminal, figure out this screen brightness issue, and how to install Skype.

You do not mention what hardware (desktop?/laptop?/brand name?/specifications?) you are using. A quick look at READ: How To Get Help may be useful if you're not sure of the information you can provide that'll help someone to help you.

Regarding your specific issues...

There are oodles of web sites that offer training in Linux Terminal (a.k.a. CLI = Command Line Interface). LinuxCommand.org is one I found useful although there may be others more suited to you.

For your screen brightness problem there may be something in this thread that'll help you.

Skype is available for installation in the secure repositories. Go to Menu, then choose Software Manager and type 'skype' in the search box. Click on the install button. When it's finished go to Applications -> Internet and it should be listed. Be aware that using Skype in Linux can have problems that are very much associated with your hardware. Again, a bit of searching in this and other forums such as the Ubuntu forum should get you going.

Good luck and welcome to the world of Linux. It may seem daunting at the outset but don't be put off. A very small amount of effort will quickly see you with a system that'll have you wondering why you didn't make the change sooner.

[Charlie Day]

All problems fixed
Now how to figure out Terminal, figure out this screen brightness issue, and how to install Skype.

You do not mention what hardware (desktop?/laptop?/brand name?/specifications?) you are using. A quick look at READ: How To Get Help may be useful if you're not sure of the information you can provide that'll help someone to help you.

I mentioned it all pretty clearly enough in the other thread in which Im referring.

Im not attacking anyone. Im super appreciative of the help. Im just saying that sometimes y'alls answers are difficult to decipher.

Regarding your specific issues...

There are oodles of web sites that offer training in Linux Terminal (a.k.a. CLI = Command Line Interface). LinuxCommand.org is one I found useful although there may be others more suited to you.

For your screen brightness problem there may be something in this thread that'll help you.

Skype is available for installation in the secure repositories. Go to Menu, then choose Software Manager and type 'skype' in the search box. Click on the install button. When it's finished go to Applications -> Internet and it should be listed. Be aware that using Skype in Linux can have problems that are very much associated with your hardware. Again, a bit of searching in this and other forums such as the Ubuntu forum should get you going.

Good luck and welcome to the world of Linux. It may seem daunting at the outset but don't be put off. A very small amount of effort will quickly see you with a system that'll have you wondering why you didn't make the change sooner.

Thanks for the link on the briteness issue. I'll check it out. As well as the Terminal training site.


Oh and dont worry, Im not at all turned off by my experience with Linux so far. Im very happy I made the switch. Im just going thru the initial learning pains.

[Charlie Day]

Briteness issue fixed. Thanx for the link.

[sunewbie]

Hi Charlie DAy,

You should find it in the power settings.

Do not worry about CLI and other things, if you are not getting anything search google and this forum. If still unsuccessful, do not hesitate to post in newbie section.

I am using Mint 12 and do not have any issue about power.

Best is to run update manager.

it is displayed as an icon similar to a shield that some Anti virus software have.

Terminal is a CLI. It is not necessary to use it. Most things can be done the GUI way.

Skype can be downloaded from following link

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-sky ... ter/linux/

I do not use skype, so cannot judge it.

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu which is based on Debian. Debian is the big mother. It uses .deb format, similar to .exe format

Though Ubuntu is based on Debian and uses .deb format, still it's binaries are not compatible i.e. a software designed for debian may or may not work

So if any software is offered for Ubuntu, it will definitely work. If it is not available for Ubuntu, then a general .deb file or for debian might be available. Try them. Some softwares work in both Debian and Ubuntu and hence in Mint

Simply download the software and double click on it to install.

If still something is unclear, do not hesitate to post. no question is stupid

Enjoy Linux Mint

[Charlie Day]

Hi Charlie DAy,

You should find it in the power settings.

Do not worry about CLI and other things, if you are not getting anything search google and this forum. If still unsuccessful, do not hesitate to post in newbie section.

I am using Mint 12 and do not have any issue about power.

Best is to run update manager.

it is displayed as an icon similar to a shield that some Anti virus software have.

Terminal is a CLI. It is not necessary to use it. Most things can be done the GUI way.

Skype can be downloaded from following link

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-sky ... ter/linux/

I do not use skype, so cannot judge it.

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu which is based on Debian. Debian is the big mother. It uses .deb format, similar to .exe format

Though Ubuntu is based on Debian and uses .deb format, still it's binaries are not compatible i.e. a software designed for debian may or may not work

So if any software is offered for Ubuntu, it will definitely work. If it is not available for Ubuntu, then a general .deb file or for debian might be available. Try them. Some softwares work in both Debian and Ubuntu and hence in Mint

Simply download the software and double click on it to install.

If still something is unclear, do not hesitate to post. no question is stupid

Enjoy Linux Mint

Thanx for all the advise. Mint is running great for me right now. Loving it and will be converting my chic's laptop over shortly.


I even got the Skype working right now.

[odo5435]

Thanx for all the advise. Mint is running great for me right now. Loving it ...

I even got the Skype working right now.

Congratulations on your successful install. I'm particularly jealous that you've managed to get Skype working seemingly painlessly. It never happens that way for me. Again, welcome to LinuxMint.

At this point you should pat yourself on the back, leave well enough alone, and just enjoy it. But, if you're anything like the rest of us, curiosity will get the better of you and you'll just have to try out all the new and free stuff that's now available to you. And, like the rest of us, you'll probably break something in the process. Just remember that is also part of the learning process and that this forum and the power of searching the web will have an answer to your problems.

If your problem is solved it would be appreciated if you would kindly 'Edit' your first post and add [SOLVED] to the title. This not only helps people with a similar problem to find a solution quicker, it also makes it easier for people trying to help others by not having to read through issues that are fixed.

[Charlie Day]

Thanx for all the advise. Mint is running great for me right now. Loving it ...

I even got the Skype working right now.

Congratulations on your successful install. I'm particularly jealous that you've managed to get Skype working seemingly painlessly. It never happens that way for me. Again, welcome to LinuxMint.

At this point you should pat yourself on the back, leave well enough alone, and just enjoy it. But, if you're anything like the rest of us, curiosity will get the better of you and you'll just have to try out all the new and free stuff that's now available to you. And, like the rest of us, you'll probably break something in the process. Just remember that is also part of the learning process and that this forum and the power of searching the web will have an answer to your problems.

If your problem is solved it would be appreciated if you would kindly 'Edit' your first post and add [SOLVED] to the title. This not only helps people with a similar problem to find a solution quicker, it also makes it easier for people trying to help others by not having to read through issues that are fixed.

For whatever reason, the Skype just installed perfectly once I did the 32 bit install. Everything (with exception of the fixed monitor brightness bug) went perfectly.

And yeah, youre right, I should leave good enough alone but this is too fun hahaha.