[Solved] LM 20.3 fails to boot after install [Unable to bind the codec]

[Blackbird]

Hello, I'm new to Linux, and I'm looking for help. I have just received a brand new Thinkpad P15 Gen 2 on which I want to install Linux Mint 20.3 Cinnamon.

The installation process works just fine. I downloaded the .iso, created a bootable USB using Rufus, started Linux Mint in "live" mode, and managed to complete the installation process, up to the point where it asks you to remove the USB stick and press Enter.

Then, the computer reboots, and after a while, all I'm getting is the following message:

Code: Select all

[  64.762831] hdaudio hdaudioC0D2: Unable to bind the codec

And then nothing more happens, I'm stuck. I have tried looking for similar problems on this forum and others, but no clear solution seems to have been found. Does anyone know how this could be solved?

Other info that may be helpful:
- when launching Linux Mint in "Live" mode from the USB stick, before installing it, I have to choose "Compatibility mode", otherwise I simply get the same message;
- the number between brackets changes with each attempt;
- both Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS and KDE Neon work flawlessly.

Thank you in advance!

[gittiest personITW]

Welcome to the forums.

It would be worth your while trying the 'Edge' version which has more recent drivers for newer hardware such as yours.
https://linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=296

Let us know how it goes as it might help someone else with the same problem/hardware etc.

[Blackbird]

Thank you very much for suggesting the Edge version. Everything seems to work properly now, I'm looking forward to discovering and enjoying Linux Mint. Thank you again!

[gittiest personITW]

Excellent.
Thanks for posting back with the result.
Good luck.

[virtualbeck]

5 year lurker, registered tonight to say thank you to this post, as it solved my exact same hdaudio issue! Thanks for the dedication in the forums!

[gittiest personITW]

Welcome to the forums virtualbeck.