I'm struggling to install the 32-bit version of MX Linux on my vintage BenQ Joybook A52 laptop. I've hit several roadblocks:
- First, I attempted to boot from a USB flash drive, but the laptop doesn't recognize it, even though it works fine on my main PC.
- Next, I tried to boot from a DVD, but only got a black screen with a blinking cursor when selecting that option.
- I also gave network booting via iVentoy a shot, but the laptop just says 'no operating system found.'
- Lastly, I removed the hard drive, connected it to my main PC, and tried to install MX Linux directly through USB. It starts the boot menu, but whenever I select the first option, it goes to a black screen.
Since my main PC is 64-bit and the laptop is 32-bit, I'm wondering if there's a compatibility issue or if I'm missing crucial boot parameters like `nomodeset`. I really don't want to give up, but after a week of trying, it's becoming frustrating. Any insights on what's going wrong?
2 Answers
You might be dealing with a BIOS issue. Can you access the BIOS settings? Look for options to update it since an outdated BIOS can cause compatibility problems. Once you have the drive back in the old laptop, make sure the BIOS recognizes it properly, especially if you have a USB connected. Sometimes updating the BIOS resolves weird boot problems.
It sounds like your issue could be related to your laptop's hardware compatibility. First, check if the laptop has the maximum RAM of 2GB installed. Sometimes, insufficient RAM could cause boot issues.
Also, when you're trying to boot from the DVD, ensure you verify the MD5 checksums of the disc to confirm it's burned correctly. If the DVD works on another laptop, that’s a good sign, but testing multiple USB drives could also help. Good luck!
Yeah, I can get into the BIOS. I haven't tried booting with the old drive from my main PC yet.