Install Problem?

[aakk]

I downloaded Mint 19.1 Cinnamon and then I clicked on Open. Nothing happened! I see Linux in the folder area and it says dvd drive d but I don't have one on this Dell 3185 Inspiron. How do I start Linux Mint ? Thanks for your time.

[deepakdeshp]

You have to follow this
https://www.google.com/amp/s/fossbytes. ... guide/amp/

[Moem]

Or, rather, the official installation guide from the Mint developers themselves: https://linuxmint-installation-guide.re ... en/latest/

[aakk]

Or, rather, the official installation guide from the Mint developers themselves: https://linuxmint-installation-guide.re ... en/latest/

I am not that smart. But I am sure this is a helpful forum with very smart people. I believe Linux is the best thing that ever happened to computers.
It is very hard for me to follow the Installation Guide. I don't know how to verify the ISO image, whatever that is. I don' t 'get' creating a bootable media. I don't know how to "boot" Linux Mint. These are the instructions in the Installation Guide. To me, it is like trying to understand someone speaking a different language.
I don't want to be difficult, Thanks for your time and understanding. I'm sure once it is installed, it would be easy to use. It seems like the installation is the hard part.

[Moem]

Let's be honest: it doesn't just say 'boot Linux Mint'. It gives you reasonably detailed information on how to do so. But yes, if you've never installed an operating system before, there are definitely some new steps involved! Have you ever installed an operating system before?
If not, is there anyone in your environment (family or friends) who could help?

Creating a bootable media an be as simple as burning the .iso file to a DVD as an image. Again, the installation guide explains it in some degree of detail. Have you read through the document, or just the headings of the different chapters?

I do agree that verifying the .iso is a somewhat complicated step, that can be intimidating.

[all41]

Hello @aakk,
The members of this forum wil baby-step you through this.

The first thing you will need to do is to download the Mint of your choice--
This will be a .iso file--get this file ONLY from https://www.linuxmint.com/
Don't let anyone tell you differently.

Post back to this thread when you have that file-- ask for instructions in the verification step.
Hang in there
Don't be intimidated with strange terms and lingo--if you don't understand something ask for a plain language explanation.
We have all been in your shoes as a beginner.
Just ask

[aakk]

OK, I downloaded from that link and I got an Icon of a Disc that says: DVD Drive D Linux Mint 19.1 Path This PC
When I double click on this Icon I get all these: .disc, boot, casper, dists, EFI, isolinux, pool, MD5SUMS, README.

[cliffcoggin]

It sounds as if you have not made it bootable. See the second step (Live Boot) of the installation instructions. https://linuxmint-installation-guide.re ... en/latest/

[aakk]

I wrote down the instructions for making it bootable, whatever that is. It mentions a USB stick, do I have to insert one into the computer? Also that is the second step. What about the first step, verifying the ISO image. What is that and how is that done?

[AndyMH]

Assuming you are running some flavour of windows and have a DVD RW drive, it is probably easier to burn the iso to a DVD. Put a blank DVD in the drive and navigate to the mint iso in my computer, then right click on the mint iso and select burn disc image. Example below is running in windows 7 and a windows 10 iso selected.

Workspace 1_011.jpg

Once you have burnt the DVD you can boot from it, just put it in the computer and restart.

Edit - I know others will tell me off, but I've never bothered verifying the iso.

[aakk]

I do not have a DVD Drive. I have Windows 10.

[all41]

OK, I downloaded from that link and I got an Icon of a Disc that says: DVD Drive D Linux Mint 19.1 Path This PC
When I double click on this Icon I get all these: .disc, boot, casper, dists, EFI, isolinux, pool, MD5SUMS, README.

Great--it looks like you have the .iso file.
No need to extract or unpack the file at all--leave it just as it was downloaded.
You will want to write (burn) this file to a usb flash drive as an image.
This is important--you cannot just copy this file over--you must write it as an image.
If you are doing this from Windows I suggest finding a download of the utility named 'rufus'
You will be able to find and download this utility easily because it is popular.
This utility will coach you through the writing process and you will get a bootable Mint stick.
Make sure your computer bios will boot to a usb port--and with the stick in you will get a Mint desktop--
When you get to this point report back.

[Pierre]

we will tend to assume, that you do know a little bit, about your Laptop & the Windows System.
& as long as you've got the Time - then so do we .. even if this does an week, to achieve.

so, as all41 » has said - use Rufus - - get that from here: https://rufus.ie/
and install that in your win-10 system.

do you have an 8Gb usb stick - - that you can use, for this exercise ?
or a 4 Gb usb stick, if you don't have the larger usb stick.

[aakk]

OK, I will get a USB stick. Is it OK if I use a stick with something else on it or no? Also, you say "make sure my computer bios will boot to a usb port'. What does that mean? Thanks for your time and effort.

[aakk]

Alright, I got a USB stick. Now, how do I make sure it will boot from a USB port ? This is a Dell Inspiron 3185 Laptop if that matters.

[mrmajik45]

Use Etcher to burn the .iso file onto the USB drive. (Etcher is easier to use than rufus. Less confusing buttons) https://www.balena.io/etcher/

After it says that it's done flashing the usb, turn off your pc completely. Right as you press the power button spam F2 on your keyboard until BIOS appears. Go to boot menu (order) and put USB flash on top and save. Restart.

[aakk]

I downloaded Etcher but the Icon stayed on "Select Image". What image do I select?

[Pierre]

that ISO image - - browse to where it is currently located:
- most likely in your Downloads Folder
then select it & click on OK, if necessary.

then select your USB Stick, if the software has not already done that bit.

[aakk]

OK, I think I'm getting closer. I got into the Bios and here is what I see:
Secure Boot Enabled
Legacy Option ROMS Disabled
Boot List Options UEFI
Attempt Legacy Boot Disabled

File Browser Add Boot Options
Windows Boot Manager
File Browser Del Boot Options
HDD1 Windows Boot Manager
What is my next step?
I'm sorry, I have to take it step by step.

[aakk]

Please inform me what you think the next step might be. Thanks.