Need Advice: Reinstall or Dump Linux Mint?

[Kronstadt1921]

Since I have not found a solution to my boot problem I'm thinking of reinstalling Linux Mint, switching to a different Linux distribution, or turning back to the dark side, i.e. Windows. This was my first Linux install and I was really impressed with the OS and the applications. I like Linux Mint but I want a reliable computer and if I cannot even get it to boot properly then that's a long-term concern.

The problem with a reinstall of Linux Mint is that I don't know what to do differently. I don't know what, if anything, I did wrong the first time. Of course, switching to a different distribution is also a crap shoot since I don't know what went wrong with Mint. I don't really want to go back to Windows but it's been a stable, reliable OS for me for years.

Anyone have any advice?

[WharfRat]

Did you allude to the older kernel working OK

If you decide to install mint or any other linux distro for that matter you might want to try a regular/normal installation, not an encrypted lvm.

[Matthew Paul]

Before reading... Please be aware this is not advice but an opinion and is not intended to demean anyone who reads it:

I was a Manager, Producer and Host of an Alternative Radio Station that has been online over 4 years now. It seemed much of the feedback that came from the listening audience was the same thing. We're being stabbed in the back, by The Powers That Be and we are aware of how they are doing it. With the thousands of hours I volunteered at Revolution Radio, it never seemed to get past that. With the exception of the pride many seemed to feel, ...that the station had been online for so long by listener donations only.

The point I tried to make to the listeners is that you are one of two parties. Those at the top are TPTB and you are the boots on the ground. The only way anything is going to change is if the Boots on the ground start making some choices, sticking with them and therefore creating the change. Unlike the Democrats and Republicans in this country who are really "One Party", ...TPTB and the Boots are 2 completely different parties. It's going to take determination, patience and lots of work to achieve that change.

I feel and agree with the last sentence in your initial post about Windows. It's comfortable, works pretty simple and most of all is reliable. Why change what already works? Because for the most part... those are the areas you are being stabbed and are not aware of it.

I see Linux as the other party... The Boots on the Ground or everyday person. Since Windows is so reliable and works so well... I continue to watch and see Red Flags popping up everywhere about the OS. The latest being the purchase of Skype. At the same time you can see the Boots on the Ground(Linux) ARE creating that change. The Powers that Be(Windows) are so upset they are pulling one hair at a time while growling. ..."Adobe no long supports Linux". Don't quote me but I believe I also read something similar, "Photobucket no longer supports Linux". What's next? Skype? The deeper picture that appears is that those of us making the switch to Linux are creating that Change.

Linux is going to be a lot of work and probably bring on a lot of days in the future with just one question mark keeping you from progressing where you'd like to get to. That's how change is made. Sometimes it seems as slow as a turtle but if you keep moving forward you will continue to move down that path and create the change you were looking for.

I hope this post was not too long or out of place.

[Ark987]

Since I have not found a solution to my boot problem I'm thinking of reinstalling Linux Mint, switching to a different Linux distribution, or turning back to the dark side, i.e. Windows. This was my first Linux install and I was really impressed with the OS and the applications. I like Linux Mint but I want a reliable computer and if I cannot even get it to boot properly then that's a long-term concern.

The problem with a reinstall of Linux Mint is that I don't know what to do differently. I don't know what, if anything, I did wrong the first time. Of course, switching to a different distribution is also a crap shoot since I don't know what went wrong with Mint. I don't really want to go back to Windows but it's been a stable, reliable OS for me for years.

Anyone have any advice?

I suspect that your problems is caused by the new kernel 3.16.x

1. Did you experienced the same issue wile using the Live CD?
2. Do you expecience the same issue using the old 3.13.x kernel?

A wild guess is that you affected by this https://lists.debian.org/debian-kernel/ ... 00045.html

An advice:

If everything works with the default kernel that comes with Mint, don't install a new one unless you know exactly why you need from a new one.
Don't change the boot loader that comes by default, you can add a boot screen image if you find it too ugly.

[Nilla Wafer]

Ark987's advice is good. Sometimes on older machines a new kernel doesn't work as well as an older one. Re-install Linux Mint and don't accept the kernel updates. Levels 1 and 2 updates only! My computer is faster and better using the older kernel that came with 17.1 than it was with the newer kernel.

[I2k4]

Any time I try a new Linux version I give it a few weeks of test driving on a Persistent Live USB install - that usually tells me if there's a problem that can't be overcome, without committing anything to the hard drive. Unetbootin and an 8gb thumb drive will let you test hardware compatibility and make mistakes on the cheap, with nothing lost if it breaks.

[pcpunk]

I wish I could help but am a noob also. My simpleton advice would be just to re-install generically, meaning don't chose anything special until your sure you need it. But I think this is all a UEFI setting issue so look that info up before you re-install. You can always go to a different Kernel after install if you need. imo sometimes changing kernels doesn't work out well either. With your system you shouldn't have an issue with the kernel imo.
http://www.howtogeek.com/149254/if-i-bu ... all-linux/
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UEFI

In the meantime, I would like to suggest MintKDE17.1-64bit, it is awesome! Please give it a whirl in Live mode, I think it is way better than Cinnamon, and, is the most widely used Mint distro.

[Reorx]

Do a plain Jane vanilla reinstall and see how everything works... and if it isn't broke, don't fix it!

[Kronstadt1921]

Thanks to everyone who weighed in on this. I apologize for taking so long to acknowledge your assistance.

[Reorx]

Thanks to everyone who weighed in on this. I apologize for taking so long to acknowledge your assistance.

What's 3 years among friends!?!?!?!?

[bob466]

Thanks to everyone who weighed in on this. I apologize for taking so long to acknowledge your assistance.

What's 3 years among friends!?!?!?!?

This has to be a Record...OP still hasn't said what the outcome was...Don't think it matters now anyway.

[mediclaser]

Didn't notice how old this thread is until I got to the post where it mentioned the kernel version 3.16.x.